Why is this considered high blood pressure?

Question

Ok I'm 26 weeks pregnant my blood pressure has been steadily 120/70 but today they checked me and it's 132/68 and they said it was high and checked again after I layed down for 20 minutes no change said if it got any higher I was gonna get treated for preeclampsia I know it's higher than my norm but it just doesn't seem like it's high enough to be considered that I have had swelling and I've gained 8 pounds in the last 3 weeks even while vomiting atleast twice a day I'm kinda worried because a close friend of mine had this and went into a coma I guess you can say I'm scared and would like information about this from real people that have had this experience.

I'm not sure about if there was protein in the urine I am probably worried over nothing.

Answer 1

I had preeclampsia with baby #2 and #3. They are worried because of the weight gain and elevated blood pressure. It is not high enough for you to go into a coma or anything. They will just be keeping a close eye on you. My blood pressure with baby #3 got to 158/123 when they induced. They had to put me on bed rest early in the pregnancy to try to control it (about 28 weeks). I also had to have magnesium to help prevent strokes. It was scary but with your doctor caring like it sounds like he/she does, you will be OK. Good luck

Answer 2

A normal blood pressure is 120/80. A BP of 211/123 is an emergency. It is very important to see your doctor to check your blood pressure again. A diagnosis of hypertension is only made after several elevated readings. There are several stages of hypertension, the higher the stage the more severe, stage 4 is the highest and needs to be treated emergently to prevent stroke or heart attack. Meanwhile before you get an appointment make sure to exercise as tolerated and eat a low fat low salt diet. If you are significantly overweight that can lead to a high blood pressure. Please make an appointment with your doctor ASAP. If you don't have a doctor get one or find a clinic.

Answer 3

You could be getting preeclampsia. Your top number went up and it can be concerning to the doctor. High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause stress on the baby and be harmful. Be thankful that the doctor is watching this. Prehypertension is what you are having. As you get further along it may get higher and this could put on bedrest for a little while. Don't stress over this.. it will not help out at all. Check out the websites.

Answer 4

swelling and gaining 8 pounds (probably fluid) in just 3 weeks does sound like the possible beginning of preeclampsia, especially paired with a small blood pressure spike. Another sign is protein in your urine, which your doctor checks for at every visit. Did you have any protein in your urine? Did your doctor mention this?

At any rate, you should do everything you can to rest with your feet up and avoid all stress. Bed rest is sometimes prescribed for this condition, if it gets worse. Hopefully it won't get worse if you take care of yourself!!

This is from the preeclampsia foundation web site:

"Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, preeclampsia is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.

Typically, preeclampsia occurs after 20 weeks gestation (in the late 2nd or 3rd trimesters or middle to late pregnancy), though it can occur earlier. Proper prenatal care is essential to diagnose and manage preeclampsia."

Answer 5

I live in the US and my midwife wanted my BP to be that, that is perfect. I was 140/89-160/110 at my highest. Yeah I was lucky to be in the low 80's on my bottom number. I was on bed rest the last month and half of my pregnancy. I would check with your doc again and be sure because that sounds right not high. That top number is not as important as the bottom.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Ok, well your symptoms (weight gain, swelling, b.p. jump) indicate you may be in the early stages of preeclampsia. I think the doc is just giving you a heads up. Rest all you can. Its better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 8

Even 120 is borderline, and you might not be metabolizing salt well. Try cutting down salt and drink more water until your doctor gives you further instructions

Answer 9

if you lived here in the uk no way would that be high so please dont worry your bottom figure couldnt be any lowerand the top figure isnt high at all but will go up with stress,you certainly arent a candidate for pre eclampsia