Second Pregnancy, what to do?

Hi Liz, I am new to the site. I had my son in June at 31+4 due to pre-eclampsia which I first noticed at 30+3 but in hindsight was probably there before that.

We really wanted more children but after this I am not so sure. I have asked my GP about a referral to an expert but she says she doesn't know how to go about that. I am also considering going to a birth reflections meeting but not sure if that is appropriate as i didn't have a labour so don't want to waste their time.

Do you know who are nearest expert would be? The hospital I was under is the Cumberland Infirmary Carlisle in Cumbria. We were transferred to the RVI in Newcastle on the secinond day as he got a pneumothorax and needed a chest drain and ventillation for a couple of days.

Thanks

Dear Rosie,

Welcome to the site and thank you for your post.

Many congratulations on the birth of your son.

I think an appointments with the reflections midwife or doctor is an excellent idea and one I would have suggested.
With PE there are often markers that it may be lurking in the back ground but do not become apparent until after it has occured. It is worth looking through your notes to look at what risk factors you may have that you perhaps are not aware of (eg sticky blood syndromes) and what happened and when in your pregnancy - like a time line.

This is really useful information when planning a subsequent pregnancy. If PE does recurr it tends to follow a similar pattern but about 2 weeks later, so knowing what happened and when helps to plan ahead and offer strategies to help before they become so devastating.

I have inboxed you the names of the specialists in your area, my geography is awful but as you have mentioned Newcastle that is where I shall start!
You will need to be referred by your GP ideally, but if there is any reticence then you can contact the expert directly.
It might be an idea, once you have had your reflections appointment to consider obtaining a copy of your notes. This way, when you see the expert you will have the facts about what happened to you and when.

The upside of all this knowledge is that it makes it harder for PE to create the chaos it so often does in a first pregnancy. Taking the time to understand what happened to you is a huge part of the healing process but only you will truely know if and when you are ready to try again.

I hope this helps, but as alsways, if I can offer you further assistance or support then please do let me know.

With warm wishes
Liz

Thaks Liz.

I have a reflection appointment on friday so hopefully can get a good read through my notes. Is there anything I should be asking?
I will try with the GP for a referral next year.