[soccerchic21]

<p>UGH! So yesterday at my 35 week appt (I was 35w4d) my BP was 147/85. Plus I had gained 7 more pounds in two weeks (30 lbs total). I am trying for a VBAC so I already feel that I have this scarlet letter C on my chest whenever I walk into an appointment. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>They took my BP again at the end of my appt and it went down a little but not enough to where they don't want to see me next week instead of two weeks. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The midwife I saw was really nice about it didn't freak out as much as I was. The ONLY time my BP goes up is during labor. I had my group B test done but didn't have her check my cervix because even though I have been feeling more what could be early labor contractions I haven't seen a mucus plug or anything. So what is the point of her checking. Plus I have NEVER gone this early. I have gone late both times before. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I am just so worried if my BP doesn't go down. Because I am a VBAC I have been told many times they won't induce me. So in a normal case of your BP is up we need to get baby out I fear I would just have to go to the operating room. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I was also told that if my BMI goes over 50 I can't have the baby at that birthing center because of the "rules". I will have to go to UW or Overlake which are terribly out of the way. So then I almost start crying because my BMI right now is already 45.14 and it is impossible to not gain more weight in the next 4 weeks. She checked for me though and I guess I would have to gain 30 more pounds to get to 50 so that was a little bit of a relief. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>When I left my appointment my midwife just told me to rest and relax and have lots of sex. Of course all of this doesn't help me calm down any either. Anyway I guess the best I can do is try to eat healthier, take it easy, meditate, drink lots of water, and relax. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I am going to borrow my parent's BP monitor so we will see how the rest of the week goes. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I just hate all of the things I have going against me. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>VBAC</p>
<p>Last child was "big baby"</p>
<p>plus I am overweight</p>
<p>now I had high BP</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ok my random rant is over. </p>

 

[simonsez2u]

<p>Oh hugs Mama!  I can totally understand your apprehension.  I'm a VBAC as well and worried that something will come up and be used as a reason to deny me.  Try to hang in there.  I'll be praying that your BP goes down and everything falls in line so you can have your VBAC. </p>

 

[expat_canuck]

<p>My midwives were concerned because my mom was induced with hypertension when I was born - they recommended accupuncture for reducing blood pressure, and recommended that I might go from 34 weeks on, just to keep balanced.  Maybe that's an option for you?? </p>

 

[Amber1218]

<p>Hugs to you mama! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you. Hopefully your blood pressure is normal when you're at home. I know that I tend to have elevated bp levels at my midwifery appointments due me stressing out.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Love and light!</p>

 

[thebeljur]

<p>I hear you, Sarah.  ((((Hugs, mama))))  You want this VBAC so much.  It can be frustrating when we're told, "If your BP is elevated, it can seriously change all of your birth plans......OK, now we're going to check your BP."   <span><img alt="eyesroll.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/eyesroll.gif" style="width:15px;height:15px;"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I gained 8 pounds in a two week time frame.  I just say the baby had a growth spurt.  <span><img alt="orngtongue.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/orngtongue.gif" style="width:15px;height:15px;"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Do they take your BP with a manual or electric monitor?  I'm only asking because my midwife was taking mine with an electric one and it was registering on the higher end of normal.  She would then do it with the manual one and it was always normal.  She did this for a few visits until she finally said, "Remind us to take your BP just with the manual each time."  Manual readings are more accurate.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Either way, my thoughts are with you.  It's understandable that you're emotional about this.  Keep us updated, mama!</p>

 

[myk]

<p>big hugs! any chance it was "doctor's office hypertension" rather than true high blood pressure? what advice did they give you? i hope it resolves itself so you can get your VBAC!</p>

 

[soccerchic21]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>myk</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1283024/add-me-to-the-high-bp-team#post_16088097"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>big hugs! any chance it was "doctor's office hypertension" rather than true high blood pressure? what advice did they give you? i hope it resolves itself so you can get your VBAC!</p>
</div>
</div>
<br><br><p>They took it at the end of my appt and it went down just a bit but was still high so I am not sure. The only advice she gave was just take it easy and if I had an at home BP machine to just check it a few times during the day and they would see me next week. </p>

 

[soccerchic21]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>thebeljur</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1283024/add-me-to-the-high-bp-team#post_16088057"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Do they take your BP with a manual or electric monitor?  I'm only asking because my midwife was taking mine with an electric one and it was registering on the higher end of normal.  She would then do it with the manual one and it was always normal.  She did this for a few visits until she finally said, "Remind us to take your BP just with the manual each time."  Manual readings are more accurate.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Either way, my thoughts are with you.  It's understandable that you're emotional about this.  Keep us updated, mama!</p>
</div>
</div>
<br><br><p>It was an electric monitor. I didn't even think to ask if they used the small or large cuff. I know with the electric monitors I always need the larger cuff. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Either way I can just tell my BP is up today from how I feel. That could just be stress over stressing about my BP though. </p>

 

[SumnerRain]

<div class="quote-container">
<div class="quote-block"><br><p>It was an electric monitor. I didn't even think to ask if they used the small or large cuff. I know with the electric monitors I always need the larger cuff. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Either way I can just tell my BP is up today from how I feel. That could just be stress over stressing about my BP though. </p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Oooh!  I have found LARGE cuff, and MANUAL monitor is the most accurate for me.  The electronic monitors are notoriously inaccurate for me personally.  I am so sorry you are going through this though, I totally get it.  Despite the new OB never getting a high reading from me, I have the stigma from being risked out of homebirth.  They keep calling me "high risk", blah.  The answer to EVERY question seems to be "you can.... IF your BP is low" and I feel like there is a dark cloud over me now.  Have you talked to them about what would risk you out?  There may be a compromise, like maybe if you can control it with meds?  Did they do blood work or order a 24h urine?  If not, it sounds to me like they are not too worried.  Also, about the weight gain... it WAS just Thanksgiving, I am sure most of us have gained more than normal in the last couple weeks.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you ever need to talk, let me know.</p>

 

[soccerchic21]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>SumnerRain</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1283024/add-me-to-the-high-bp-team#post_16088585"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><div class="quote-container">
<div class="quote-block">Have you talked to them about what would risk you out?  There may be a compromise, like maybe if you can control it with meds?  Did they do blood work or order a 24h urine?  If not, it sounds to me like they are not too worried.  Also, about the weight gain... it WAS just Thanksgiving, I am sure most of us have gained more than normal in the last couple weeks.</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>If you ever need to talk, let me know.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Thank you!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>She mentioned my weight could risk me out but thankfully even though I am overweight I am so far off from a weight to risk me out. I would basically have to gain 30 more pounds. So she didn't do any blood work or check my urine. Maybe I am just freaking out over nothing? Which is fine with me! She said if the BP didn't go down at the second reading (which it did just a bit) then they would be more worried. I also mentioned Hannah wasn't too active and she said well if we can't get her to move we will do an NST and then if that doesn't pan out do blood work. Since she woke Hannah up while she was checking me then I didn't need to do the rest. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>So far with my mom's electronic home meter I have been on the higher side of normal for me. 120s over 70s. So far this pregnancy I have been having like 110 over 60 somethings. </p>

 

[danipoppins]

<p>My BP was a little high this past visit too (well, not 'high', but high for me)... wonder if it's something to do with this point in the pregnancy (I'm 'due' the day after you).  I was going to suggest that the cuff size might be an issue too (have you been to <a href="http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org" target="_blank">www.plus-size-pregnancy.org</a> ? her site is FULL of well researched, useful information for *all* pregnant mommas, but esp vbac and plus size mommas). </p>

 

[Pirogi]

<p> </p>
<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;padding-top:5px;padding-right:5px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:5px;font:normal normal normal 13px/1.231 arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);text-align:left;font-family:'Times New Roman';line-height:normal;font-size:medium;">
<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;">Sorry you are dealing with this.  I have been monitoring my blood pressure with the machines at work, and I am always 120s/70-80s.  I have an appointment tomorrow (um ... later today), and I fear I may get risked out of homebirth as well.  She always measures me higher than the machines have.  </p>
<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;"> </p>
<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;">Does anyone know, is PIH as "dangerous" as pre-e?  What are the risks associated with "just" PIH?  I would assume not seizure.  I had heard possible IUGR and placental abruption during labor?  </p>
</div>

 

[soccerchic21]

<p>This has been so frustrating. I borrowed my mom's monitor and it typically gives me a lower reading. Well most of my readings have been pre-hypertensive or low hypertension. UGH! One time it was after sitting for two hours. I have had normal readings too so I guess that is a good sign? I have been taking it while sitting, after being up on my feet, if I feel funny. Basically all throughout the day with different activity levels. I have noticed that if I am more active it does shoot up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Again the only time this has happened in my past pregnancies is during labor. I have been getting minor contractions on and off during the day and night for about 5 days. Nothing serious more like menstral cramps. I have been taking a lot of RRLT so maybe I am in the beginnings of labor and the RRLT is making it less painful. Who really knows. I just need to focus on relaxing. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yesterday I did feel rather moist. Sorry for the TMI. I haven't had a lot of discharge and I had what was a yellow goop sort of but not as mucusy as the mucus plug that I remember with my son and not as brown in color.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Really I just need to ease my brain and maybe not focus on all of this and relax. My DH and kids are going to decorate for Christmas today and then I should just pack the hospital bag and then we are totally ready for baby and maybe that will help.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thank you ladies for all of the support! I love this board.  </p>

 

[SumnerRain]

<p>I packed my bag today, I need to re-pack it into a bigger bag and make a list of what last minute things I will need to grab on the way out (my pillow, cell phone, laptop), and I still need to install the car seat.  I don't feel close though.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I do hope your Hannah comes sooner, rather than later, but not too soon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Can RRL raise your BP?  I heard conflicting information, some say it lowers BP, some say not to drink it if you have high BP.....?  UGH.</p>

 

[soccerchic21]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>SumnerRain</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1283024/add-me-to-the-high-bp-team#post_16095881"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p> </p>
<p>Can RRL raise your BP?  I heard conflicting information, some say it lowers BP, some say not to drink it if you have high BP.....?  UGH.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p>I had no idea it could so I just did some quick google research and the first few sites I went to said it can slightly lower your BP due to its high magnesium content. I also read that being deficient in calcium can raise your BP but I take a cal supplement every day which totals 1000 mg. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>After having mild contractions all weekend and ALL day yesterday I had my husband check my cervix again and he definitely said it is pretty soft. Softer than the last time he checked. So this could just be super early labor and at least something is going on. <br>
 </p>

 

[soccerchic21]

<p>So I had my 36w appt today and my BP was up again. Not dangerously high but still high for me and my pulse was 101. I was pretty nervous about the BP anyway which doesn't help. Just to be safe my midwife sent me up to L&D for a non stress test and test my urine (which they don't do at every appt) and my blood. My edema is just barely there. I still have my wedding ring on and I am wearing my pre-pregnancy shoes. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Well THANKFULLY as I was laying there every BP reading went down. Hannah's heart rate was perfect and she was moving like crazy. They said there were trace amounts of protein in my urine which isn't alarming at all and they didn't make me wait for the blood results as they figured they would be fine. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>SO THANKFULLY I am not pre-eclamptic. The midwife on duty just said if I can tell my heart is racing or my BP feels up just lay down for a while and take it easy. They seemed very unworried about it all which made me happy. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I had a wonderful friend come by today and helped me get caught up on housework since I haven't done much this past week. We put our tree up last week so I feel ready for the baby and I feel like I can finally just sit back and relax like everyone keeps telling me to do. </p>

 

[SumnerRain]

<p>This is wonderful news Sarah!  I am so glad they are not freaking out on what is probably just white coat syndrome.    Sounds like they are laid back enough for you to have a successful VBAC!</p>

 

[justduckyangie]

<p>Yay! Great news!!<span>  </span> <span><img alt="biggrinbounce.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/biggrinbounce.gif"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>... my bp was high last appt because I lost my youngest before getting there...yep "lost" her in our own house while I was putting a load of laundry in. She was hiding trying to eat chocolate and wouldn't come out for me or dh and I totally freaked out because I thought she went outside. (Funny thing is she didn't actually eat the chocolate, just half unwrapped it LOL)</span></p>

 

[soccerchic21]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>SumnerRain</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1283024/update-post-16-add-me-to-the-high-bp-team#post_16108805"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>This is wonderful news Sarah!  I am so glad they are not freaking out on what is probably just white coat syndrome.    Sounds like they are laid back enough for you to have a successful VBAC!</p>
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>That is my hope. The birthing center at Capitol Hill has the highest VBAC rates and lowest cesarean rates in the state. Crossing my fingers! <br>
 </p>