I walk for myself, for my children and husband, and for every mother who has faced the fear of preeclampsia.

With my 2nd pregnancy, I had high blood pressure toward the end, but I was fortunate - no interventions were needed. After that delivery, my PCP kept a close eye on me and encouraged me to adopt the DASH diet. So I made healthy changes, focusing on lifestyle habits. My blood pressure naturally came down and I felt empowered by taking control of my health.

During my 3rd pregnancy, I was considered “high-risk” because of my history of high blood pressure at the end of my previous pregnancy and "advanced maternal age." I was placed on daily aspirin, but toward the end, my blood pressure started to climb again. My care team decided to induce me 5 days early to prevent complications. I delivered a healthy baby boy and left the hospital with a “perfect” blood pressure of 110/70. I thought I was in the clear.

Eight days later, everything changed. I was exhausted, swollen, and had a mild headache - but I brushed it off as the stress of being a mom to 3 kids (one who had just started kindergarten and a newborn who needed me around the clock). When I finally checked my blood pressure, the monitor flashed 193/118. I thought my home monitor was broken. It wasn’t.

My OB instructed me to return to the hospital immediately. I was admitted, started on a magnesium sulfate drip (to prevent seizures), and completely terrified. I cried from fear (was I going to die?), shock (how could this happen after delivery?), and the raw emotions of being only 8 days postpartum. Alone in that hospital room, I leaned on incredible nurses and doctors for support while my husband and mom cared for our children at home. The nurse brought in a breast pump to make me more comfortable, but it was heartbreaking. I couldn’t be with my newborn. My baby was at home, and I could only pump and imagine holding him.

I am so fortunate that I was able to be discharged 24 hours later and transitioned to oral medications (labetalol and nifedipine). My OB even gave me her direct number because she could see how frightened I was.

After discharge, I was closely followed by my OB and PCP, monitored my blood pressure at home, and, with time and careful management, was able to wean off all medications. 

That experience opened my eyes. Preeclampsia doesn’t end with delivery. It can strike when you least expect it, and it is still one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide.  

I walk to raise awareness. I walk to support research, education, and prevention. And I walk so that more moms and babies can have safe outcomes.

My goal is to raise $500 with Tru Physio to support the Preeclampsia Foundation. Every dollar makes a difference in saving lives.

Thank you for reading my story, and thank you for helping me make a difference and reach my goal. ?