Vent - Why can't I get a straight answer; **Update**

[JeniC]

I saw my OB today for my 16 week appointment. I am now being classified as a high risk pregnancy! :O
I am seeing a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist how has seems more concerned about my health then my OB is. When I asked my OB some questions about symptoms that I have he say's "That's Normal" if its normal why do I have to see the specialist?
I know they are concerned about my blood pressure. I am sure that I wouldn't have such high blood pressure if I could get some answers. Does anyone know how to get a Dr to be straight with you?

Thanks for letting me vent I am just so stressed about this, every few weeks I get more and more blood drawn and more tests done. DH is so concerned that he asked questions today and he never does that. I just wish they would tell me what is wrong so I can stop worrying.

Jeni C

 

[ripleysmom]

Are you over 35? Sometimes they classify you based on your age and 35 or older is kinda considered to be an age where problems are more likely to develop.

Also high blood pressure can lead to toxemia (sp?) which can be deadly to both child and mother.

 

[JeniC]

No I'm only 24 this is my second pregnancy, I had no real problems with my DS. Only that he was 9 lbs when he was born!

 

[Serena]

high blood pressure is enough to classify you as high risk

 

[ripleysmom]

Perhaps they are worried about gestational diabetes as well. It's hard to say but I feel for your frustration.

I hope everything works out okay.

 

[sixcats]

There are so many reasons they could have you at high risk. I was listed as high risk because my first child was born by C-section. I know that my OB charges more to handle a pregnancy listed as high risk. It's possible that any excuse to label a pregnancy "high-risk" will be used in order to charge more.

I would call my OB and demand that they answer your questions. You deserve to be able to put your mind to rest.

 

[peg2001]

You need to assert yourself, Jeni! If I was ranked high risk, I would certainly want to know why and what I could do to lower that risk, if anything. Since you are already home, call and ask your questions.

Next time, do not leave the office until your questions are answered. Write them down beforehand if you have trouble remembering what you wanted to ask and hand them over to the doctor. Again, do not leave until you are satisfied. Believe me, they want you OUT of there so they can see the next patient.

It is very possible that your condition isn't very serious but they classify you as high risk just to keep a closer eye on it. Plus, maybe they get reimbursed better by the insurance if your pregnancy is classified that way.

Good luck and let us know,
Peggy

 

[Toby'sFriend]

hmm - I don't know. But I wouldn't stay with an Obstetrician that you are not getting good vibes from. High Blood pressure can be very risky in Pregnancy and it needs to be controlled.

I can tell you though that they've taken about 5 gallons (well it seems like it) of blood from me just for all their "normal" tests.
It was especially bad before 20 weeks of pregnancy. I was getting to be on a first name basis with the Lab techs.

Have you joined a Pregnancy support board? You can get some really good information from them on what should be happening.

 

[JeniC]

I did have a C-section with my son.

I just got off the phone with the specialist he said that I am high risk because he has found a mass of blood on one side of baby and he is not sure if this will cause further problems or if it will go away. He said that he didn't tell me about when I was at his office because my blood pressure was already so high he thought that it might cause adverse problems. So he has ordered a 24hr urine test and some more blood work for Monday and another round of ultrasounds for Wednesday.

I am glad that I got some answers but I still feel anxious, but that goes with the territory. Thanks for all the help!

Jeni C

 

[honeywolf7]

You'll be in my prayers...I hope things get easier for you.

 

[Kermit]

{{{Hugs}}} I'm praying that everything goes well with both you and your baby.

From what I've read, high blood pressure at 16 weeks is probably not due to PIH (or preeclampsia or toxemia, or whatever your doctor chooses to call it). Usually that starts much later in pregnancy, like toward the end of the 2nd trimester or in the 3rd trimester. And high blood pressure on its own isn't nearly the concern that high blood pressure accompanied by protein in the urine is. How many times did they check your blood pressure? They should have let you lie down for a while and then rechecked it, and you should have high readings at more than one appointment before you get too concerned. I had a high reading at one visit about 2 months ago, and I'm convinced it was only because I suddenly got this irrational fear that the doctor was going to tell me there was something wrong with the baby.

 

[JeniC]

Kermit:
I have had protien in my urine at the last few visits. At first my OB dismissed the bp as being "normal" for me, because I have family history of high blood pressure. But then after a few more visits they sent me to the specialist and my pressure at that visit was extremely high so they took it again after 30 minutes at it was still the same. I know that PIH is a 3rd trimester problem, I am just concerned that the baby will be harmed and my stressing isn't helping.

Thanks again everyone!

Jeni C

 

[nativetxn]

{{{HUGS}}} sweetie. It's impossible to not worry even when you know it's better for your health if you don't. I hope your blood pressure gets under control and there is nothing seriously wrong.

 

[lmj]

I also have a family history loaded with high blood pressure on both sides. I have had 3 kids and high blood pressure has been a problem for me with all three pregnancies. I didn't have any problems with my blood pressure before becoming pregnant, but with my first my pressure did begin creeping up way before my third trimester and with every subsequent pregnancy it did get higher earlier. I did have to take blood pressure medication while pregnant and was monitored frequently. I was put on bed rest towards the end and was pulled out of work early. I also was induced at 37 weeks when my labs started getting worse with all three. All three of my babies were healthy and although it was kind of scary at times, I survived the pregnancies very well. The doctors all say that what I had was not strictly PIH, I have a predisposition to high blood pressure that is aggravated by pregnancy. You will be monitored closely and they will be watching for protein in your urine but don't spend too much time worrying. It sounds like your doctors are keeping a close eye on things and everything should be fine.

 

[helenabear]

Big {{{HUGS}} Jeni. I hope everything goes well with the remaining part of your pregnancy. Prayers for you and your baby.

 

[iluvorlando]

I will be praying for you. ((((HUGS))))