VBAC with high blood pressure?

MommyinDec04 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-26-2007, 08:10 AM

I had pre-e with my first pregnancy, was induced, had a wonderful vaginal birth that was only a few hours. I had high bp with my second baby but didn't develop pre-e, baby was breech so I had a scheduled c-section. We're thinking of trying to conceive again but I'm terrified of having another c-section. I had a perfect recovery, no problems...I just don't want another. So my question is (and I do have an appointment to speak to my dr about this) can I have a VBAC with high blood pressure issues? I have had to take blood pressure medicine since I developed the pre-e and even with a now after a lot of weight loss I'm still taking it. I still have another 30-40 lbs to go before I want to get pregnant. I want to have my body at it's strongest to be able to birth another baby. I think my blood pressure issues will always be there. My family history is that every single person has high blood pressure. I've heard that you absolutely can not have a VBAC with high blood pressure. Is that true?

thepeach80 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-28-2007, 08:30 AM

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/vbac.html

This lists bp as a reason to not have a VBAC, but I've been thinking about it. I think the main reason for not having high bp is you often have to be induced (which is often not reccomended when having a VBAC) to prevent it from getting higher and then have to take mag sulfate for the bp which stops ctxs as well making it nearly impossible to deliver vaginally. The thinking would be, you're pretty much doomed in that case, so why go through all the risks associated w/ all of that? I did choose to be induced w/ Ilana, but like I said on the DID board, I was 4cm and on the verge of going into labor anyways so it really wasn't a big deal to me. I'm not sure I would've gone w/ an induction had I been closed and not close to labor. Hopefully the weight loss takes care of the bp issues though, that would help a lot. Good luck!

MommyinDec04 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-28-2007, 08:40 AM

My thinking was about the magnesium too. I didn't have magnesium with either pregnancy so I'm not sure that would really affect me. I was induced the first time but I was already dilated to 3 and it wasn't much of an induction. I didn't require much Pitocin at all. I'm sure the weight loss will help with the bp issues but as soon as the hormones kick in my blood pressure goes up. It never gets REALLY high though. 140/90-ish. So we aren't talking stroke levels or anything. That site is actually what made me ask this question. I couldn't figure out why it wasn't recommended. Especially since I've already have one labor and delivery that went so well.

thepeach80 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-28-2007, 10:09 AM

You'd be surprised at what some weight loss can do for even pgcy hormones and hopefully for you that'll hold true. If you've never had to have the mag (good for you, it sucks!) and things went well for your oldest, I don't see what the big issue could be. You have a proven pelvis (which some DRs require and ACOG tries to push) and you've never had high enough bp where you were in serious danger, so you should be able to at least try and if things get bad for some reason, you can always opt for a c/s at any time, kwim. Good luck. I need to hop in your weight loss boat, but I've been so unmotivated lately. Ugh.

BabiesAhoy · #5 (**permalink**) 09-29-2007, 12:12 PM

Here's a site with some information and links to other sources of info. It's mostly about PIH, but I think there's some things that are relevant for you.

The other thought that came to mind, is what size cuff are they using to check your blood pressure? If you have larger arms, the regular cuff can artificially inflate your blood pressure readings. Make sure they use the large size cuff for you. I know I've had to ask a couple of times, and some of them get a bit pissy about it, but it really does make a difference. http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/lgbpcuffs.htm

The main index for that site is http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/firstindex.html , it's a great resource.