Preeclampsia became part of my pregnancy story in a way I never expected.

About a week before my due date, I was diagnosed with preeclampsia. Three days before my daughter was due, I was admitted to the hospital because of high blood pressure and high levels of protein in my urine. Until then, I had never imagined that my seemingly normal pregnancy could suddenly become something so scary.

Once I was admitted, I went through multiple methods of induction, including Cervidil, a Foley balloon, Pitocin and having my water broken. 

Eventually, my body had dilated to 10 centimeters and was completely effaced, but my daughter was still positioned very high and simply would not come down. After 46 hours of labor, I made the decision to have a C-section.

It was one of the most frightening experiences of my life. My body was being pushed into labor before either of us was truly ready, and there were so many moments when I didn’t know how our story was going to end.

Thankfully, my daughter and I made it through. I am incredibly grateful that we are both safe.

But I also know that not every mother gets that ending.

That’s why I’m walking.

I’m walking for the mothers who have experienced preeclampsia, for the babies who have been affected by it, for the families who have experienced loss, and for the moms who are still carrying the fear and trauma of what happened to them.

I’m walking because I want more mothers to know the signs, ask questions, and advocate for themselves during pregnancy. I’m walking because research, education and awareness matter. And I’m walking because if sharing a small part of my story can help another mother recognize something isn’t right or feel less alone, then it’s worth sharing.