I am at the end of my pregnancy, I am full term and I have gained 17 lbs of water weight in two weeks. The swelling is bad in my legs but also in my face. I feel like I am going to pass out and I almost did a couple times, I am anemic but I am on iron pills, last week I dialated to 1cm this week I am now at 2. I have been having constant contractions and pains. I understand that a lot of this is normal but I am very worried about the water retention, some mornings I have a hard time breathing my head is so swollen that my head starts pounding. I cannot get an honest answer out of the midwives that is mandatory for me to see since I am in the military, I am treated like a number not a person. Can anyone help me, something really does not feel right. Thank you

Do you know if your blood pressure is normal or is it increased? 17 pounds in 2 weeks is not normal, also accompanied by your other symptoms I would be concerned.

Are you experiencing any dizziness, blurred vision?

I am experiencing a lot of dizziness and blurred vision, but I have told the midwives that and they said that there was nothing wrong with me. My blood pressure is 120/80 but that is high for me, I normally have very low blood pressure. Like 100/60 or less. I wish I could see a civilian doctor but the military will not cover it and I can't get a straight honest answer from the mid wives

I think you should go to the hospital I no you said military won't cover it but they still will c you. Sometimes 2 opinion is better then 1

I really want to and I will very shortly if I need to I just cannot afford the bill. I am just scared

Has the midwife ever mentioned any noticeable change when checking protein levels during a urine check? I would give your midwife a call in the morning and explain again the concerns that you have. Point out the sudden and increased swelling, the headaches, vision changes, and dizziness.

A condition called pre-eclampsia can occur without the usual elevated blood pressure. For you it may be high enough even though it may be the norm for someone else.

I would ask that they check into it some more to ease your concerns. You could always go to the ER at the military hospital and explain your situation to get another opinion that way. What tricare plan do you have?

I'm active duty so I believe its tri care prime. Sadly my usual doctor is not in tomorrow, the clinic is closed on the weekends, I would have to go to labor and delivery and that's where I get treated very badly. One of the mid wives there told me that I was fat and my baby was going to fight obesity his entire life, and didn't do any tests on me. That's usually how it is when I'm there. They have checked my urine before and said it looked good. I can't understand how I am fat though since I have always been in great shape. I think I should go to a civilian hospital to get checked out, I thought before I was showing signs of preclampsia but the mid wives said that since my blood pressure is within a normal range I don't have it. You are right though it is high for me but they didn't listen when I told them that.

How very sad to have someone, a midwife no less, say such a thing to you!

If it is possible, I would go to a civilian hospital and get checked. It could just be end of pregnancy discomforts, but it would be worth the peace of mind.

Since you have tricare prime (double check) you could check with the hospitals in your area and see what your cost will be. Many will cover you with prime, with some cost to you.