I walk because this condition robbed me of my bonding time as a new mother and almost took my life.
So many doctors visits, worries, precautions taken during pregnancy yet this one was barely even mentioned as a concern. Preeclampsia is something I only knew about due to being a pregnant women. But I wasn't considered a “risk factor” so it was mentioned once at a doctors appointment then never again. Why is this not higher on the list of concerns? Why is this condition not talked about more with the urgency it deserves?
At about 37 weeks pregnant becuase of knowing the signs, I checked my own blood pressure and had a reading of 255/160. I immediately went to the hospital where my I started a week long stay. I had to be put on medication for 4 days that you normally are only on for 24 hours. This meant through delivery. I did not get to pick my birthing position, could not move, use the restroom, or eat. I remember being there wondering how I was going to push from being so weak and sick. By the grace of god, I did and my beautiful boy came out healthy. This was just the start of it. Being brought back into the room after birth something was wrong, I just knew. I advocated for myself over and over and ended up being correct. I hemorrhaged half my body’s blood due to clotting issue from the preeclampsia and went to emergency surgery. I ended up having to need a blood transfusion before being cleared to go home from the hospital from blood loss.
Upon leaving the hospital and being home. I had to continue on blood pressure medication for about another 10 weeks before being taken off. Being home where you are supposed to be able to bond with your child and spouse, I was still trying to fight for my life and recover. This condition even with prior knowledge is unexpected and can take your life in the blink of an eye. I robbed me of my bonding time with my husband and son and made having another baby, something that is now feared.
My husband, son, and I collectively walk together as a family. We walk to share my story, raise awareness, and hope to be able to give other pregnant women the voice to advocate for themselves, know the signs, and avoid a situation like mine.
