Pre-eclampsia in prev preg - is it worth me getting a blood pressure monitor for home use?

[whomovedmychocolate]

In 2006 I developed PE at the end of my pregnancy with DD - was quite ill, liver failed but DD was fine. My blood pressure started to get high at 22 weeks.

My husband has suggested buying me a home blood pressure monitor so we can keep an eye on it this time without having to scoot off to the hospital every day (frankly I have white coat hypertension so just going near the place sends my pressures soaring).

Or am I being a paranoid wotsit?

[Saturn74]

I don't think you're being paranoid.
I had PE in my first pregnancy, and v high blood pressure in my second, so was induced.

It is scary, and if having a monitor at home would reassure you, then that's surely a good thing.

You're obviously aware of which other symptoms to look out for too.

Have you spoken to your MW about extra monitoring?
Mine used to come out to me to do it - I had no car, and the surgery was three miles away.

I also had some of the urine testing strips at home, so I could self test for protein.

Also, maybe ask MW if there is somewhere you can rent a monitor from.

[whomovedmychocolate]

Thanks for replying HC - the monitors are pretty cheap (about £25 apparently) and I hadn't thought of the urine strips (now there's an idea).

I'm only booking in on Monday - have only just had a due date confirmed so I'll ask her then.

I think it's the fear of getting it again more than anything. I felt absolutely fine up until the point I started seeing flashy lights and passing out!

[DennytwasNewYear]

Think they are even cheaper in Lloyds pharmacies, if it provides you with re-assurance then why not its one less thing to worry about during the pregnancy.

[Haylstones]

I bought one for £9.99 from Lloyds as mine was borderline high (nearly 33 weeks). It seems to be staying low for now (touch wood) but knowing I can check it at home is quite reassuring.

[calzone]

I had PE in my first PG but not a hint of it in my second.

I was very ill first time round and ds1 was 5 weeks early and in SCBU.

It didnt make me feel anxious second time round tho as I knew the hosp would keep an close eye on me. If it makes you feel less anxious then do get one but just because you had PE first time round doesnt mean you will get it again.

[MuffinMclay]

You're not being paranoid. I had it in my first pregnancy and now, apparently, have it again (35 weeks). Do you have to go to the hospital for monitoring (can see that would be very stressful)? I'm having home visits from the mw every few days and am using urine testing strips (mw might give them to you, or they can be bought online very cheaply).

[LiegeAndLief]

You are definitely not being a paranoid wotsit. However, I think I remember reading that automatic blood pressure monitors can give falsely low readings in pre-eclamptic women (they weren't allowed on the high-risk pregnancy unit I was in) - might be worth checking with your consultant and definitely make sure you are getting regular check-ups with the professionals. I think the Precog index on the APEC website gives the recommended intervals between check-ups depending on your circumstances.

You can also have a uterine doppler at 24 weeks (I think) which will give an indication of whether you are likely to develop PE in this pg. But chances are you won't! Good luck.

[LOVEMYMUM]

My BP was 151 over something a few hours after my 20 week scan and i bought a BP monitor from Boots to monitor it at home. (BP went down to 120, 30 mins later).

I monitor it at home and my GP says OK to do so cos my mum had Pre-eclampsia with me and there's 1 in 5 chance of me having it simply cos mum did.

[whomovedmychocolate]

Thanks all of you - according to the American Eclampsia website I was reading last night, I have 20-25% change of getting PE again this pregnancy. So I've bought one but shelled out for a decent one - apparently the arm cuff ones are much better than the wrist ones. I'll ask the midwife about test strips.

Mind you, the swollen hands and face were what tipped me off that something was wrong last time. What was worrying me was all those lists in the blue notes that say you only have to see the midwife six times unless you are a first timer and then eight times. I think I saw my midwife more than eight times a MONTH last time!