By: A Two-Time Preeclampsia Survivor
As a mommy who went through preeclampsia, I can assure you it's no walk in the park.
The first time I was pregnant with preeclampsia, my nurses didn’t think much of my rising blood pressure. I, on the other hand, thought it was weird. I was always active, watched what I ate, and, believe it or not, never had high blood pressure in my life (when I was 31). So, a rising pressure was concerning. Then, when the dizzy spells and contractions started happening, I had to go to the hospital.
It wasn’t until I was there that I found out there was a high amount of protein in my urine. The doctors reassured me I would be monitored closely and that the baby was coming that day. He couldn’t stay in long. Thankfully, I delivered a beautiful baby boy at 39 weeks. He was healthy and safe.
My last pregnancy was completely different. This time, I had high blood pressure throughout the entire pregnancy. I was considered high risk and under constant supervision. Unfortunately, at just 29 weeks, I was admitted to the hospital. My blood pressure had reached dangerously high levels. I had no warning, no preparations. I had to up and leave my husband and three kiddos without any explanation.
I ended up staying in the hospital for a month. I couldn’t leave, and for a long time, my husband and kids couldn’t visit. I had taken the family car for a routine blood pressure check and never came back. Being told, “If we don’t get these high doses of blood pressure medicine into you right now, YOU WILL HAVE A STROKE,” was terrifying.
I made a lot of unwanted but needed friends in the antenatal unit. The nurses took great care of me, but my heart ached to see my children. I only saw them once in person during that month. I had already experienced the emotional rollercoaster of preeclampsia before, but this time, it was even more isolating and unpredictable.
Eventually, the doctors decided it was time. My daughter was born seven weeks early, weighing just 3 pounds. She spent two weeks in the NICU, which was a blessing compared to my first, who stayed for 4.5 months.
My first preeclamptic baby was delivered naturally and I was able to follow my birth plan. My second delivery was a c-section. Though her vitals were good, she wasn’t responding to their standards. Later, we discovered she had a heart condition we now monitor closely.
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication usually characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys. It typically occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had previously been normal.
Signs to Watch For:
High blood pressure
Protein in urine
Severe headaches
Changes in vision (blurred vision, light sensitivity)
Upper abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Sudden weight gain and swelling
Shortness of breath
Why It Happens:
The exact cause of preeclampsia isn’t known, but it’s believed to relate to blood vessel development and function in the placenta. Some women, like me, may have no previous blood pressure issues and still develop it.
Helpful Tools & Products for Moms with Preeclampsia:
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Kit:
I strongly recommend a validated cuff like the one from the Preeclampsia Foundation’s Cuff Kit®. It helped me keep tabs on my numbers between appointments and spot issues early.
Low-Dose Aspirin (81 mg):
With your doctor’s guidance, low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia. Always consult with a professional before starting. My doctor suggested St. Joseph Low-Dose Aspirin
Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements:
These are simple but powerful. Supplements like Solaray Calcium Citrate and Garden of Life Vitamin D3 may reduce your risk and support a healthy pregnancy.
Encompass At-Home Preeclampsia Risk Test:
This at-home blood test analyzes specific biomarkers to predict risk. Learn more at Parents.com.
Pregnancy Support Pillows:
Comfort matters. I loved using the Momcozy Pregnancy Wedge Pillow to get better sleep and reduce hip and belly pain.
What I Want You to Know:
The whole time I was pregnant with my last baby, I felt fine. I didn’t have the “classic” symptoms. No blurred vision. No spots. I was up and moving daily, especially caring for a medically fragile child. I even took my kids to the circus the day before being admitted!
My Moral:
Continue to get monitored. Trust your gut. If the maternity staff isn’t listening to you, please find someone who will. You know your body. You know when something feels off.
Your health matters. Your baby’s health matters. If you want more info on what to do in the NICU, check it out here
Listen to the whispers before they become screams. And never be afraid to speak up until someone listens.
I love you and I want you and your baby safe…
Tee
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