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High Blood Pressure

post #1 of 12
7/24/01 at 4:30pm
Thread Starter 
I was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem since they've gotten pregnant.

I have NEVER had high blood pressure, even when I've been really heavy. Mine is normally a little on the low side, and the highest I've ever seen it before I got pregnant was 130/70. Since I got pregnant, the doctor said it's been "a little elevated" when I'm in the office. I went to my family doctor for a pulled muscle, and they took my BP there, and it was normal. So, I wasn't too concerned about it. At my last OB appointment, they said it was still a little elevated, but it was probably because of the heat and the fact that I came straight from work. I've taken it at those "free machines" at Kroger and Wal-Mart, and it's been close to normal.

I haven't felt well all day today, and I just attributed it to normal nausea, etc. But about noon, I asked the "safety" person at my work if anyone had a BP cuff, and she brought one out. They took my BP on both arms. It was 167/144 in one arm and 151/81 in the other arm. I am totally confused. I didn't know that it would shoot up that much, and I certainly didn't expect there to be that much of a difference between the right and left arms.

I guess what I'm concerned about is that I've never had high blood pressure, and I don't know what to do about it. And I don't know how to tell if it's going up or not (i.e. what physical signs to watch for). My doctor said that it's just something that happens in the first pregnancy sometimes, but I wasn't expecting it to be that high. I hate to bug my doctor about it, but do you think I should call? My next appt. is in two weeks.

Has anybody else had this experience?
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post #2 of 12
7/24/01 at 9:48pm
I am sorry to here about the blood pressure. I am not pregnant, but I have high blood pressure. I take water pills that make you pee a lot. I also need to watch my salt intake. Maybe that would help. SALT is never good for anyone. Good luck and I hope I helped a little.
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post #3 of 12
7/25/01 at 12:04am
I totally know what you are going through. I developed HBP with my first pg and had never had it otherwise. For some reason it is more common in first pregancnies.It can be a little scary. I did okay until about 34 weeks and then it got up to 150/90 which was enough for my doc to feel like I needed to be put on bedrest.
If your blood pressure was as high as it was I would call your doctor tomorrw and let him know. The things you sre supposed to look for are headaches, blurred vision, feeling faint, that kind of thing. I never had any of those symtptoms though which was weird.
The thing that is a concern is if you actually develp eclampsia which can cause you to seizure and pretty scary stuff like that. But it can be prevented with the proper treatment.
My doctor put me on bedrest since I was close to full term. My bp would stay down as long as I did but the just going my appt would make it shoot up again. I was hospitalized at 36 weeks for 3 days so they could monitor me and the baby. Sometimes, I think HBP while you are pg can affect your placental function. That is if it is at the end and goes untreated. So then they induced me at 37 weeks and I delviered a healthy baby girl.
I think if your bp is high and you are still pretty early they put you on medications that are safe and that usualy works.
I don't want any of this to scare you but you really ought to take it easy tonight and call your doctor just to check. I had to rest on my side not on my back because that is best for He will know what is best for you to do. This is one of those things that can definitely not wait 2 weeks!!! Please let us know what your doctor says and try not to worry too much. I hated having HBP but it is one of those things that can be treated. Hang in there. I will pray for you.
I am hosting a pregnancy chat tomorrow at 3pm EST,2 PM CST. Come if you can. I would love to chat with you more about it.
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post #4 of 12
7/25/01 at 12:43pm
I have high blood pressure when I am not pregnant, but not so high I had to take meds for it. When I am pregnant, it shoots way up and so I have to be medicated. I agree with Beth that you should call your doctor about your blood pressure. Also, somthing good to do if it is up is to lay down on your left side. High Blood pressure in pregnancy can cause growth retardation of the baby and you could end up with a small baby. You may want to get a blood pressure cuff, or one of the digital blood pressure monitors and keep track of it yourself at home. That is what I have to do so that the doctors know if my medication is working and if they need to increase the dosage etc.
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post #5 of 12
7/25/01 at 1:34pm
Good idea Meagan. I have a digital cuff I got at Eckerd and it wasn't expensive at all. I check my BP everyday since I had HBP with my last pg. They are supposed to be just as reliable as the other kind and they are easy to use.
Let us know how you are doing.
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post #6 of 12
7/25/01 at 3:07pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all of the replies.

I am trying to take it as easy as possible and stay out of the heat. It is sweltering here... I swiped my hubby's car this morning because his air conditioner works better than mine. ha ha.

I called my doctor's office this morning, and they want me to come in tomorrow. So, at least I will be able to figure out what's going on then.

I'll let you know what I find out.
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post #7 of 12
7/26/01 at 4:42pm
Thread Starter 

Update

Well....

I had my appointment today, and they took my BP twice in each arm. Once while I was lying down and once while I was sitting up. They were a little higher than normal, but not as high as the readings I got a few days ago. The doctor said he hated to put me on medication this early on, but he would if it got really high. He wants me to keep my original appointment for two weeks from now, and they'll check it out again then.

Baby wasn't quite as obstinate as it was last time and actually let them find it's heartbeat. They couldn't last time. they said it sounded OK. So, that is good.

Well, I guess I'b better get back to work. Just wanted to give you all an update.

Have a great Day!
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post #8 of 12
7/26/01 at 11:16pm
I am glad everything is going ok! I hope your BP stays down...it's a pain to have to take meds for it.
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post #9 of 12
7/27/01 at 3:06pm
I to am glad the doc's appointment went ok. I hate having HBP and I am not even pregnant. LOL I wish the best for you.
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post #10 of 12
7/27/01 at 7:27pm

good news!!

Well that sure is good news!!!! Maybe the day it was super high was just one of those weird days!! I will keep you in my prayers. Lets hope it stays down for good!! Lots of Luck!!
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post #11 of 12
11/7/07 at 5:54am

experiencing problems with high blood pressure

Recently I have been experiencing problems with high blood pressure which was 198/108. I have bought a blood pressure monitor and have noticed something that I don’t understand. After I have exercised I do a reading and my pulse rate goes up to 106. The blood pressure reading at this time is reduced to 140/96 which is normal blood pressure.
Is it normal for blood pressure to reduce when your pulse rate increases?
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post #12 of 12
11/7/07 at 6:19pm
hug: Be sure to avoid things like salt and drink lots of fluids. I am glad that your bp went down and hopefully you don't end up needing meds
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