Avoiding section with preeclampsia...

[Attached2Elijah]

With my son, I was just starting to show signs of pre-eclampsia when they decided to do the section at 38 weeks. My sister went the full 40 weeks and ended with an induction b/c of preeclampsia. I am wondering now if I get it at the end, how to avoid them pressing me for a c-section. I know that the risk of rupture is higher with a induction but can I reasonably refuse an induction AND a section if I get pre-eclampsia this time around? What about the meds they give you after birth for the preeclampsia? They really affected my sis and almost ruined her BFing relationship because she felt like utter crap. I'm just trying to look at all the possibilities here and how I can get the birth I want. TIA.

[Satori]

bump, worried about the same issue

[CelticMomma]

Get informed NOW. Learn what to look for and how to improve your health while you're pregnant.

I've had pre-eclampsia twice now. They both ended in cesareans after trials of labor. It was my worst nightmare in advance, but in the end, turned out okay. There are ways of having a cesarean that leaves you empowered, if it comes to that. I would recommend researching those options as well. It is better to be well informed, and well prepared for a cesarean and NOT need one, than to be unprepared and have an emergency cesarean. In my opinion, that is one of the largest factors in birth dissatisfaction and delayed recovery from surgery.

What are you doing, proactively now to prevent pre-eclampsia? Are you aware that there are diets that can help you? Is your caregiver progressively minded? Can you speak openly about your concerns with your caregiver?

My first birth was induced because of pre-e. I was on high doses of pitocin, magnesium sulfate, and just never really made it into real labor, even after 36 hours of contractions and medications. My BP was through the roof at the end when they called the cesarean. My second birth was very different. I was not induced, despite greater indications of pre-e, had no meds and progressed through labor beautifully until stalling for a good long time. I ultimately chose my cesarean because I wanted the doctor I was working with to perform my surgery and not whoever was the next one on call. It's a choice I'm happy with, as I had a natural cesarean delivery (or very close to one).

Did you have pre-e with your first pregnancy? If not, you're really at low risk for developing it this time.

I'll watch this thread. I have lots to share, but don't want to overwhelm you with info right now. :)

[onlyboys]

I think firstly, make sure it's pre-e. High blood pressure could be a sign of other things--like a magnesium deficiency. A client of mine had high blood pressure, which was fixed by magnesium. But, here's the kicker, that is the only symptom she had. She wasn't spilling protein, she wasn't swelling abnormally, no headaches, etc. Be sure that if your BP rises, that there isn't another cause. They would have induced her because of her BP, they tried! She refused and went into labor on her own.

The 2nd thing I'd recommend is making sure you eat properly. I don't know if I buy the fact that you can totally prevent pre-e with a diet, per se, but I do think that if your body is healthy, then it stands to reason that you have a better chance, you know?

Also, make sure that you choose a provider who is going to be appropriate and not alarmist in your care.

Good luck!