Pre- eclampsia

Hi girls,

i was just wanting so opinions, stories, advice etc. lol
I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia with my daughter at 39 weeks and they induced me a couple of days later. I worked up until i was diagnosed and felt mostly fine.

I am now pregnant again (almost 12 weeks) and wondering when i should finnish work. i work 2-3 times a week roughly 5 hours each time but im a florist and standing all day. now i also have a toddler so will be running around after her. i really dont want to get pre-eclampsia again as this time i would like a vbac.

when do you think would be a suitable time to finnish up and please let me know of any similiar situations.

thanks for your time girls.

Ames :)

Hi Amy,

They say that just because you had it once, doesn't mean you will have it again.
HOWEVER
I had PE which developed into HELPP syndrome with no1. I developed lasting kidney and liver function probs that I'm still dealing with 3+ years later. Like you I worked up quite close.
With Nate my BP started to rise quite early and my doctor basically instructed no more work after 24 weeks but I kept going for another 8 - when I was hospitalised. I only got PIH this time. In hindsight I should have slowed down earlier cos I felt like rubbish and should have known, but I had too much stuff to do.
Basically no-one can give you a time frame, but liten to your body. Generally you are the best judge.
Good luck hun, hope it doesn't come back for you.

I also got severe PE whilst pregnant. Tho it was all pretty cruisy until about 32 weeks. I gave up work at 15 weeks and studying at 25 weeks. Looking back, i could have gone further but i was so exhausted.

The chances of you getting it in a subsequent pregnancy is relativly low. I would be talking to your care giver about when they would like u to ease up on work. Personally i dont see why u would have to give it up but i would look into more sitting than standing to save your poor feet and back.

Stay healthy.. get exercise (having a toddler helps) and eat healthy.

i was diagnosed with PE at 39 weeks as well with my first and the OB said it was unlikely that it would re-occur because it presented so late in the pregnancy...

i worked up until 36 weeks and didn't have any problems while working... but take it easy and listen to your body...

I was in a high risk group for pre-eclampsia - being over 40 & being overweight - & was told by an OB I would be off work from 30 weeks due to high BP or other complications yet I worked full time right up to 37 weeks & never got even slightly high BP. I guess what I'm saying is that just because you fall into a high risk group it does not mean it's going to happen to you.

By the way whilst pregnant I read of a study that found that eating chocolate each day lowers your risk of getting pre-eclampsia by something like 30%. I ate it throughout. My friend who couldn't stomach chocolate whilst pregnant therefore didn't eat it got it. It may sound silly but it's worth a try.

A midwife has told me that if you have it once, your chances of getting it again are small - but if you were to get it second time around it will come on earlier. I haven't researched further on this so not sure if its correct or not.

I had severe PE symptoms for 6 wks, which went undiagnosed from a GP until I presented to hospital at 31 + 2 wks. I had DD at 31 + 3 wks.

I'm currently pg with #2, and am almost 27 wks. I've been going to regular appts, had no other special treatment (i.e. extra appts / check ups etc) in the meantime, and haven't been asked to stop work (plan to stop at wk 33). So far I cant even complain of having a sore back!!

I put my severe PE down to having lots of stress - family, financial etc - that was going on at the time. This time around I don't have any of those concerns.

I know of 2 women who developed pre-eclampsia during their first pregnancies, and both went on to have a very normal second pregnancy and labour.
As someone else said, just take it as it comes and listen to your body. Make sure you drink water continuously during the day (especially whilst on your feet at work) and avoid foods which will raise your blood glucose levels suddenly (Sugary processed foods, carbonated 'fizzy' drinks, concentrated fruit juices, white bread, etc). Stick to wholegrain wherever you can, and loads of veggies - especially fresh veg (ie- salad). Organic where possible. Fresh fruit, nuts & seeds for a healthy snack.

Best of luck to you.

X

thanks girls for all of the advice. i have been very run down lately but am hoping it will go after the 1st trimester. if not i might consider leaving work early to rest a bit other wise will prob work up until 33-35 weeks.
satya- thanks for the chocolate advice. will try it when i can, but morning sickness is making it hard to stomach alot of foods.
jellybean- funny you mention eating very well, in my 1st pregancy i ate terribly, alot of junk and sweets and a hell of a lot of it. this pregnancy im eating very very well and smaller portions, mind you the morning sickness has helped with that lol so will see what happens when that eases off.
thanks again girls :)

I had PE with #1 at 38 wks and was induced because of it.

I have recently had #6 and have not developed PE again.

Just thought i would share my experience with you.

I would stop working when you feel ready too. You will know when its getting too tiring for you.

these are all very promising stories girls, thank you!
lol i feel ready to finnish work already but i just have to get past this first trimester.

I had pre e with dd1 started at 29 weeks, induced at 39 weeks on meds by 33 weeks Hospital on and off from 33 weeks till birth.

dd2 pre e again started at 20 weeks though didn't need meeds slowed work at that stage finished at 30 weeks, hospitalised at 38 weeks for two days then induced at 39 weeks.

DD3 different dad no pre e or bp probs at all.