2023 Promise Walk for Preeclampsia

Why I Walk

On September 7th, 2022, 4 days postpartum, I was diagnosed with preeclampsia. Throughout my second and third trimester, I dealt with extreme swelling, rapid weight gain (80+ pounds in 22 weeks), and severe fatigue. At 30 weeks, I was sent to the hospital due to my blood pressure being 157/90, but I was not put immediately on medication or followed because my blood pressure was stabilizing around 140/90s. I was told to "watch my salt". My husband stopped fueling my cravings and made sure I was eating less junk. I did not see signs of improvement. With the information that I know now, I believe I should have been monitored further, and maybe I would not have had to rush back to the hospital with my 4 day old daughter to be told I was about to have a stroke because my blood pressure was 189/110. I was placed on a magnesium drip that saved my life and sent home with 600mg of blood pressure medication. 9 months later, I am still taking 100mg of blood pressure medication a day. Due to preeclampsia, I will never carry a baby past 38 weeks, and I am scared to have complications earlier in my pregnancy that can result in a preterm infant. Research is so behind with preeclampsia, and after sharing my story, I have connected with several acquaintances who have also dealt with high blood pressure, pre eclampsia, and the magnesium drip. Why is this happening to many young, healthy women? We are lucky to have our healthy babies, but not everyone has the same outcome. I am doing this walk because I want to raise money and awareness for preeclampsia. Doctors need to start viewing swelling and rapid weight gain as a serious issue!

Emily Powers

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$350.00

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$350.00

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