130-140/90-100 - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

Mum2 · 02-09-2004, 12:25 AM

Hi All, me again - have managed to drop bp and doc is happy to monitor for now at this level. How long though - when they say if it is high over a sustained period of time what length of time are they talking about before it is a problem (or is doing damage??) or needing to be treated medically???
stats: - 30, female, fit, no weight probs, don't drink or smoke....
xxx

zuzu8 · 02-09-2004, 03:03 AM

Hi Mum-
It really sounds as though you have "late postpartum hypertension" which is basically gestational hypertension occurring “with a delay”—appearing within two weeks of delivery and lasting up to six months. It is not accompanied by other signs of preeclampsia and is usually mild. You're doctor sounds wise not to push meds on you right now, given that your numbers, although elevated, are certainly not dangerous at this time.

It is not uncommon with your #s, to monitor up to six months to a year before a true diagnosis of hypertension is made/and/or medictaion is indicated.

Relax...enjoy your baby...Try not to obsess about this; It's more than likely your BP will return to normal after the lactation period is over.

zuzu xx

Mum2 · 02-09-2004, 03:20 AM

Yeah Zuzu!! thank you for your reply. The docs don't think it has anything to do with my pregnancy - which I refused to accempt and found odd that it could be ruled out!
Anyway, thanks for the reassuring message - do you know how this hypertension is different to preeclampsia?
xxx

pregowith#6 · 02-12-2004, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mum2

Yeah Zuzu!! thank you for your reply. The docs don't think it has anything to do with my pregnancy - which I refused to accempt and found odd that it could be ruled out!
Anyway, thanks for the reassuring message - do you know how this hypertension is different to preeclampsia?
xxx

Hi,

I found this post very interesting. I had my sixth baby on 01/06/2004. I had a few high normal readings durring my last few weeks being pregnant but, nothing steady. I delivered after being induced at 41 weeks and 4 days. Almost two weeks latter I checked my blood pressure while out shopping. I was shocked when the machine showed 150/104. I drove to another store and checked again and still got the same high reading. My husband took me to labor and delivery so they could check. When lying down (this was the only way they would check) it was normal. The nurse told me that hormones as well as having an enlarged uterus was most likly the cause. I saw my OB the next day and when he got the reading of 105/100 while checking he prescribed blood pressure meds. I went to the pharmacy to pick up the meds and decided to recheck on their machine. My reading was 142/92. I then called my regular doctor and she asked to see me. They checked several times and got readings from 128/77 to 142/90. She then instructed me to wait on taken any meds. She said she belived it to be hormonal. She said we would monitor it over a period of time and then decide if meds were needed. Well, I am happy to report I am almost six weeks postpartum and my blood pressure has stablized at 122/77. I just wish doctors would tell you this can happen. I don't even know what my blood pressure was with my other kids after delivery. I never had it checked until my six week checkup.

Theresa

Mum2 · 02-13-2004, 07:28 AM

Hi Theresa
Great to hear from you!!! Me too, bp has stabilised, am now 11 weeks postpartum and reckon it would've settled down earlier had I not been stressed about it. The lack of knowledge on the quacks behalf left me confused and annoyed as they would not accept that it had something to do with the trauma that my body had just been through.
Funny you should mention you were induced - I was too and am convinced that the drugs may have had a play in it all - I also had an epidural, did you? My doc wanted me to discontinue feeding and start on meds asap, I held off and I am glad I did. As per Zuzu's reply (thank you!!!!

) I believe our situation is not uncommon and am surprised that the quacks don't have more info on this. My first labour was drug free and as far as I know I did not have high bp - however like you it wasn't checked until I was 8 weeks postpartum - so who knows...
Vicki