High blood pressure

I developed it suddenly around 38 weeks during my last pregnancy and it didn't develop into preeclampsia but like you I was on Labetalol to manage it. As soon as it was picked up, I was booked for an induction at 40 weeks and monitored closely until that point. It meant I couldn't have the water birth I wanted originally. My labour and birth experience was still really positive as I progressed really well. After birth the BP was still high for a few weeks and they gradually reduced the medication until it went back to normal

@Kirsty thank you. It happened suddenly with me too, I’m 36+2, I was originally staring maternity leave on my due date as I wanted to have as much time off as possible after but I packed it in as soon as all this shafted to happen really just to keep it maintained as I can relax at home! I spoke to my midwife today about whether it would effect my birth/labour and she said it shouldn’t but with the water birth it can effect the blood pressure so might be an issue there but not guaranteed so we will see. She hasn’t mentioned whether they’ll induce me or anything earlier but just said they are doing what they can to maintain blood pressure and keep it stable. X

I have had it throughout my pregnancy. It's been a nightmare! Mine's always been borderline, they haven't ever prescribed me medication as it's usually ok at home then shoots up at hospital. It has been high at home too but not enough to prescribe, which in a way has been worse as they've got me doing daily checks which has caused me stress, raising my BP! I've had dozens of appointments for it. It's ruined the pregnancy experience for me I'd say. I've been booked for 39 weeks induction but that's more cause the baby is big.

@Kerri Yeah that's not a bad idea finishing a bit sooner. Luckily I had just finished work. It's strange because I didn't feel any different at all for having the high BP so would have been non the wiser. The only reason I was told no water birth was due to the induction and the monitoring that comes with that process so fingers crossed for you 🤞🏻 x

@Emma I agree, it is a nightmare and it’s constantly making me question whether I am okay or whether baby is ok but whenever I go to hospital for it they never have corners around baby because he is always moving as normal and his checks are always ok. I’m checking daily too to make sure it’s maintained, they told me to ring MAC if it ever goes above 140/90. The first time wasn’t sent it was ‘borderline’ but the second time it was higher. Just an absolute nightmare and a lot of stress! I’m always so anxious that it’s going to develop into preeclampsia! 🥲 I’ve not had any growth scans or anything but when measuring my bump my midwife says he is measuring just where he should be so not sure if they’ll induce me for that reason but just have to see what happens I guess! Good luck with everything & your birth! When are you due? X

@Kerri it's honestly the only thing that's caused me stress, then the irony is that causes worse BP... They've now told me to call if it gets to 150/110 as I've had readings of 140/90 and it's been fine. Had pre eclampsia tests, all good. It's truly just anxiety for me I think. I spent about 7 hours in triage on Saturday as my home readings were 150+ which is the only time I've had home readings that high. Since then it's all been ok. Thanks, I'm due the 29th but being induced on the 22nd.

@Emma it’s been the exact same for me, just an absolute nightmare! I’ll be glad when baby arrives safely & I don’t have to worry about it anymore (hoping my BP maintains and goes back to normal after birth) I’m due 31st March! X

It is common to develop hypertension towards the end of pregnancy and your delivery with really depend on how bad it gets. With my first I was on a low dose of labetalol for most of my pregnancy and it managed it really well until I was 38+5 and it shot up. They decided to induce me then as I was already full term instead of increasing my medication and sending me home. As it was an induction and my blood pressure was pretty out of control I was just stuck attached to monitors until I ended up with a C-section. Before that happened the consultant had told me that they didn’t want me going past 40 weeks and I would be booked in for an induction at 39-40 weeks. This time my blood pressure has been slightly worse and I’m on a higher dose of labetalol. I’m having a planned C-section and they want me to deliver at 37-38 weeks.