What I learned from my illness. Passing on - some birthing plan info for you guys.

kit_kats_mom wrote: It was congestive heart failure AKA Peripartum Cardiomyopathy brought on by the introduction of too many iv's during labor. Here is a link about the problem that I had: http://ppcmsupport.net/wip.html


From my research, it appears to be somewhat rare (1 in 1300-1400 live births) but I like to consider myself a knowlegable person, especially about labor. I recall seeing the question about IV or no IV when I was filling out my birth plans but I never really heard anything about why it would be a problem except for the mobility issues. I'm including a link for info on that just FYI.
http://www.birthingnaturally.net/birthplan...vention/iv.html
Who would have thought some extra water could cause so many problems?

Not to scare anyone but I've been awake most nights just thinking what could have happened. I don't want to miss out on my kids. Maybe it was a wake up call for me to let go of the little things and I must say that I was really enjoying the sunshine and just holding Lauren today....no tv, no distractions...just tons of love and gratitude that I've been given another day to appreciate all of the gifts I've received.

amynicole21 replied: Holy Cr@p! Congestive heart failure??? That is insane. I'm so glad you are ok now, though. I hate iv's anyway... maybe I'll try to talk my docs into not giving me any (even though I will be having an epi.) I'm glad you are home with your lovely ladies now

A&A'smommy replied: Thank you for sharing this info with us I never knew anything about this and I think its important to know!!!

jcc64 replied: I have never ever heard of this, which is surprising b/c apparently it's not all that rare.
A life changing event for you Cary, one that thankfully has a happy ending.
You're in my thoughts every day.

MomToMany replied: Wow! That is so scary! I'm so very glad that you and Lauren came through it OK. Thanks for posting the info; hopefully it won't happen to someone else.

maestra replied: Wow....they gave me too much iv fluids during labor (they did it with Jaci too) and I am still dealing with the swelling. Dh has to massage my shins, ankles and feet several times a day to help with my circulation. I hadn't called the dr yet, but after reading about what happened to you, if it's not better by tomorrow I might.

I'm glad you're feeling better!

ETA- They gave me extra iv fluids before I got the epidural, and it still didn't help with my bp. At one point, it was 88/43. And I used to have high blood pressure!

kimberley replied: thank you for sharing your info Cary. i am sorry you had to go through all that but glad you have come out with a renewed sense of family. can you post some new pics of you and the girls?

aspenblue1 replied: Cary thanks for sharing. I have never heard of that.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Thank you Cary for letting us know what happened. I will be sure and pass that info along as I am finished having children. I remember getting too many fluids, too. Maybe that is why I had chest pains after labor. I know it took 2 weeks for the swelling to go down in my ankles.

You are very sweet and once again, you brought tears to my eyes. I'm glad you are able to enjoy your beautiful girls and you have taken the good out of this scary situation and focused more on your family.

Kaitlin'smom replied: thanks that very scary. I will send the info on to my sister so she can be informed before this birth.

I am so glad your fine was well as baby Lauren.

paradisemommy replied: very very scary information and i'm so happy to hear you are better. i have never heard of this before but will now make a mental note for next time. thanks, cary for the research!

~Roo'sMama~ replied: Wow ok now I'm freaked out... is it frowned on by doctors if you request no iv's? I'm afraid to have one now.
I'm glad you're ok!!!

Mommy2BAK replied: Thank you so much for sharing that info. That is the best thing you can do, just get the word out so maybe it can be prevented. I am glad that you are doing better now and are able to enjoy your new little bundle of joy!

DansMom replied: I've never heard of this either---it's incredibly scary. I'm glad they figured it out and that you are recovering.

coasterqueen replied: Wow, I've never heard of this either. I guess I should feel very very lucky because I had a TON of iv fluids with Kylie especially with the c/s and didn't have a problem.

I will be sure to be aware of this when I go in next time. It was my understanding that if you have to have pitocin or a c/s you HAVE to have an iv fluid so I'm not sure how much some could avoid it, though.

MommyToAshley replied: OMG!!!!! That is so scary! I am so glad that you went to the doctor when you did, and that you are doing ok now. I've never heard of it either, thanks for getting this information out to others.