Three days after giving birth, I was re-hospitalized with a severe headache, nausea, and swelling in my face, hands, and feet. I was diagnosed with post-birth preeclampsia/eclampsia, placed on a magnesium drip for 24 hours, and monitored for another 24 hours before returning home on blood pressure medication.

I am walking because without research, proper postpartum care, and awareness, I would not have survived, and tragically, many mothers and babies do not. Post-birth preeclampsia cases are rising drastically, yet so much remains unknown about its causes. We need stronger postpartum support and dedicated investment in maternal healthcare so every mother gets the care and monitoring she deserves.