The last few days have been rough for my family. My daughter is 29 weeks pregnant and is currently in the hospital with severe preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. On Tuesday, I took her to her doctor's appointment and then to the hospital for a RhoGam shot, some additional bloodwork, and to schedule her 3-hour glucose test. While there, she started experiencing moderate bleeding. They admitted her and ran more tests, which determined that she has severe preeclampsia. She already had a congenital kidney disorder and heart problems that cause her to have high blood pressure. Because she was 28 weeks and 2 days, they transported her to a larger, (somewhat) nearby hospital with a NICU and high-risk OBGYNs.
They started her on magnesium sulfate and steroids. The plan is/was for her to stay in the hospital until she is 34 weeks and deliver the baby. By Thursday, they put her on a lower, maintenance of the magnesium sulfate and she was able to take showers and use the bathroom if someone was with her. Her blood pressure was lower (down to 139/80 from 196/120) and she was feeling well enough to play cards with me for a few hours. Friday afternoon, she took a turn for the worse. Her blood pressure spiked again, she had a horrific headache, and was experiencing trouble breathing and chest pain. They ran a blood test and gave her another EKG and ultrasound on her heart. The blood test showed troponin, which typically signifies a heart attack or other heart issue. The ultrasound shows fluid in her lungs and around her heart. I was not there when the EKG results were told to her, and she is in such a state that she does not exactly remember, so I have to ask the doctor tomorrow when I go back to visit. Today (Saturday), she had minor seizures. They increased the magnesium sulfate, started blood thinners, and ordered 100% bed rest. They told her that it is unlikely she will be permitted to go to 34 weeks.
I plan on visiting as much as I can; however, my anxiety keeps me all but housebound, so going that far for that long is horrific. I have a wheelchair but cannot push myself very far or up ramps due to my own heart issues. The closest parking would require me to push myself up three ramps, across a bridge, and around to the correct elevators. I just cannot do it, so I have to use valet parking each time. We are talking to the hospital's social services to try to get a reduction in valet costs. That will help me be able to go and see her more often.
They estimate the baby's weight to be around 3lbs. Both of my children were born early (7 weeks). Two of my nephews were born at 28 weeks. I even had preeclampsia with my children, along with a heart condition. I keep reminding myself that it all worked out for my children and my nephews. But then I remind myself that my sister's friend died while in labor after being diagnosed with preeclampsia. And I cannot get the fact that her kidneys and heart are bad enough that they have talked about kidney transplants and that she was told never to get pregnant. She had some complications since the start of it, but we just kept hoping that the medications would keep her blood pressure in check well enough until she had the baby.
Any good vibes would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for letting me dump all of this here.
They started her on magnesium sulfate and steroids. The plan is/was for her to stay in the hospital until she is 34 weeks and deliver the baby. By Thursday, they put her on a lower, maintenance of the magnesium sulfate and she was able to take showers and use the bathroom if someone was with her. Her blood pressure was lower (down to 139/80 from 196/120) and she was feeling well enough to play cards with me for a few hours. Friday afternoon, she took a turn for the worse. Her blood pressure spiked again, she had a horrific headache, and was experiencing trouble breathing and chest pain. They ran a blood test and gave her another EKG and ultrasound on her heart. The blood test showed troponin, which typically signifies a heart attack or other heart issue. The ultrasound shows fluid in her lungs and around her heart. I was not there when the EKG results were told to her, and she is in such a state that she does not exactly remember, so I have to ask the doctor tomorrow when I go back to visit. Today (Saturday), she had minor seizures. They increased the magnesium sulfate, started blood thinners, and ordered 100% bed rest. They told her that it is unlikely she will be permitted to go to 34 weeks.
I plan on visiting as much as I can; however, my anxiety keeps me all but housebound, so going that far for that long is horrific. I have a wheelchair but cannot push myself very far or up ramps due to my own heart issues. The closest parking would require me to push myself up three ramps, across a bridge, and around to the correct elevators. I just cannot do it, so I have to use valet parking each time. We are talking to the hospital's social services to try to get a reduction in valet costs. That will help me be able to go and see her more often.
They estimate the baby's weight to be around 3lbs. Both of my children were born early (7 weeks). Two of my nephews were born at 28 weeks. I even had preeclampsia with my children, along with a heart condition. I keep reminding myself that it all worked out for my children and my nephews. But then I remind myself that my sister's friend died while in labor after being diagnosed with preeclampsia. And I cannot get the fact that her kidneys and heart are bad enough that they have talked about kidney transplants and that she was told never to get pregnant. She had some complications since the start of it, but we just kept hoping that the medications would keep her blood pressure in check well enough until she had the baby.
Any good vibes would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for letting me dump all of this here.
Remember, in a pinch they can do a Cesarian - less stress on both mom and baby. If they do that, it might be wise for your daughter to ask them to tie her tubes at the same time (though I don't know that doctors would be willing to do the two procedures together - there may be medical reasons why it would be a bad idea).
Wishing the best outcome for your daughter 
