Wondering if my doctor's take on things/procedures are correct:
At about 20 weeks pregnant, had a blood pressure of 130/80, but no protein in urine, no swelling, headaches, etc. doctor ordered a 24 hour urine test - I thought that was a little weird- but did it anyway. Next 2 office visits I was overly worried and taking my pressure everyday. At those visits my pressure was elevated. But I told the doctor I was getting normal pressures everyday at home, and that I was feeling whitecoat hypertension. Anyway, cut to today, I am now 32 weeks, haven't had any high blood pressure for the last 4 visits - all readings around 120/75. Doctor tells me she would like to start monitoring the baby every visit just because I had a little high pressure in the beginning. They're treating me like a high risk patient-and I have 2 more months! what is your opinion/take on this. I am having an absolutely normal pregnancy. My sister had a high risk pregnancy and they didn't start monitoring her until 1 month to go. I don't understand, the only thing I can think is that my doctor wants more money from medicaid, since they don't pay good. If I had normal insurance, all I had to say that I will not pay for these extra tests/procedures, but I don't think she'd even mention them if I was normal insurance.

I think you are being treated perfectly! As an OB nurse I wish more doctors would monitor pressures closer than they do.

I would be more concerned if you were having issues and the doctor was poo-pooing the pressures and not treating you.

As long as you haven't been prescribed any meds, you should be happy you are being treated with such care.

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Originally Posted by tands411

Wondering if my doctor's take on things/procedures are correct:
at about 20 weeks preg, had a blood pressure of 130/80, but no protein in urine, no swelling, headaches, etc. doctor ordered a 24 hour urine test - i thought that was a little weird- but did it anyways. next 2 office visits i was overly worried and taking my pressure everyday. at those visits my pressure was elevated. but i told the doctor I was getting normal pressures everyday at home, and that i was feeling whitecoat hypertension. anyways, cut to today, I am now 32 weeks, haven't had any high blood pressure for the last 4 visits - all readings around 120/75. doctor tells me she would like to start monitoring the baby every visit just because I had a little high pressure in the beginning. They're treating me like a high risk patient-and i have 2 more months!!what is your opinion/take on this. I am having an absolutely normal pregnancy. my sister had a high risk pregnancy and they didn't start monitoring her until 1 month to go. I don't understand, the only thing I can think is that my doctor wants more money from medicaid, since they don't pay good. If I had normal insurance, all I had to say that I will not pay for these extra tests/procedures, but I don't think she'd even mention them if I was normal insurance.

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Did she say how she is going to monitor baby? What were your other readings at the office that were elevated? The one you mentioned was elevated, but not unusually high.

She is erroring on the side of caution. Is it necessary? Maybe, maybe not. Could it be partly for the money? Who knows.

As J_9 said, as long as she isn't pushing meds or other interventions because of a few elevated pressures, it is just simple monitoring. Some doctors will do much more than others.

You could always ask her to explain it more to you next time you go in. Find out what her concerns are, what she is checking when she monitors baby, etc. Maybe if she answers your questions more thoroughly, you will be more comfortable with what she is recommending.