high blood pressure, possible induction, HELP!

[asmargerum]

I am 38 weeks and have had a really good pregnancy so far, but today my blood pressure was up and they found protein in my urine. I will find out on friday if it is necessary to induce. I had such a wonderful birthing experience with my first and I really have a lot of confidence that my body and this baby will have a good labor. My midwife is definitly open to natural inductions. Any suggestions?

[pamamidwife]

well, if your bp is over 140/90 but under 145/100, then it's reason to be cautious, but not reason to induce. Protein in the urine - especially trace to plus one - is typically caused by dehydration.

I'd increase your protein intake to at least 100grams a day and increase your water and salt intake. Immerse yourself in a bath if you can everyday!

[mamabain]

i agree with pama, protein, gobs of water and immersing myself in my birthtub pr going to the pool are what kept me from having an induction for birth number 2 like i did with birth number 1.

good luck!

[Persephone]

Same thing happened to me, but it happened at 39 weeks. Monitor it closely, and listen to the pps.... and don't be afraid to induce if that's what you need. I waited a week to see if it would go down, it didn't, and instead of a nice homebirth, I had a hospital induction. And it wasn't bad at all... it was really great. So, please take really good care of yourself, and listen to your inner voice... you'll know if you need to take action. *love to you* mama.

[pamamidwife]

also wanted to remind you that increased blood pressure at the end has shown to be a good sign - that your placenta is communicating nicely with your body, asking for an increase in blood volume and frequency for the baby. Michel Odent, popular French obstetrician, says that he expects a rise in bp in the last six weeks because of this.

[forest~mama]

I agree with Pam (and she's my mw ). I had pretty high readings, but increased my protein, and they went down. I slacked off on the protein for a few days, and readings went up again. I just had a high reading on wed. and by Friday it was down. I attribute this to upping my protein again, and making sure I really pack it in where ever I can. I also take a bath about once a day. My dh took bp again today, and it was down even lower! Yay!