Did you experience high blood pressure during your pregnancy?

My bf's cousin is expecting her first baby (girl) and her doctor just scheduled her for a c-sect for Friday due to her high blood pressure. Her original due date was May 17th. Since I'm the most recent one in the family to have a baby, she comes and asks me questions, but I really don't know much about high blood pressure. I guess because I didn't experience it, me and my doctor didn't talk much about it. She said her doctor told her that the baby could stay in the hospital for 5-7 days. She's worried, can any of you help me ease her worries a little? What kind of risks are there for her and/or the baby?

Thanks in advance.

I had high blood pressure with my 2nd (little girl) It came about a 34 weeks 5 days and i ended up having her the next day. She was fine weighting in at 6lbs. 6oz. and came home in 2 days just like every other baby. They did want me to have a c-section as well but i talked the doctor into giving me 12 hours to have her. He said is she isn't here in 12 hours he will do a c-section. Her and the baby should be fine, she isn't going to be that early, just make sure to tell her to watch herself AFTER she has the baby. Lots of people don't and that's when they get into trouble. Cut down on the salt is the big thing. Tell her congrats and don't stress because that will make it worse on her and the baby.

She can trust her doctor. Baby will be just fine if it goes out just 20 days earlier. I had high blood pressure and nothing was wrong with my baby or me. But she can ask for a second opinion just to be sure and to get some peace of mind.

It sounds as though her doctor is worried about pre eclampsia (however not every case of high blood pressure during pregnant is pre eclampsia, it can also be "pregnancy induced hypertension, which is what I have). Which is a high blood pressure related pregnancy incident. I have had high blood pressure issues with all 4 of my babies. I have been able to take medication to control it and having the baby early has never happened thus far. Im sure her doctor has looked for protein in the urine and such things as that. A lot of the time when pre eclampsia is a factor, its much more safe for the baby to be out then in.
Your friend will be about 37.5 weeks when she has the baby.. there are HUGE chances of the baby being absolutely fine. Full term is considered 37 weeks and most babies lungs are fully developed and ready to go. I honestly believe that her baby wont have to stay any extra time, nor will the baby have to spend time in the NICU. Tell her that her chances are extremely good that the baby will go home when she does.

I had pre-eclampsia at 37 weeks with my first baby. My bp was through the roof. My dr induced me, and my baby and I were perfectly fine. He was bone 6 lbs 11 oz and didn't have to stay any longer than normal. He didn't want to breastfeed, though, because he was so sleepy when he was first born because they had administered magnesium to help my BP. Now, years later, I have been diagnosed with a heart defect at the age of 23. My cardiologist believes that it may have been caused by the high blood pressure. I think the dr should have done a c-section instead of letting me go that long trying to deliver, but I'll never know if it actually was the blood pressure.

yes and its not a good sign either. its called pre-clampsia. i had the same exact thing when i was pregnant, my blood pressure got up to 206/109 at my last appt back in december, and thats the day they sent me to the hospital and did an emergency c-section. i was literally blind. i dont understand why they would put it off till friday, they should have already taken the baby by now. she could have a seizure or stroke and the babys heart beat can drop and it could not make it. my daughter was in the NICU for 3 wks due to being 6 wks premature she was due around (not to sure of exact date cuz of my period) january 8th and was born on december 9. i just hope she makes and wish the best for her.

My son was born at 37 weeks because I had high blood pressure. He was small, just under 5 1/2lbs. He did have a very slight breathing problem when he was born so he was on oxygen for a bit. He spent 4 days total in the hospital because he did develop jaundice. If not for that we could have went home sooner. Most likely her doctor was trying to prepare her for the worst. Jaundice will extend a hospital stay, apnea, baby's size. I think everything will be ok though. She's close to her date which allows the baby more time to grow and develop. Her biggest concern for the baby will probably be jaundice.