Can somebody tell me about pre-eclampsia?

I have a little bit of infomation about it, but I'd like to know more.
I've been having the worst chest pains the last few days, below the ribs on just one side, I thought it may have been from breaking my rib a few months ago.. then I found out that pains on the right side below the ribs is a symptom of pre-eclampsia. It has been keeping me up at night and stopping me from doing things during the day.
I have also been having lots of dizzy spells lately and I see stars when I look up.. they are also signs of pre-eclampsia. My bp has not been high, but it also has not been checked for 2 weeks.
I am seeing the midwives tomorrow, so I will get answers from them. But I am interested to what other people who may have suffered it think? Isn't it a condition that is found earlier in pregnancy? And if I was to have it, what happens next?
Thanks in Advance.. :)

Other symptoms can include swelling of the hands and face. Pre-eclampsia is usually (but not exclusively) a third trimester sickness. If you think you may have it, I'd suggest seeing a doctor today for a BP check.

Hi Poopie
You have 2 signs of Pre-Eclampsia. You need to get this checked as soon as you can. Pre-Eclampsia can be very dangerous for you and your baby. If you have any other signs such as excessive swelling of your hands/feet or some swelling of your face then you need to go to the hospital now.
After saying that your chest pain could be related to your broken ribs and seeing stars could be related to sluggish blood flow to your head (a common pregnancy problem)
If you do have PE then the only real cure is to give birth. So depending on the severity of the PE they may keep you in hospital for a few days then induce you, they may induce you straight away, or if the PE is severe then a CS may be needed

hey poopie,
just popping in to wish you all the best and praying it's not pre-eclampsia.

Hey poopie

Alan has said it all, definitely go and get checked out JIC, PE is not something to be played with as such, it can go very bad very quickly :hug:

For a quick BP and protein check, it is so much better to be checked ASAP then waiting and wondering.
Take care and hope all is good xxoo

I should perhaps add that these symptoms could also indicate HELPP syndrome.

Thanks Alan, beema, jodi & hanananat! I do have a blood pressure machine and I just tested myself it reads systolic -127/diastolic -101.. I have no idea what that means though!

127 is OK 101 is not OK.
However these electronic BP machines can be somewhat inaccurate. That is why most maternity units do not use them.
You need to get things checked out hun.

I would go in and get checked out hun, ths diastolic is in the stage 2 High Blood Pressure (not good), the systolic is at the lower end of high BP, but it can be one or the other or both that indicated high BP, take care hun :hug:

*SNAP* Alan!

Thanks! I will go get it checked tonight, Thanks guys :)

I'm glad you are going to get checked out - the symptoms do sound concerning. I hope everything is ok and that you and bubs are completely fine.

hope everything's OK poopie.
:crossfingers:

Hope you are OK sending best wishes

Good luck!
Just wanted to add that it isn't just something that develops earlier in the pregnancy. My BP and other signs started to be a concern around 35-36 weeks. Luckily it didn't come on really quickly so I was induced but not until 40+3.

Hey Poopie
How are things going?

I called the midwives last night, They told me to not stress too much and they will do a thourough check-up on me when I come in for my appointment. The blood pressure came down, but was still on the high side just before bed, so it got better. It may have just been my machine trying to scare me!
Hoping that its nothing serious, just me being a sook.

Goodluck at your appointment today and let us know how you go :hug:

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Isn't it a condition that is found earlier in pregnancy? And if I was to have it, what happens next?

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More for anyone else reading this later in a similar position: seeking medical advice when you have pre-eclampsia signs is definitely not being a sook! It is crucial to get them checked.

Good wishes for your appointment! As other people have said, their response could range starting from just a bit more attention to your health through to intervention if they find anything, so I hope your case is non-existant or mild.

Hi Poopie, how was you appointment today with the Midwives?

Hope your BP is still ok :hug:

Being a previous PE sufferer and having DD at 31 wks, I'm interested to hear how your appt went today poopie?

Hope the BP is still ok?

Thanks for all your support! :hug:
I got some bloods taken last night, and my bp seemed okay too, on the high side, but not terribly bad. The midwife that was on, didn't really know much, so I have another appointment tonight with the more experienced one. Im hoping she can give me some answers!
The belly pain left me last night and I got my first nights sleep for aaaages(well at least it feels like it!)
Will let you all know what they say tonight.

I am glad you are being checked, I am really surprised that the MW didn't really know what much about PE :o

I hope that tonights MW can give you some clearer answers, and a good nights sleep can also happen not long before labour, hopefully a few more days to go first :hug:
If you at all feel concerned today go in and don't wait for tonight, take care :comfort: xxoo

Hi there - I hope you are feeling better. I don't want to scare you, but I ended up with severe PE.

I had been for a check up at 40 weeks with OB - everything was perfect. Went into labour at 40+2 days but after 12 hours was not progressing so went in to get checked out at hospital. They took urine sample and BP and I had protein in the urine and my BP was through the roof. I was diagnosed with SEVERE PE - had to be induced to move things along, put on magnesium etc... unfortunately ended up with an emergency CS, but the main thing is that my baby and I are both alive and well.

My sister had sever PE also, but hers happened really early in her pregnancy - she ended up having to deliver her boy at 24+4 - he is a wonderful healthy 2 year old now.

I have always been advised that any change in your BP should be taken seriously - it is more about what is normal for you personally not what seems high if you know what I mean.

Good luck and I sincerely hope that it is not PE.

Janie xxx

Well the midwife yesturday blammed it on the uterus stretching, but she still wanted to keep a close watch on me, because she was a tad concerned. The pains in my chest, she said they were concerning because they stayed for a few days, and next time I am kept up at night from them then I must go in and see them. But because the pains left me for a day, then it couldnt be too bad.. yet..
They checked my urine for protein and it was clear, but she also thought it could have been a uti because the pain had been affecting my kidney area too.. but I was all clear. My BP was back to normal, they said the increase could have just been the extra blood in the system :dunno: So I'm hoping all goes well. I really would not like to get PE because I went onto the PE website and read some really sad stories.
But midwife says i still could get PE, they just cannot detect it yet.
Thanks everyone for supporting me through this :)

I hope all goes well for you over the next few days and weeks :hug:, PE is very scary and is something not to be taken lightly, I am so glad that thigns are looking good for you and that you now know what to look for and hopefully should it eventuate you will be prepared and aware.

Take care xxoo

is it possible to just swell in one hand with PE???

i'm 30wks tomorrow and ive woken up this morning with my right hand swollen i could only just get my ring off, it hurts to close my hand into a fist and i have that constant tightness feeling in my hand, I have no signs of anywhere else swelling so dont want to rush to the hospital if im just over reacting

any advice right now would be appreciated!

Hi Mizqtie

If you do not have any other symptons I would say that it is very unlikely to be caused by PE. The swelling in your hand is probably due to the position you were sleeping. Try exercising your hand and that should help with the swelling