FTM with preeclampsia?!

Question

Hey mamas!
I'm a first time mom, and at 34 weeks today. Being that I'm already considered high risk because of Gestational  Diabetes, I had to start NST testing every week at 33 weeks. 
Well, I just left the doctor with some "ehh" kind of news. Due to swelling of my hands, and feet, headaches, leaking protein in urine, AND my blood pressure was slightly elevated.. I had to get lab work done, but my doctor is pretty sure I have developed preeclampsia..
Since I'm a FTM, I'm not sure what to do, but I've read horror stories on it, so it does freak me out.. does anyone else have/had preeclampsia, or have any advice?

Answer

I had it with both pregnancies. My best advice is to listen to your body and if something feels off, don’t second-guess yourself or let them brush you off. When you go into labor (be it on your own or induced), they’ll put you on magnesium and you’ll either feel fine or like the flu just ran you over with a big 18-wheeler. Once the drip is done (they do it for 24 hours), you’ll slowly start to feel better. It’s a scary thing, but as long as you’re proactive and your doctor is, too, you should be fine!  Good luck!

Answer

I had preeclampsia las time, was put on modified bed rest at home at 35 weeks and was warned that when I went to my recheck they would almost certainly keep me. I spent 36.3 to 37.0 in antepartum on more serious bedrest/monitoring.
I was induced after a second, worse 24h urine at 37.0 without magnesium so long as I agreed to lay nearly flat and with constant monitoring. 
My active labor was only 4 hours and my daughter was born 6.13 19” with no issues or NICU evaluations. She was small, and stayed small for some time but had no complications due to being born early. 
I was told that the bedrest is likely what saved me from an earlier induction and magnesium... laboring laying down pain med free was NOT FUN, but 100% worth it. I felt better and lost 18lbs of water weight before I even left the hospital so the swelling went away nearly immediately.

Answer

I’m also a ftm that had preeclampsia. My advice is pack for a weeks stay. For both you and baby. Also be prepared to be in mag. It will wear you down. I held out on the epidural for 12 hours. I’d wished I’d gone longer without it. Because it basically stopped labor against the pitocin. I’m expecting again and hoping I’m not in the hospital for 5 days again. But I’ll be prepared this time

FTM with preeclampsia?!

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