Mini-Series: Preeclampsia Part 2
Join us as Kristen, an expectant mother, opens up about her journey with preeclampsia and postpartum preeclampsia. Read on to hear her heartfelt and candid account in her own words. In case you missed it, we recommend that you check out part 1 of her journey first.
“Three years and 1 month after delivering my daughter we welcomed my son Ben into the world. Wow, was I nervous to be pregnant again even though my doctors said it was safe to do so.
I had so many questions. Would I deliver a premature baby again? Would my delivery be intense again? Would I even have preeclampsia?
The difference this time is we knew what to expect and how to plan. It’s also important I share that after I had my daughter, those immediate months afterwards I had significant anxiety. I do believe it was not only related to the postpartum period but from the traumatic birth I had.
I was lucky and privileged to have access to a mental health counselor during that time to support me and guide me through those feelings. I was at a place where I not only physically could go through it again if I had too, but mentally.
At my first visit to the OB/GYN around 8 weeks pregnant, she immediately talked to me about taking baby aspirin to help prevent me from developing preeclampsia. Given I had it with my first pregnancy, I was considered high risk.
Our plan was that I would stay on the baby aspirin from 11 to 36 weeks pregnant. They would induce me at 38 weeks, regardless of showing signs of preeclampsia or not.
I still had moments of anxiety, especially being pregnant during a pandemic, but the further along I got the happier I was. I stayed on the baby aspirin until 36 weeks as we planned. My induction was scheduled for 38.5 weeks.
I had a routine visit, and my BP was starting to go up. My doctor sent me for labs and a urine test, and it indicated signs of preeclampsia. I was admitted, brought to the hospital, and induced.
Other than the 24 hours of sitting in triage my labor was much better than last time. My son was with me, I felt better, and was able to get discharged the standard few days after birth! What a difference from last time. I do believe the aspirin did its job!
Before I went home, my team discussed monitoring my blood pressure. I already had a monitor at home that I had been using. They explained, while rare, postpartum preeclampsia is something that can happen. I did as they said and within a few days I was back in the hospital.
My blood pressure spiked, I was swelling, and I was diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia. I remember calling and the doctor telling me I needed to get to the hospital ASAP. I asked about my son since I was breastfeeding. They said unfortunately they could not readmit him with me unless my husband stayed the entire time.
My son was not a patient again so there are liability and safety concerns there. The stress from potentially being separated from my baby again flooded me. I was upset, overwhelmed, and saddened.
We once again were surrounded by support. Our neighbors took my daughter to their house until my mom could get back to our house to care for her. My husband and son joined me in the hospital. I was there for two days. I received a magnesium drip and was discharged in 48-72 hours without needing blood pressure medication.
Today my son is a healthy, joyful, fun, and smart little boy. He completes our beautiful family. I am also healthy and doing well.
From what I’ve read, preeclampsia can put me at risk for developing heart disease. With that, I try and prioritize my health so I can run, play, and watch my kids grow into the amazing people I know they will be.
I feel honored to have had the opportunity to share my story. Maybe someone can relate, maybe it gives someone the power to advocate for themself, or maybe it’s simply brought awareness to this condition. Whatever that outcome, I’m so grateful for Lily’s Kids shining a light on mothers and their children.”