High Blood Pressure at 32 weeks

I had my 32 week OB appointment (and growth sonogram) yesterday. Everything was great and baby is doing well except my blood pressure was higher then usual. It's probably from the drama my MIL caused me prior to my appointment but the Doctor of course wants to check it a little further. I was sent home with a "bucket" and need to do a 24 hour urine collection starting Sunday morning. They also drew blood. Now last night I noticed I was very swollen. I think I need to hydrate more but wondering if anyone else has had this and so early on.

ETA: I called my OB and with the combination of elevated BP and swollen legs/feet she told me to head over to Labor and Delivery to be evaluated. My BP was slightly elevated when I was first checked but it dropped as I sat there relaxing (it never dropped at the OB). All blood work came back normal but there is a little protein in my urine. I'm going to do the 24 hour collection starting tomorrow. I do not have preeclampsia and was told feet up whenever possible and drink water!!!
I really think the high BP is a huge result of my MIL and I had a long talk with DH about it and he tried to tell her this but the woman is so selfish she just brought up other stuff that would upset us. It's a never ending road with her!

Message edited 1/30/2016 8:08:20 AM.

Re: High Blood Pressure at 32 weeks

Did they retest you at the appt? I had high bp around then and they just had me lie on my left side for 15 mins and retested me. It was totally normal then. I was very swollen my second pregnancy. No pre-e.

That being said, it's obviously better to be safe. Drink lots of water, elevate your legs and do the 24 hour test. Best of luck!

Re: High Blood Pressure at 32 weeks

They'll know a bit better after the urine test, but just try to take it easy. I delivered my first daughter at 34 weeks due to severe preeclampsia that came on overnight. My BP was never a problem at my appointments, but I did get severe swelling the last couple weeks and then it happened suddenly one weekend.

Now I'm 37w4d with DD2, and my BP is starting to creep up. My legs are also swelling again, but not quite as bad as they did the first time around. I was supposed to be put on bedrest starting Wednesday, but I talked my OB into letting me finish out the week at work and I'm starting my bedrest today after work. Well, I'll be working from home, but in my bed. We're trying to get as far as possible, but my OB just pushed me up a week for a scheduled c-section, so I won't be going any further than 39 weeks - if I make it that far.

ETA: it might help to get a home BP monitor just to check it on your own a few times a day. Also, drink lots of water, try to keep your feet up as much as possible, and limit your salt intake.

Message edited 1/29/2016 9:34:25 AM.

Re: High Blood Pressure at 32 weeks

I had elevated BP from the second tri on.
I say elevated because it wasn't super high, but they did end up putting me on a low dose BP med to control it.
I did the 24 hour urine collection as well.
All came back normal.
I had tons of swelling at the end- basically in just my feet and ankles.
But I never had protein in my urine and they contributed it to just pregnancy induced hypertension.
The second I delivered DD, my pressure went to normal with no meds and I never had an issue since.

My OB said sometimes the pressure of the extra fluid and blood volume you have while pregnant causes your BP to elevate. I was watched very carefully, had weekly appts towards the end, NSTs, growth sonos, always watching my urine for protein- but all was well

Re: High Blood Pressure at 32 weeks

I had elevated BP around the same time as you and protein in my urine. It turned out to be severe preeclampsia and I had a c-section at 32 weeks, 5 days. I don't want to scare you - not ideal - but it turned out fine and I have a very healthy 3 year old now. However, I would just make sure you follow up - listen to your doctors and don't let things wait/go a while without getting checked. It's a pain - but good that your doing the 24 hour collection. Good luck and take it easy. If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them.