Please reassure me - I'm freaking out a little

[odenata]

My last pregnancy, I had no signs of pre-e during my pregnancy. It developed quickly in labor (a homebirth) and I had an eclamptic seizure and emergency c-section.

This time around I'm trying for a VBAC and have a supportive midwife team and hospital with a great VBAC rate. I see my midwife every week now, have a non-stress test and AFI every week, and monitor my BP and protein at home as well.

This week I've had a few higher BPs (none over 140/90, though) that subsequently went down. I've had one trace protein reading, but the rest have been negative. My non-stress test and AFI were both good. I have very mild swelling that goes away when I rest.

I'm so scared that something is going to go wrong now, I can't stop thinking about it. I just want this baby to come now - everyday that goes by I'm more convinced something will go wrong.

[xakana]

I just wanted to send you a I hope your baby comes soon!

[Starfish11]

Breathe deeply, mama, and do whatever it is that helps you relax. I totally understand anxiety going in to overdrive, though, and it's hard to shake that. Be good to yourself knowing that you are helping your little one.

[phatchristy]

Are you doing the Brewer's diet? That is what I would suggest.

I've known women who've prevented it in subsequent births by changing their diet to that.

[MujerMamaMismo]

My midwife has me on pre-e watch too and I'm sure it's the only reason that my blood pressure is fluctuating as it is. I've had all the tests and monitoring several times now and nothing has ever come up but every second time I go to the midwife my BP seems to have elevated slightly. The worst it's been is 135/85 which isn't bad, just bad for me. The best it's been is 100/60. I've spent a lot of time meditating on the low reading this weekend and am hoping that my reading today will be nice and low.
It's a double edged sword though because stressing about it sends our BP up. My best advice and reassurance, which I need to heed myself, is don't stress and perhaps do all you can to naturally induce! The sooner these babes arrive, the better!

We'll be fine.

[odenata]

Thanks, mamas. I'm feeling a little better about things right now. I just hope this baby comes soon!

[phatchristy]

I've got a bit of the white coat stuff here too...my bp is always excellent at home.

I do also find good information/comfort at reading the PIH/pre-eclampsia sections in the midwifery archives at gentlebirth.org.

[gretae]

My family has tons of high blood pressure but mine has been low all three pregnancies as my midwife has pushed protein 100 grams a day which has been shown to reduce blood pressure and swelling. Also lots of water. Keep relaxed and positive if you can. Sending you good energy!: