r/preeclampsia

I am 7 months off of having severe postpartum preeclampsia. I was on labatelol for about 2 months afterward and then weaned off. However, in the last few months I’ve had some concerning heart rates and blood pressure so my doctor referred me to a cardiologist. At my first appointment with them, I had an abnormal EKG. This led to 6 more appointments including a stress test, an echocardiogram, and having to wear a holster monitor for a week. It was extremely stressful and scary. Thankfully, just today I was notified by the doctor that my tests came back completely normal and I am healthy. I feel like I can finally close this difficult chapter of my life and move on. There have been many times over the last few months when I felt that I was never going to recover physically or mentally from the toll of preeclampsia, but I feel so much better now. Although I am nervous about future pregnancies and preeclampsia, I feel hopeful that I’ll be more equipped to handle it and I’ll be able to trust that my body will recover. Just wanted to share a positive story because I know how dark it can feel in the center of it.

I’ve had two pregnancies same dad. My first was completely fine, however I got diagnosed with preeclampsia in my second pregnancy at 35 + 6, my BP was managed somewhat with labetelol, and I was induced right away, as my protein in my urine was really high. I had 0 symptoms besides slightly swollen ankles. I delivered at 37 weeks exactly.

My second pregnancy happened a month after getting Covid and I’m almost wondering if that contributed. As I’ve heard some studies say that can increase the risk.

When I got pregnant with my second my husband was extremely overweight, as was I. He’s lost 100lbs, and I’ve lost 40 since having our second. I’m over 35.

We want a third but I’m feeling scared about the possibly of getting it again. I don’t know how to get over the anxiety. How do you go into it again being so scared.

I know paternal and maternal health plays a factor which is why I’ve been working so hard to lose weight.

How high of a risk is getting it in subsequent pregnancies?

I became pregnant again 11 months after my first C-section. During my first pregnancy, I developed preeclampsia at 28 weeks, and my baby passed away two days after delivery.

It was my first pregnancy, and now I am following up with a new doctor who advised me to take 81 mg aspirin for three months, blood thinner injections, and progesterone/supportive medication.

Is there a possibility that preeclampsia could happen again? I cannot sleep from constantly thinking about losing my second baby and getting older without having children.

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to hear from others who have gone on to have another baby after a scary preeclampsia/HELLP-type experience.

With my first baby, I had a pretty normal pregnancy until 37 weeks, when severe preeclampsia came on very suddenly. I was induced right away, labored for 55 hours, and ended up needing an emergency c-section under general anesthesia. Milk didn’t come in.. had to power pump and triple feed.. I never caught up and beat myself up over this. Since I wasn’t awake when my baby was born, and even though we are both healthy now, that part still hurts to think about.

Baby #1 is almost 2 now, and before all of this I was always someone who pictured having at least three kids. Now I feel so torn because I would love another baby, but I’m honestly terrified to go through pregnancy and birth again.

If we do try again, we’re thinking about this fall so the age gap is still somewhat close. This time would likely be a planned c-section, possibly around 37 weeks depending on what my doctors recommend, and I would be monitored much more closely from the beginning.

I’ve also done what feels like every test under the sun. The only thing that came up was a dsDNA of 7, but I have no lupus symptoms and my rheumatologist did not diagnose me with lupus. My repeat clotting/APS testing came back normal/negative, which was reassuring. I know I’ll likely be on baby aspirin early in pregnancy as a preventative measure.

In the meantime, I’m trying to control what I can. I’ve been working out a lot, doing CrossFit, and trying to lose about 15 more pounds before trying. I know weight isn’t the only factor with preeclampsia, but I’m hoping to go into a second pregnancy as strong and healthy as possible.

I guess I’m just looking for hope, experiences, and maybe some reassurance from people who understand. Did anyone have severe preeclampsia or HELLP with their first and then have a calmer second pregnancy? How did you mentally prepare to try again?

I would love to have another baby and actually feel more present for the newborn stage this time. My recovery the first time was really hard, physically and emotionally, and I just want a chance to experience postpartum with more peace.

One random thing I’ve never really heard anyone talk about: when I finally came home after almost two weeks in the hospital, my sense of smell was completely off. Everything had this strange earthy/mineral smell, and I couldn’t smell my baby when we got home. It eventually came back after a couple of weeks, but that still haunts me a little.

I have no idea if it was directly related to preeclampsia, the c-section, hormones, medications, trauma, being in the hospital so long, or just my body going through so much at once. I mentioned it to my doctor at my yearly checkup and she seemed surprised, so maybe it was just a random postpartum/hormonal thing. But I’ve always wondered if anyone else experienced anything like that after preeclampsia or a complicated birth.

I am very concerned about the progression of my liver enzymes after giving birth five weeks ago. They have progressively worsened each week after giving birth (about 10 points each week or so, beginning at one week postpartum). They are only mildly elevated in the ALT in the 50s and AST in the 60s but progressively climbing each week. I did have postpartum pre-eclampsia diagnosed at delivery and it turned severe about a week later with BP rising twice to 160s/90s. I was on a magnesium drip and recovered but liver labs have been rising ever since. I’m very concerned and unable to see hope because they keep getting worse - and I just want to recover from this nightmare so that I can take care of my baby. Has anyone had anything similar experiences, and did it turn out okay?

I am wondering if there is anyone who is 35+ years old with a history of preeclampsia that decided to have another baby. If so, were their complications with baby or mom? I am wondering this bc i had preeclampsia at 36 yo and if i decide to have another baby i would be 38-39. I am nervous with having the history of preeclampsia and being even older.

I was diagnosed with gestational hypertension at 30 weeks with bps in the 130s/90s. All labs looked ok and after that my bp stayed pretty much in the 120s/70s with a few small fluctuations. Now at 34 weeks my diastolic has been consistently in the high 80s with a reading in the 90s here and there. Anyone else have a similar situation? Did your stop going up or did it continue to get worse?

I needed a place to vent as I can't stop crying. At 26 weeks exactly I started bleeding randomly where it was dripping downy legs and I immediately started freaking out. My husband was finishing up a third shift at work and I couldn't reach him on the phone so I panicked and called 911, and the ambulance rushed me to labor and delivery. My BP was really high (160/90) when I got there, but all the other readings were under 160 but still a bit elevated so it wasn't enough to diagnose me with pre-e yet but they had it down as gestational hypertension with a partial placenta abruption. They monitored me in hospital for 5 days, and then discharged me once BP was stable and had no more bleeding. I was not put on BP meds at that time.

Well exactly at 28 weeks the bleeding started the same way as last time, and this time my husband was able to get me to labor and delivery to get checked. Now my BP was 187/90 and consistently reading extremely high numbers so they put me down as having pre-e with severe features and started me on BP meds. They decided that I will be admitted until they can deliver me hopefully at 34 weeks. But then as they were monitoring overnight my oxygen levels started going down into the low 90s which pushed them to do an X-ray. That's when they discovered the fluid in my lungs, essential diagnosing me with pulmonary edema.

The first doctor that came and spoke with me, around 2am that morning was saying we need to deliver you right away and I started freaking out. My husband had left with our 3 other kids because we thought everything was stable and I was planning to stay in hospital at least 6 weeks. Now he had to rush back and we asked to get a second opinion. Finally a few hours later a second set of doctor's came in and said the pulmonary edema is very mild and if we want we can monitor it to see how I'm doing over time.

Now yesterday, after just 4 days in hospital without any real change to my status, the doctors came back and basically said they still think I should deliver based on the pulmonary edema and they don't know if my condition will worsen, even though everything is stable now.

My husband and I have decided to move forward with an early C-section tomorrow at 28+6 as the doctor's are insisting, and I can't stop crying. I feel so guilty because I feel fine and I feel like my body can hold out a few more weeks, but everyone is telling me that it's not safe. Right now he is doing really well in my belly, his heartbeat is perfect and he loves doing cartwheels and backflips in there and I feel like I'm ripping away his comfort just to replace it with tubes and incubators.

And to top it off, the cardiologist thinks he may have an coarctation of aorta that needs to be repaired, but he is too small to do it now. And I'm just scared. I wish I could wait a little bit longer, give a better chance of survival. All the doctors say his chances are good, but I'm just so green. I have 3 other children that were all full term with no issues and this just all so new and unfamiliar.

Sorry for the long post, but the guilt is eating me up, and I am in this hospital crying and going over every worst possible scenario in my head. Pls someone tell me it's going to be ok 🥹🙏

So 9 month out and I think I have chronic hypertension. Still experiencing lightheadedness her and there. I take one dose at night and I feel a little dizzy after. Bp is normalizing with one medication. But still traumatized and I’m scared to drink coffee. Doc said it’s ok but I’m traumatized of that heart palpitations so I’m trying to train myself to get off of it. Ugh I hate that I drink coffee for pleasure before. Please tell me that you go back to feeling normal like your old self one year or 2 years after. I still have times where I feel Like a little dizzy like the beginning post partum days. Of course. A lot better than before and finally I can sleep again. I would say I am about 80% better. But just when do you start just feeling like before.
I will add that the lightheadedness is from whenever I have a great night of sleep it is around 100/70(and I am extremely lightheaded). But on a crazy busy day with terrible sleep. Then I feel normal lol. What the heck. Have anyone experienced anything similar.
I am being followed by my pa. But I hate this feelings so much

Delivering next Friday if all goes well and I don’t have to come in sooner. I’ve spent 2 out of the last 3 times in observation for HTN and they’ve finally started me on some labetolol. Pressures have been great since starting. Good stories/advice for anyone who delivered at 37?

I’m 24w5d, I was diagnosed with “preeclampsia without severe features ” today. I had a headache that lasted all week that would go away wit Tylenol but would come back. This morning I had some RUQ pain and decided to go to L&D. My initial bp was 168/76 but then normalized for the next few hours. They found some protein in my urine and diagnosed me with preeclampsia today. I feel like I knew this was going to happen I had chronic hypertension before I was pregnant but I started taking Procardia and low dose aspirin at 16 weeks and never noticed any spikes on my home monitor.

I’m really scared this is my first pregnancy which was completely unexpected and I’m only 23 years old. I’m afraid that me and my baby are going to die. Just looking for any similar stories or any advice that you guys may have. Checking in with my OB tomorrow to come up with a solid plan.

I’ve been in the hospital for 2 weeks trying to make it to 34 weeks. Today I’m 33 weeks and it’s time. I’m so very scared. He has severe FGR, a cleft lip, and a possible VSD. I just want both of us to make it out alive and well.

Hi all,

Thought I would come here to discuss some of the symptoms I have been having from 33 weeks and if anyone else experienced the same before being diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. I am currently being monitored weekly at the hospital for the foreseeable.
- I was admitted to hospital after several readings of high blood pressure and given labetaol which would lower my blood pressure then it would rise again. I discharged myself from hospital following a few good BP readings as I felt I no longer needed to be there and being surrounded by the new born babies whilst still being pregnant was upsetting me.
- I have had odd high blood pressure readings on occasion at home but nothing consistent.
- frequent headaches, very bad pain under my right rib, nausea and swelling in my ankles.
- only traces of protein in my urine
- I have had hypothyroidism since I was a pre teen which could make me more susceptible
- baby was 10th percentile with no explanation as to why, she is now up to 16th but continues to be monitored by growth clinic

Suppose I am writing to see if this was similar to anyone else’s experience before being diagnosed? I just don’t want pre eclampsia to be sprung on me or left to a time where myself and baby get really sick. TIA

How long does blood pressure take to normalize?

I am dealing with a wave of emotions and I don't know how to process this.

I delivered at full term and 3 days post partum experienced pre eclampsia (high BP and high liver enzymes). I got readmitted to the hospital and received the magnesium treatment. I got sent home on nifedipine 30mg that I took it once per day. My blood pressure started dropping around 5 weeks post partum (low 90's / high 60's). Liver enzymes normalized about after stopping the meds.

Now 11 weeks post partum, my blood pressure is elevated (130+ / 90+). I am already dealing with the trauma of pre-e treatment. I am sad and scared. I will make a doctor's appointment tomorrow.

Has anyone experienced this? What was your outcome?

This is my second pregnancy and in my first throughout my blood pressure was fine but during labor I had gestational hypertension. I forgot to mention it to my OB because I got my doctor changed the second time around and I just remembered and she put me on it right now. I was reading the side effects though and it said it can cause fetal heart closures. I took it yesterday for the first time and I had stomach cramps at night and a little sharp stabbing pain on my left side. I don’t know if I’m being paranoid at this point or what.
Has anyone started this late and had normal babies and no hemmorage problems

Hello all,

I’m new to this sub, and came here for support.

I was 33 years old when I had my first baby, and developed “severe uncontrolled” preeclampsia at 37 weeks. I was admitted to the hospital after a stress test and was induced. I was in labor for about 36 hours before the doctor decided that I need to have a c-section to deliver my son. I was on the mag drip and everything.

In total, I was in the hospital for 6 days and my son stayed in the NICU for 2 days after I was discharged. Looking back now, the whole thing was pretty traumatizing.
Despite all of this, I’ve been wanting another baby.

After a year or so after my son was born, I began the conversation with my OB regarding another pregnancy. She was totally against it and said she would most likely have to abort me at 20 weeks and there was a 70% chance it would kill me. Needless to say, that traumatized me even further.

My husband suggested we get another opinion so we could make an informed decision. So we did. I had an appointment last week with a new doctor and she was baffled as to why my previous doctor would give me such numbers. However, because of my age (I’m 38 now) it would definitely be a high risk pregnancy. She said I would certainly develop preeclampsia sooner and I would most likely have a pre term baby since I am now a “chronic hypertensive.” I’ve been on labetolol for about a year and my blood pressures have been in the 106/72 range. I’ve changed my diet completely and have lost weight; but I was told it didn’t matter *what* I do, that I will for sure develop preeclampsia again.

I’m feeling so discouraged right now.

For those of you who decided to go through another pregnancy after preeclampsia, how did it go for you? Were subsequent pregnancies harder?

Hi all - I had rapid onset HELLP syndrome with my first pregnancy, twin boys, in 2024. I gave birth at 30w2d under general anesthesia and don't remember the first days of their lives. The boys were in the NICU for 63 days. Luckily, they are completely fine and have caught up on all milestones despite what a traumatic time it was. I also made a full recovery and have no health issues. Since the boys were born, I've done a sh*t ton of therapy - EMDR, groups, individual CBT - to deal with the trauma.

I want to have another baby. I've consulted with three MFMs and two liver specialists about what having another would look like. One MFM was absolutely against it. The other MFMs basically said it was my choice, and I might get sick again, and I might not. Liver doc said I am cleared from her POV to have another child, I'd just be closely monitored.

All this to say, I just don't know what to do. I would love to have another chance at a "normal" birth. But that might not happen! I'd love to have a daughter. But I'm not doing IVF, so I don't get to choose. My heart wants to have another baby and do it again, but my head is afraid of the risks and retraumatizing myself. I thought my decision would be clearer now, even two years after the boys were born, but I'm still just as confused.

I am having these conversations with a therapist. But I also wanted to check with a community that understands the feeling.

I went for the anomaly scan yesterday and was told that my risk for preeclampsia has increased to 1/68. It was estimated low at 12 weeks and the thing changed is the uterine artery Doppler reading (one side has high PI). To complicate the situation, the baby is also estimated at ~11th percentile, which is small but not extremely small. (I’m Asian btw and they say Asian mums can have smaller babies)

I was booked for extra scan at week 28 and week 32. But other than that I was given no treatment or warnings.
I’ve contacted my midwife and asked for aspirin, but they told me they usually give aspirin to people who are estimated high risk at 12 weeks, and now it’s too late for me for it to really help. She told me to monitor my symptoms.

My blood pressure is still normal at this point. I’m 36 and FTM so that may added to the risk.

I don’t know what more I can do at this moment and I’m just spiralling…

Looking for everyone’s personal experiences with a diagnosis of pre-e at roughly 31-32 weeks!!
I was diagnosed with pre-e at 36weeks5 days with my first born, he arrived by emergency c-section after failed induction at 37 weeks. My second born I had hypertension but was never diagnosed with pre-e and she was delivered at 40weeks2days vaginally!!!

This third pregnancy I was diagnosed with pre-e at 31 weeks 5 days, I’m currently 33 weeks 5 days. My only symptoms have been hypertension and proteinuria so far. I’m just SO anxious as I’ve got so many extra appointments and monitoring which I’m grateful for but as someone who is a control freak, everything being out of my control is really driving me to breaking point. Pre diagnosis I had no idea what gestation I was even at as I was so busy with my toddlers I didn’t even think about it, now I’m waking up just counting the days and happy to have made it so far 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Please pass on your experiences with a diagnosis this early! 🥰