I was born at 26 weeks gestation, 2 weeks before the 3rd trimester because my Mum had preeclampsia.  My birthweight was 2 lbs 3 oz.  Many years around my birthday my Mum and I visited the NICU where I was born to bring an updated picture of me for the board.  We hoped the picture brought hope to other parents who had tiny babies. 

I researched on the preeclampsia.org website when I got pregnant because I did not want to go through what my Mum endured.  I believe that knowing to take my blood pressure when I saw swelling around my eye and got a horrible headache could have saved my life or at least prevented a seizure or stroke.  My first baby stayed in 4 more days while I was monitored in (then) Florida Hospital - Orlando.  She was born 29 weeks 4 days and spent 40 days in the NICU.  She was born 2 lbs 7 oz.  Next pregnancy, I had learned that no exercise, stress or food intake would cause or effect preeclampsia.  I enjoyed giving into all my pregnancy cravings!  I had that baby at 34 weeks and he was born 4 lbs 5.7 oz.  Both were underweight due to the preeclampsia.