Pre-E concerns, please reassure me

[ani'smommy]

X-posted

I had mild, late onset pre-e with Anneke and am praying that I won't get it again. I tend to be a bit on the anxious side, and I keep thinking that I might get it again.

I have been seeing, very occasionally in the last couple of days, little lights in my line of vision. I am afraid that this may be a sign of pre-e. If my blood pressure is normal, do you think I'm okay? Or should I call my midwife?

[mwherbs]

call your midwife-
do you get migraines? when did it occur when you stood up fast or ? best to talk to your provider than to just blow it off- I would want to see a client who was reporting this symptom..

[javamama]

I have the same question. Mild pre-e with two prior pregnancies ending in inductions. Doing everything in my power to avoid induction this time. BP is okay (not great) so far, and no protein spilling yet (32 weeks). But I have had this vision thing on occasion and am frankly reluctant to mention it to my midwife. I don't want to raise alarm bells where there should be none.

Crossing my fingers for both of us!

Heather

[ani'smommy]

Originally Posted by mwherbs

call your midwife-
do you get migraines? when did it occur when you stood up fast or ? best to talk to your provider than to just blow it off- I would want to see a client who was reporting this symptom..

No, no migranes. A few headaches, but minor, and very normal for me in this spring weather.

I can't remember if I stood up too fast, but I think I was bending down to pick up DD. It was very bright outside, so I wonder if that had something to do with it. Do you think checking my bp would give any reassurance or wouldn't that be a reliable sign?

[ani'smommy]

Originally Posted by javamama

I have the same question. Mild pre-e with two prior pregnancies ending in inductions. Doing everything in my power to avoid induction this time. BP is okay (not great) so far, and no protein spilling yet (32 weeks). But I have had this vision thing on occasion and am frankly reluctant to mention it to my midwife. I don't want to raise alarm bells where there should be none.

Crossing my fingers for both of us!

Heather

Let's hope it's nothing!

[pamamidwife]

many times around 28-30 weeks when the blood volume hits its peak expansion women will see visual disturbances or even become sensitive to lights when driving at night. it's usually caused by the fluid pressure increase in the eyes.

[mwherbs]

Originally Posted by pamamidwife

many times around 28-30 weeks when the blood volume hits its peak expansion women will see visual disturbances or even become sensitive to lights when driving at night. it's usually caused by the fluid pressure increase in the eyes.

I have never put these 2 together- peak expansion and visual disturbance, good to know.
I know that standing up or bending over can do it for some--

Michael Moore the herbalist says that for some who get migraines that there is a change in the spinal fluid pressure--

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[JunipersMom]

Checking your blood pressure isn't super reliable - but it can give some good information. Usually around 28 weeks with the peak of blood volume, the blood pressure will drop - if there is no change or a slight rise mid-pregnancy than it 'could' (and I stress could) be showing something going on. Personally - I check hemoglobin levels if I suspect pre-e.. but I usually will see more symptoms popping up before I do that - and I review diet diary's and make changes if it needs it.
Call your midwife if your worried - sometimes momma's just know best, even if you feel your just not sure.

[javamama]

Originally Posted by JunipersMom

Checking your blood pressure isn't super reliable - but it can give some good information. Usually around 28 weeks with the peak of blood volume, the blood pressure will drop - if there is no change or a slight rise mid-pregnancy than it 'could' (and I stress could) be showing something going on. Personally - I check hemoglobin levels if I suspect pre-e.. but I usually will see more symptoms popping up before I do that - and I review diet diary's and make changes if it needs it.
Call your midwife if your worried - sometimes momma's just know best, even if you feel your just not sure.

Thanks for the info Juniper's mom. I didn't know about the blood pressure drop around 28 weeks until recently. Mine didn't go down and in fact went up a wee bit. So although it is still in the okay range, my midwife has warned me that things may take a familiar turn here at the end. I wil mention the visual symptoms at my next visit just in case they mean something. I hope not......

[CMcC]

Could it be general flashers not related to pregnancy???

I've been getting floaters and flashers in my eyes for about 2 years now. I notice them the most when I'm in a darker room and looking into a lighter room. Bright lights (and really sunny days) are really hard on my eyes. It's very difficult for me to drive at night or adjust to different light levels.