Pre-Eclampsia, Low Amniotic Fluid, Full Term Won't Induce What Should I Do?

Question

I am beyond frustrated. i have been diagnosed pre-eclamptic but my doctors (military) seem to want to test my blood pressure (6 high readings in a row) and protein in urine regularly versus induction at 38 weeks. Today I went to my appointment and the baby had no amniotic fluid at all. Several hours later fluid had returned. My blood pressure was normal at this time so they sent me back home. I'm supposed to be "taking it easy" so I haven't done anything strenous to help baby make its way out but I'm beyond frustrated. Why so late in the game are we still doing tests, now they want to do another 24 hour protein urine test and a fetal non stress test. From what I have read when you are pre-eclamptic doctor's usually don't have a problem inducing you at term and I'm told I have a nice size baby.

I don't know if I can switch plans this late, but any feedback or suggestions to convince these doctors to see I'm concerned about my health & baby rather than just trying to get induced?

Answer 1

I can understand that you are ready to have the baby and that the baby should be fine, but docs usually dont want to induce someone unless they have to or need to. Being induced is really not a lot of fun either. I understand this is not what you want to hear, but the docs do have your and your babies health in mind. That is why they want to test you so much. They want to make sure you dont get eclampsia which would be very bad. On the other had i dont see any reason why you could not be induced. The baby would be fine due to the age. I suggest letting the docs do there job. They go to school for years to learn all about this thing and know exactly what they are doing. Although its hard for you to understand I think you would be better off staying with this doc and going along with what he has to say even if you dont totally agree with it. They do know what they are doing.

Sorry if this wasnt what you wanted to hear.

Answer 2

My Fiancee just went through that with her child. She was 39 weeks and they did all the test you said. Her Blood pressure was way high and protien in the urine. And then they decided to induce her. But her body wasn't ready she was in labor 43 hours and we got mad at the Dr's because she was only opening 4-5 centimeters. And she was in to much pain so we ended in a C-section. My advice is that if the baby is healthy try and wait till your body is ready. But if there is any signs that the baby is being hurt or shows signs of fatigued I would say get induced and just try and relax. And hope the Dr. that gives you the epidural hits the mark better than he did with my Fiancee. And Best of luck and hope you and the Baby come home healthy

Answer 3

I got high blood pressure right at the end and had to do two 24 hour protein test. I was not full term though. I have heard of several people being induced early becaues of high protein levels and blood pressure. Your baby should also be delivered if the fluid is low or not there. Your baby cannot survive without it. You should fake contractions and while you are at the hospital refuse to leave until they explain to you why they are putting you and your child at risk.

Answer 4

they will test for protein in urine even after u deliver if ur b/p is high, it is test for u not baby. it is for toxemia. and size isn't neccesarily an indicator of the internal development, just they body fat and bone size. they did the same to me too - i had levels high enough to get c-section at 39 wks. this is more a problem for u than baby at this point, so if ur symptoms are tolreable and not too dangerous yet, they will let the baby cook as long as feesable. i was on bed rest for 4 weeks, beieve me i get it! just hang in there and let the dr.office know at the end of each day ur bp - check it about 3 times a day and be sure to tell them if u start to see spots or have painful migrain type headaches that tylenol wont help. ask ur dr to explain his plan of action, he is probably riding out the bp as long as he can to by u time to start to dialate and be more favorable for an induction. it can be dangerous to induce if ur body hasnt yet even begun the labor process-especially if ur pre-eclamptic.

Answer 5

I don't know what base you're on, but I'm pretty sure Tri-Care has to pay for your doctor/hospital visits at other, civilian hopitals in the event of an emergency if it's so many miles away from base. You could just be out "shopping" or whatever, and then feel pain and want to get it checked out ASAP, and end up getting a second opinion in the process.

My experience with military doctors....... well I can't say that here. They always seem to want to run tests, and then 'wait and see' without ever a definate explanation of why and what's exactly going on. I am so glad we got out.

Answer 6

No you can't switch plans at this stage of the game. I doubt any doctor would be willing to take you this far along. What I can suggest is that you go to Patient services in the base clinic and discuss the issue with them. Explain the health risks etc and tell them that you really have very little confidence in your doctors. I do know military doctors as my ex was military...and I was tended to by a military OBGYN who was a "prima donna" because he had just gotten promoted and was head of OBGYN. At any rate you are going to have to FIGHT for whatever it is you want because military OBGYNS seem to think that women don't know anything when it comes to "birthing babies"...and the majorty of them are males...get the picture?

Answer 7

No AMNIOTIC FLUID!? Yeah, it returned but what if it goes away again. Talk about wanting to hurt your baby. You are 38 weeks? You are safe to have the baby now. Can you get a different doc? Good luck.

Answer 8

Yikes, um, go to the OB triage at the hospital (pregnancy ER), and tell them your stomach hurts. They should do an ultra sound and check your blood pressure and all that. If anything, switch Dr's! I changed at 37 weeks. All they do is catch the baby anyway, you should be able to change any time!

Answer 9

well to be honest with you i only had one problem when i was expecting my son and that was a low placenta so i would suggest you do what you feel is right not what the doctors think. my doctor told me my baby could be delivered normally because he would be 5 pounds .. lets put it like this he was a 8 pound and 10 ounce baby! you do what you feel in your heart what is best! good luck.

Answer 10

As long as they're watching you closely, you should be okay. You should be seeing a doctor once a week anyway, at this stage in your pregnancy. Though most do, not all pre-eclamcia cases end in induction. You should be thankful.