Preeclampsia and Bed Rest

The end of May I woke up in the middle of the night with an uncomfortable rippling sensation. At 34 weeks contractions were not on the agenda. I waited an hour. Instead of getting better they got closer together. Wake the husband, pack a bag, leave a note for the older kids. We’ll call soon and off we go to the hospital.

Something to remember, when having contractions. Cruising to town in a 3500 Dodge Ram 4×4 enhances those contractions. If you live rural like we do, and have a 1 ton truck like we, I’d recommend commuting the hospital in a different vehicle if possible. The wife will appreciate it.

Thirty minutes later they felt much closer together as we bumped into the parking garage. With no problems through out this entire second pregnancy the fact we sat in the waiting room of OB Triage really bothered me. Once admitted we went through the normal procedures, put on a gown, pee in a cup, strap on the monitor and take vitals.

Turns out I was dehydrated. Word to the wise, remember to drink your water. Dehydration brings on contractions.

However, the urine test turned up ketones. My blood pressure turned out to be just a tad on the high side. I already felt as swollen as a beached whale. Normally it takes more than just excessive swelling to lead to preeclampsia. Of course, the fact my sandles left indentation marks on my feet when I took them off really bugged me. My wedding ring didn’t fit and my face looked like a plump peach made me seriously dislike water retention. I got the lecture about the possibility I may have preeclampsia. To test for it, here are 2 jugs to collect urine in for 24 hours.

Needless to say I did not return to work that week.

Twenty-four hours later I returned to the hospital and dropped my collection off at the lab. Several hours later my phone rang and the midwife told me the 24 hour collection turned up more ketones. Right then I got diagnosed with mild preeclampsia and partial bed rest. I could walk to the bathroom, take a shower but no chores. Tell the full time working mom with 2 teenagers and a 4 year old she has to lay on the couch and do nothing?

Now that’s rough.

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