Did Preeclampsia Strike a Second Time? How Many Weeks Were You?

I didn't have it my SIL did. I believe she made it 32 weeks the first time. She was also told she was likely to have it with every pregnancy. She decided to only do one more due to other postpartum complications and she made it full term with no problems in fact she was 1 1/2 weeks overdue. Hope you get the delivery you hope for this time!!

I had pregnancy induced hypertension ( beginning of pre-e) with my first, was on bedrest from 28w to 38, when like you I went to one of my regular appointmenta and the baby was not in a favorable position, but both her and my symptoms were beginning to escalate into preeclampsia. I had her on the day we "turned 38 w - I too ended up with a c-section abut 3 hours laterafter the appointment, and we both ended up fine.

2 years later,with my little boy, the pregnancy went smoother, it was like my body "knew the drill" this time around, and I didn't get the hypertension or any other pre-e symptoms - though they did keep a special eye on my blood pressure at every appointment ( at the time i was put on bedrest with my first, I had also bought a home wrist monitor BP cuff from CVS and took it about once a day myself in both pregnancies - might give you some peace of mind to do that). I gained less weight with the second baby - first pregnancy I went form 145 to 195 by the end, second I was already 160 at the start ( I had been preg for 12 weeks in between, and never lost the weight I gained after my m/c) but only got to 195, so 50 lbs vs. 35, gaines I think made a difference....even though the end number was still the same?? I did have him at 39 weeks, c-section ( our local hospital has a no -VBAC policy or I might've gone that route) since he was scheduled, it was easier, and I knew what to expect form the c-section.

I think all the stuff I read and my first Dr. all sais it is more likely to get it for a forst pregnancy than subsequent ones.

Here's to a Happy and Healthy remainder of pregnancy and you delivery and baby!

Jessie

Hi J.,
I did not have preeclampsia with either of my children, but my mother did with her 2nd and 5th pregnancy - both boys. She didn't have it with any of the girls. She said both times it did not show up until the end of the pregnancy. She is now 64 and has hypothroidism. Interestingly enough she read this week that women who have eclampsia in pregnancy are very likely to have hypothyroidism later in life (I guess it is very hard on your thyroid). Just something to be aware of. That said though, I hope that you don't have to deal with it again and wish you the best with this delivery! Congratulations on baby#2!

Hi J.,

I can't answer if pre-eclampsia will happen again. But I can tell you ways you can most likely avoid it!!! It's all about your diet! Dr. Brewer, was a doctor who studied diets in pregnant women and he found that women that ate 80-100 grams of protein a day, salted their food to taste, drank plenty of water and ate a balanced diet were less likely to get pre-eclampsia. If you would like more info on it here is a website to check out! http://www.drbrewerpregnancydiet.com/ I hope this helps!!!

My Best
M.

Yes, it can strike more than once. I was 2 for 2. The first time, it occurred around 30 weeks and I went on bedrest at 34 weeks, and induced at 38 weeks. The second time, my blood pressure started to creep up by 12 weeks, I was put on blood pressure meds at 14 weeks and was able to stay on my feet until I was 37 weeks, which is also when I started to have protein in my urine, gained 10 pounds in water weight in 10 days and my face started to swell. My blood pressure also started to go way out of control at that point so I was induced at 38 weeks.

My doctor told me my chances the next time around were pretty good, if we would decide to go for number 3. Knowing my past two experiences, we have decided we are happy with the two healthy children we have.

Nope. I delivered a 35 week preemie (vaginally) due to preeclampsia during my first pregnancy. But I didn't get it again for my second or third pregnancy.

I has the beginning signs of Preelampsia the last week of my first pregnancy, but I think I had signs long before I was diagnosed. Lots of swelling, blood pressure starting to rise. So, I was really worried with my current pregnancy(28 weeks) that I would get it again. At my most recent appointment my blood pressure had started to rise and there was a trace of protein. But at the beginning of my pregnancy I was told that preeclampsia tends to be more common in your first pregnancy. I hope this is the case for you. My case is not looking so good so far. Good luck!

I had it both times. The first, I was hospitalized at 29 weeks and had the baby at 30 weeks. I was in intensive care when he was born, but I recovered, and he did really well.

The second time, I was hospitalized at about 33 weeks, and had the baby at 34. My recovery was faster, and the baby did really well.

However, I've been told that usually it only happens with a first pregnancy. Maybe it happened to me twice because I was more susceptible for some reason? Both times it happened early and it happened BIG. It sounds like yours came near the end of your pregnancy. I think you have a good chance of not having it again.

Good luck, and try not to worry. There are lots of different ways to have a baby!

Nope! I had it with my first at 38 weeks. Just like you, I went in for a regular appointment and they sent me to the hospital that evening. They didn't have a chance to induce, though, because they were going to do it the next morning and my water broke before they could get to it. (Kind of nice, otherwise my water would have broken at home!) With my second, no pre-eclampsia. My blood pressure got a little high a few times and had a little protein a couple of times (ironically not at the same time), but all was well. My second son was born at 39 weeks 1 day with no pre-eclampsia.

Hello.

I had preeclampsia with both pregnancies. Both times, mine started around 5 months pregnant. With my first child, my water broke at 36 weeks. With my second child, I had to be indcued at 35 weeks due to preeclampsia and low amniotic fluid. My pregnancy was difficult b/c I have a blood-clotting disorder, as well. And, this blood clotting disorder is known to cause preeclampsia. For your sake, I hope you can have a healthy 2nd pregnancy. Bed rest and bad health are no fun!

Just because you had it once does not necessarily mean you will have it again. My first was induced at 41 weeks because I started showing signs of preeclampsia, but never actually had it. My second was induced because I was Very Very nearly preeclamptic at 39 weeks. I had thought I was doomed with all my future pregnancies. However, my 3rd (42 weeks) and 4th (40 weeks) came on their own with no signs of preeclampsia whatsoever. You probably are more likely after one bout with it, but it is not a given that you will become preeclamptic. Every pregnancy is different and, unfortunately, you'll just have to wait and see.

I had preeclampsia with my daughter and I delivered at 37w5d after being on bedrest for 2 weeks. I just had my son on 2/12 and had him early also because of preeclampsia, but developed it later in the pregnancy. I was on bedrest for 4 days before having him at 38w5d.

My doctor says less likely to develop it with your second and any additional pregnancies.

Try to not stress over it.

I had preeclampsia with my first...had an appt. and was induced the next morning, and I had baby no. two with no problems at all. I"m pregnant with baby no. 3 and my OB told me that just because you had it once doesn't mean you'll have it again. It usually occurs in first-time moms. Good luck with everything! :) And don't worry about preeclampsia - that'll raise your blood pressure!! :)

Ooo, am I glad you asked this question! I had my first a day before 31 weeks after being on bed rest with preeclampsia for 2 weeks. I'm now 21 weeks pregnant with my second and curious as to how it will all play out. I take a low dose aspirin daily to potentially ward off blood clots, and my OB is going to start seeing me every 2 weeks starting next week to keep an eye on blood pressure and protein in the urine. For now I'm just trying not to get wrapped up in anxious thoughts (easier said than done!). Keep us posted on what happens, and best of luck to you!

Hi!

I had PIH with both of my pregnancies. For my 1st I developed it at 29 weeks, had 3 weeks of bedrest, and finally had a c-section at 32 weeks. My daughter did really well in the NICU and now is 9 years old.

Hubby and I were not excited about having PIH again, so we had a consult before considering a second pregnancy. We were told it was unlikely, but I ended up developing it again. But, like you, I knew what to look for. It didn't show up until week 36. Since week 36 is considered full term, I had a c-section the next day after being diagnosed. My son didn't need the NICU and now is 6.

It's so hard not knowing and wondering if it will happen, but do your best to stay relaxed and take care of yourself. Whatever comes, you and your family will get through it. Best of luck (and health) to you and your little one, J.!

Most women who have had preeclampsia have a 20% chance of getting it again. Luckily Preeclampsia didn't hit me more than once. I had it with my first pregnancy in 2002. My entire pregnancy was perfect, no morning sickness, nothing until 36 weeks. I went into the hospital at 36 1/2 weeks with a kidney infection. I had been swelling some but it took them a couple days of treating the kidney infection to figure out I had preeclampsia. They induced me at 37 weeks and 1 day because my liver and kidneys were having major complications. I delivered vaginally 12 hours later. (in hind sight it should have been a c-section, according to my current Dr.). Luckily both baby and I were doing good. I recently had my second child last April and did not have any preeclampsia issues. However this time I chose a voluntary c-section (also had my tubes tied). When I went in for my appt the day before my c-section, I had a small trace of protein in my urine. Protein in the urine is one of the biggest symptoms of preeclampsia. Also excessive swelling in hands, feet, and face. Some swelling is normal but if swelling does not go down with relaxation, then that is a sign also. My current OBGYN had me doing daily 85 mg aspirin therapy, staying off caffeine, and drinking LOTS of water to help ward off preeclampsia. You don't have much longer, but you might want to talk to your OBGYN about aspirin therapy. Try to relax and limit your stress. Good luck in the rest of your pregnancy.