Diagnosed With Hypertension

[trimestersdoula]

Well the hospital called with my date for my ultrasound. I am 39 weeks and haven't had an ultrasound but the doctor wants me to have one. They scheduled it for Thursday. The tech asked me why I was having one this late and I told her it was because "I haven't had one yet". Then she says, "Oh here is why your doctor ordered one. You have been diagnosed with hypertension". I almost fell over! I love me doctor, she is a super nice lady and I am forever greatful to her for agreeing to take me on this late in the game and be at the delivery. BUT, how in the hell can she make a diagnosis of hypertension, based on ONE high BP reading?? The only reason my BP was super high that day was because it was being taken in a doctors office and I was super nervous about even talking to her about taking me on in the first place. She asked my what my BP has been sitting at before and I told her (130/80-130/90) so I am thinking she is basing it on that. I just know induction is going to be brought up now I am definately going to be asking her to sweep my membranes tomorrow. I hope she will agree to it since my ultrasound isn't scheduled until Thursday. I just don't want to even think about being induced, so I would rather take my chances with a sweep.

[Baby_Cakes]

It does seem odd that she'd do that. Hopefully they don't bring up induction, and hopefully the sweep works. You'll be fine either way, Mama. Hang in there.

[heidirk]

you could start with evening primrose oil vaginally, if you haven't done it already.

otherwise, in regard to the ultrasound- Run. Screaming. Into the forest!

[birthdancedoula]

mama. Perhaps the tech had the wrong info? It seems odd that they'd just spring the diagnosis on you like that.

Good luck with your visit with your doc tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you. Not long now, mama.

[trimestersdoula]

Thanks so much girls. I think I may just *forget* to go to my ultrasound appt. if I am still pregnant Thursday. I really don't feel the need for one....especially since I was so proud of making it this far without one. I haven't done EPO yet. I am not sure there is a need LOL. I tried to find my cervix the other day and it is just totally mush up there. Last night DH and I DTD and it was very uncomfortable for me....painful really, like he was hitting something in there. I am pretty sure if I checked my cervix today it would be super low. I think I am going to go do that right now actually.

[mkmb129]

She may have just needed a reason to submit with the paperwork for the scan, for the insurance. A lot of insurances won't cover one unless it's 'medically necessary' so a lot of doctors will make things up if they need to to get one covered. She may just want to do one because you haven't had one yet, and well, she is a doctor.. and you had high bp at that one appointment, so she is flat out lying, ya know? If you aren't comfortable with the scan, I wouldn't have one if there isn't a reason for it.

[TaraRae82]

How royally sucky! Surely you could have a conversation with her and express your thought that 1 high reading doesn't justify her diagnosis and let her know that based on your knowledge of pregnancy, a slightly higher BP is normal due to increased blood flow. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow mama and hoping your dr is just being a little too cautious and hasn't actually made that diagnosis so quickly.

[Soogie]

Like someone else previously stated, it is probably because the insurance co needs a reason for the scan. I was "late" at getting my 20 weeks u/s, finally had it done at almost 26 weeks, and the reason was listed as "large for gestational age." just so there wasn't a delay in the insurance processing.

But definitely be watchful of her looking for a reason to induce. Ask that your bp is checked several times over the course of your appt to check if the high reading is an outlier or more indicative of your overall state.

And make sure you are staying hydrated and eat more protein!

[mamanurse]

to you!!!

Fret not. They always have to put a reason for a diagnostic procedure and your doctor probably gave hypertension as the reason. We do it all the time for procedures where I work and the patient does not end up getting diagnosed with the reason for the exam.

Hoping your US goes well and you get to see your beautiful babe all cozy in your belly!

[trimestersdoula]

Thanks girls. Your words mean a lot. I go and see my doctor tomorrow morning again. I will update when I get back from my appt.

[mamanurse]

TD- : for a positive appt tommorrow.

After I wrote that response I entered an order and wrote HTN (hypertension) for the reason. Insurance will only pay for certain diagnostic tests with the "right" reasons. It made me think of you.