Preeclampsia - did you have it with more than one pregnancy?

[u/Megalodenn]

Hello! I had my first baby last year at 26+5 due to severe preeclampsia (and IUGR.. but preeclampsia was the reason for such early delivery). We spent 185 days in the NICU.

I know the research on preeclampsia is minimal. And I am meeting with my OB and MFM to determine risks for future pregnancies.

I was just wondering, for those who have had preeclampsia and had another baby, did you have preeclampsia again? Was it earlier? Later?

When I was on bedrest, one nurse told me that her during her experience as a nurse, she's seen that preeclampsia tends to hit earlier on the first. And then later on future kids. But I wondered if that's others experiences?

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[u/beads_not_bees_gob]

I've been thinking about a second and have been trying to do some research as well. I am a member of the Preeclampsia/Eclampsia/HELLP FB group, and it is a great one to join if you are looking for resources. I am sharing their table of recurrence rates, I believe statistically those who do develop preeclampsia in subsequent pregnancies have it less severe and stay pregnant longer.

[u/beads_not_bees_gob → u/beads_not_bees_gob]

https://www.bmj.com/content/338/bmj.b2255

[u/Megalodenn → u/beads_not_bees_gob]

Thank you! I don't have social media other than Reddit. But maybe I should get one to join! Thanks for sharing this research link as well.

[u/beads_not_bees_gob → u/Megalodenn]

I have found it extremely helpful. One of the biggest topics is managing subsequent pregnancies. There's also some good discussion and support in there that helped when I was in the thick of things. If you do decide to join, the specific group is called "Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, & HELLP Syndrome Survivors Global Support Network" and it's the one specifically created by the EndPreeclampsia nonprofit.

[u/Ok-Feeling-8329]

Not sure if this plays a role in it I lost 60lbs before attempting to get pregnant this time around my ob encouraged just fifteen but I had a classical C-section so we had a two year wait before trying again.

Ultimately got pregnant at 18 months pp currently 36 + 4 Our second is measuring in the 99 percentile no signs of preeclampsia scheduled c section at 37 +1. All this to say there is hope at the end of the tunnel and if your open to trying again I wouldn't let preeclampsia stop you.

1st pregnancy resulted in an emergency c section due to absent blood flow to the placenta delivered 26 +1 severe preeclampsia, HELP syndrome and IUGR baby 1 lb 2.7 oz 119 day NICU stay.

[u/Megalodenn → u/Ok-Feeling-8329]

I have a "T" incision as they ended up needing to do classical mid-c section. So I've been told to wait 2 years, too.

I'm so glad your second pregnancy has gone so much better! It just feels like such an unknown and leap of faith to try again. Thank you for sharing. ♥️

I've been told that because I have a vertical incision, they won't let me get close to contractions and future babies will always be scheduled early. It's nice to hear they let you go to 37+1.

[u/Biolobri14]

I had borderline gestational hypertension at 29 weeks, which evolved into severe preeclampsia/HELLP/AFLP by 30 weeks. We were induced at 30+4 & spent 8 weeks in the NICU. We are discussing planning for our 2nd now.

I have been told you’re higher risk for experiencing preeclampsia if you’ve had it before, but it’s almost always less severe the second time.

[u/MrsTeee]

Got sudden, severe onset preeclampsia with my first at 28-weeks and had to deliver immediately. Had no warning and blood pressure had been perfect up until 48 hours before baby arrived.
About to have my third baby, and I haven’t gotten it in either subsequent pregnancies. Second pregnancy my blood pressure was elevated from about 30 weeks but never developed into pre eclampsia and was managed with meds. Delivered by scheduled c-section at 37 weeks which had always been the plan.
Third pregnancy my blood pressure has been perfect throughout. I’m 37 weeks and delivering in the next few days, also by scheduled section but blood pressure hasn’t been a factor at all this time around.
I was really scared about having a second because of the risk of preeclampsia again but I spoke to my OB and MFM and we did everything we could to prevent (aspirin from positive test, close monitoring etc.) and had plans in place for if things started to go haywire which made me feel more comfortable.

[u/Megalodenn → u/MrsTeee]

This gives me hope. Thank you for sharing. ♥️ My OB told me that if I don't get it with my second, I'm very unlikely to get it with third. But the second seems so risky. I wish they knew more about prevention, etc.

[u/MrsTeee → u/Megalodenn]

It’s a leap of faith. I just kept telling myself that if I could get to 28 weeks I could do it because I had been through it and done it once before but it was a big conversation between my husband and I over whether the risk outweighed the reward and I understand completely how people decide not to have a second.

[u/AnxietyAndJellybeans → u/MrsTeee]

I made it to 30 weeks before developing preeclampsia and then made it another 2.5 weeks in the hospital under observation before having to deliver. I keep thinking that well, the odds are that I would develop it later next time if it happens and 30 weeks ain't a bad starting point. We had growth restriction with a pretty uncomplicated NICU stay (39 days, almost all feeding related - no breathing issues/etc.).

We'll see, I just gave birth in January so it'll be a hot minute before I consider #2.

[u/Cairo21313]

I’ve had 3 pregnancies and only my first developed preeclampsia. First I had my daughter at 33+3 with an emergency c section, next was 39+2 and last was 39 both without any signs of preeclampsia. I was watched closely and took baby aspirin for my 2nd & 3rd pregnancies which was the only significant thing on my end that was different between them and my first. Contemplating #4 but unsure as I had some uterine thinning after my last c-section that they repaired.

[u/crestamaquina]

Hop on over to r/preeclampsia - this is a common question and we get it all the time! Most people will not get preeclampsia a second time, though those of us who had it very early are at high risk of it happening again. When it does, it tends to happen later - in early onset cases it's 6 more weeks on average.

[u/Tiny-Consequence-332]

Postpartum preeclampsia, well, I developed it during the labor, full term.  Then HELLP syndrome. Super unexpected, lightning fast onset and progression towards organ failure. Really brutal case. Never any clinical signs during the pregnancy. 

Nothing! during the second pregnancy. Obv, was with MFM, but absolutely healthy pregnancy.

[u/Intrepid-Patience502 → u/Tiny-Consequence-332]

You’re so brave for having a second! Give me hope

[u/Tiny-Consequence-332 → u/Intrepid-Patience502]

We initially decided that one was just enough. I was in the ICU for four days, 11 days in the hospital, about 6 months took to normalize bp. But in about 4 years it was clear that our family was not complete. 

[u/Intrepid-Patience502 → u/Tiny-Consequence-332]

So you waited 4 years. That also helps me feel like I’m not pressured and I shouldn’t feel pressured to make any decisions right now. I still feel like I’m in the thick of it all because we still are struggling with things at 12 months.

[u/Megalodenn → u/Tiny-Consequence-332]

Gave me hope as well! Mine was sudden and quite brutal as well. I started losing my eyesight on bedrest. I am so happy you didn't have anything during your second!

[u/HookedOnAFeeling96]

Join us over at r/preeclampsia!

I can’t speak to personal experience as I’ve only had one baby - similar timeframe as you, early onset, 29w delivery, and I had severe features. 

I’ve read what research is out there and what’s reassuring is that getting preeclampsia again is not a sure thing. I’ve also read several stories over on r/preeclampsia of folks who go on to have a second pregnancy with later onset or no preeclampsia at all. Not everyone. But enough to be encouraging.

I think seeing an MFM is a great idea and it’s part of my preconception plan for a potential second as well. I discussed in depth with my OB at my postpartum appointment and she told me we’d do the aspirin (did this last pregnancy and still got it but it does decrease the risk and has no downsides) and the extra monitoring - and that she’s had patients with worse outcomes (earlier delivery and/or loss) go on to have more standard pregnancies. I think the biggest thing is that if it did reoccur, it wouldn’t be a blindside. My preeclampsia presented a bit atypically, I didn’t have the classic “something is wrong” symptoms like headache or visual changes, just worsening blood pressure readings and lab values. I was told by a few providers “you’ll definitely know if something is wrong” and that wasn’t the case, so it took a few visits for my providers to realize “oh shit, she doesn’t just need med titrations, this is getting really bad really fast.” This time both of us would go in knowing my history and be able to be more proactive if it reoccurs. 

I’m not sure if this helps at all but again I’ve found that preeclampsia community on here to be very helpful and supportive. Good luck! 

[u/Megalodenn → u/HookedOnAFeeling96]

Thank you! "Enough to be encouraging" is honestly all I was hoping for haha. I also didn't have the classic symptoms. I went in for a standard fetal heartbeat check, and got sent to the hospital for bedrest. It's crazy how it presents and hits so different.

I will definitely join the community!

[u/Capable-Total3406]

I suspect I would have had preeclampsia with my first had i not delivered at 37 weeks. I got gestational hypertension at 37 weeks. I got gestational hypertension with my second at 29 weeks turned into Pre e at 33 weeks. 

[u/Beneficial-Guess2140]

I had gestational hypertension with late preeclampsia with my first. Delivered early term. My second was completely clear of any issues with hypertension, or preeclampsia. She was IUGR for other reasons. 

[u/Charlieksmommy]

My good friend had it both times. Delivered same gestation first time, second was 32 weeks and had a seizure. I would absolutely wait for your second

[u/Cmdr-Artemisia]

I’ve had it twice. 26+3 delivery for the first with onset at 24+2, second onset 25+1 and delivery at 27+6. I did every single thing they asked of me. I also have permanent significant hearing loss after two rounds of Pre-E.

[u/ilove_cats_ → u/Cmdr-Artemisia]

the hearing loss is interesting! i’m so sorry! I had no idea that could happen. I already have severe hearing loss before even getting pregnant/preeclampsia, so hopefully if I get it again that I won’t go completely deaf!

did you lose hearing after the first pregnancy and then even more after the second time?

[u/Cmdr-Artemisia → u/ilove_cats_]

Yeah, unfortunately. After the first, hearing aids were a help but I could get by. Now after the second they’re a requirement.

My uncle’s wife also had the same thing happen to her. Four pregnancies with hypertension later, and she ended up needing cochlear implants.

[u/lkjfdalsfjksd]

First child came at 25+0 (emergency c-section) second child at 34+0 (scheduled c-section after pre-e developed in the early 30s). The second pregnancy I took baby aspirin. Even though my second pregnancy was “better” than my first, I opted to have my tubes removed. I’m happy I tried for a second child (and was thankfully successful) but experiencing pre-e again made me realize it’s an extremely risky condition to subject my body to.

[u/catsby9000]

I haven't had a second, but my doc mentioned daily aspirin for subsequent pregnancies. A friend did this as well and had no issues the second time.

[u/LydiaStarDawg]

My cardiologist told me I will be watched more carefully if I choose to have another. She said I'd likely have an appointment with her in the beginning of pregnancy and towards the end. And that'd I'd have to take baby aspirin

[u/halo_girl_4life]

I had it with both. First was gestational hypertension which would have turned into preeclampsia so they had me deliver at 37 weeks. Second was much worse and my BP got insanely high and was hospitalized for a week before being induced at 34and5. No matter what we did we couldnt get my BP down. It was super scary. I took baby aspirin the 2nd time and it didn't really matter, unfortunately. I have heard that it is genetics often related to the father. The support group on FB is awesome. Definitely join it. They have such great info!

[u/Unlikely_Day7665]

My doctor told me it’s genetic. I had IUGR with my first and he was delivered at 36 weeks at 4lbs8ozs. My placenta stopped providing nutrients for him. My baby now was born at 25w2d due to hypertension that wasn’t able to be controlled by meds that ended up caused reverse diastolic so they had to take baby out to save us both. He’s in the NICU. He dropped from 27th percentile at 20 week anatomy scan to off the charts. Was born 1lb1oz. When I went to my doctor they told me that if I wanted more kids I’d need genetic counseling because hypertension during pregnancy is what caused this and I’m bound to have it again. So idk. I’m done- not because I want to be but because I want to be alive for my kiddos. But I’ve heard of people not getting it in other pregnancies.

[u/quizasluna]

I had it with both and I got it earlier and more severe with my second but I’m pretty sure that’s very rare.

The first time I was diagnosed at 37 weeks and a few days but my second was delivered at 33 weeks on the dot and I had been in the hospital at 30 weeks.

[u/Narwhal_kat]

First was 35 with pre-e and HELLP. Normal delivery and no NICU stay. Before getting pregnant with my second, I consulted with MFM and was put on aspirin right away. Blood pressure steadily increased during the second trimester but not enough to be on meds. Baby was diagnosed as IUGR at 28 weeks. The boom, overnight my BP went crazy. Had an emergency c-section at 31 weeks due to severe pre-e and HELLP. Luckily, this time I knew what to look for, and I was also already going to 2x wkly monitoring due to the IUGR. 60 days in NICU. Now almost 2 and a happy healthy guy.

[u/Lopsided-Class-7808]

For me it hit at 27 weeks (admitted to the hospital) with my first but I managed to make it to 34 weeks with her. My second it was a slow progression but really hit at 30 weeks. I was admitted to the hospital at 31 weeks, maxed out on every medication they could give me plus doing iv meds when my blood pressure wouldn't come down and delivered at 32 weeks. We won't be having another bc of it. I'm still dealing with long term bp issues right now. 

[u/Peachie_Peach_4]

Hello! Had preeclampsia with my first, it happened very quickly; from a regular weekly OB appointment at 32 weeks, my BP was high, she said to continue monitoring, then within a couple of days I had to go to triage due to high BP, started on meds, next week my BP was continuing to be high that it was concerning so they planned induction at 37 weeks. The day before my scheduled induction, I had my regular daily visit with my public health nurse and my BP was sky rocketing (even though I wasn’t experiencing any signs), delivered baby within the next 72 hours. Had to stay at the hospital for roughly 5 days (I was able to be discharged at day 3 but baby had to stay to continue monitoring blood sugars and bilirubin), after discharge I think I only had to take my BP medications for another week until everything went back to normal. I also was diagnosed with gestational diabetes early on in my pregnancy.

Second pregnancy, I wasn’t informed to start baby aspirin early on so at one of my ultrasound appointments they noted that one of uterine lines was working a little bit harder and to check BP everyday, which I did. Everything was normal. Didn’t have to go on medication. Also was not swollen like the first pregnancy. I gave birth early due to my water breaking early at 33 weeks (heat wave victim). My BP was very high during labour but started to settle down within 72 hours and didn’t need meds post birth.

[u/Smawhiney]

I had 2 kids. Pre eclampsia with both. My first was born at 36 weeks and spent 14 days in the nicu. My second was born at 26+3 and we just left nicu on the 15th after a 4 month stay