Preeclampsia is something that has greatly affected my family as well as me personally. Due to a long family history of preeclampsia, I knew my chances of developing it during pregnancy were increased. So when I was diagnosed with gestational hypertension at the start of my third trimester I was not surprised but I was nervous. Thankfully I knew the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia so as my blood pressure continued to climb week after week and I began expereincing other symptoms such as headaches, severe swelling and just overall not feeling well, I was able to advocate for myself and get blood work and extra monitoring done. This included many trips to the OB ED. At the beginning of my 36th week of pregnancy, one final trip to the ER, prompted by upper right abdominal pain and several severe blood pressure readings, resulted in an official preeclampsia diagnosis. Not only was my blood pressure high, but I had protein in my urine, my platlets were trending down and my liver and kidney bloodwork was also trending in the wrong direction. I was admitted and the next day began an induction and was put on a magnesium drip. This led to a very long and difficult labor and delivery that ultimately ended in a csection under general anesthesia. While it was very different than the birth I had been preparing and hoping for, I realize just how blessed we are to have had the outcome we did. Thankfully my son was born only one day before being considered full term and he was strong and healthy and required no NICU stay. My blood pressures stabilized and my bloodwork returned to normal soon after delivery.

Preeclampsia doesn’t always give much of a warning but in my case it did and I am so thankful I knew the signs and symptoms and had a medical team that cared, listened, and acted quickly. We caught it early and were able to get my baby here safely while also keeping me safe. I recognize that this is not the case for many women and their precious babies who experience and are affected by preeclampsia.

I walk to continue to raise awareness of preeclampsia so other moms know the signs and symptoms to look out for and can receive a timely diagnosis and care. I walk so more research can be done to learn the why behind preeclampsia so we can prevent and treat it more effectively. And I walk in honor of all who have been affected by preeclampsia, especially those whose experience with preeclampsia ended very differently than my own, including my family:
In honor of my aunt Arlene (x2 preeclampsia survivor) and in remembrance of her son Zachary and in honor of her daughter, Raven (a NICU warrior). 
In honor of my incredible sister Chelsea (AFLP survivor) and her precious NICU warrior, Brooks. 

Thank you for walking with me and supporting the preeclampsia foundation!