OB Dilemma & Blood Pressure Probs/Holly, Tori, Carmel

[Guest guest]

Hi Holly-

was talking about the endo keeping me hypo during pregnancy because of

blood pressure concerns.

I'm not worried about it this time because I was kept hypothyroid when I was

pregnant with my son during the entire pregnancy and he has no ill effects

from it. During that time, although my TSH was 4.5, I was unable to

efficiently convert T4 to T3 so I don't really know how hypothyroid I really

was since they didn't test my free T3 levels.

This time, I started out with high blood pressure which started spiking at

180/115 when I was 19 weeks along. It came down when they put me on bedrest

but was getting gradually higher even then. I was at high risk for

preclampsia which is worse than slight hypothyroidism because if you have to

have the baby delivered (the only cure for preeclampsia is delivery) even at

28 weeks, the survival rate for infants is only 50%. And those that do

survive have significant problems. So, when my FT4 levels dropped below

normal during this pregnancy, the endo let them drop. My blood pressure has

dropped significantly too along with them (if kept here it would eventually

go up but I won't be here for very long). My FT3 levels are still normal.

I am hypothyroid though. I'm having sleep apnea, muscle weakness, muscle

cramping and muscle soreness.

The good thing is that this time, I didn't become hypothyroid until around

24 weeks. That's well after the time that the babies make their own thyroid

hormone (they need Mom's till week 11) and they'll be fine as long as their

placentas are fine (they get enough iodine in an American diet).

If I had a choice, I'd rather my thyroid levels be at the upper end of

normal but there wasn't really much of a choice this time. This was really

one of those lesser of 2 evils decisions.

Tori-

I know it's a disappointment not to be delivering at home or at a birthing

center but the birthing rooms at hospitals are really nice nowadays. And

that was a great suggestion to have a doula and midwife there. I know I was

disappointed this week because Arthur (he's too rambunctious) has flipped

head up again so a C-sec is a thought I'm getting used to again. But once I

got used to the idea the 1st time (I was so happy that it looked like I'd be

able to go naturally for a week), it wasn't so bad. I'm still hoping

though. But whatever's best for the babies.

Carmel-

I'm glad you're feeling better. I still have to tell you about my mom. She

was 2 1/2 mos. pregnant with my sister when her family doctor (they did

everything in those days) did surgery on her and removed an ovary. My

sister was born hale and hearty 6 1/2 mos later (no birth defects) and now

has 3 children of her own.

Anyhow, sorry everybody for being so longwinded. My computer has been down

for 3 days and I crammed 3 letters into one.

Take care,

dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24)

Someone, maybe Tori?, mentioned that their doc was trying to keep them a

> little hypo. I kept my mouth shut then, not wanting to scare anyone. I

know

> we worry more than necessary about everything when we're pregnant.