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I was 21, pregnant with my first child when I was told I had preeclampsia.Posted On Friday, June 21, 2002 by Kathleen |
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I was 21, pregnant with my first child when I was told I had preeclampsia. I had not started my prenatal care until my fifth month. I was engaged to my husband and we did not tell anyone we were expecting, until I couldnt hide it anymore. I was getting my prenatal care thru our local health department. At each visit I was steadily gaining about eight pounds. The nurse had noticed my blood pressure was a bit high and she further checked my swelling. She then quickly informed the doctor who then referred me to a doctor in another office who specializes in preeclampsia. I went to see him the same day and after examining me, he took my husband and I in his office, explained the situation, I had preeclampsia, and it was serious. He went over with us in great detail what preeclampsia was and more than happy to. I cant say I was scared or worried. The doctor made me feel secure enough that we caught the preeclampsia early enough that no damage had been done. I had not been feeling bad, I was feeling normal, like a pregnant woman should. I was just swellling alot, and thought my weight was from eating too much. I was in the hospital for a week. I couldnt get up for anything, my urine was being monitored by the nurses, I had a bland diet, no sunlight in my room, no disturbances. I was on high blood pressure medication, and drank lots of water. By the end of a week I was allowed to go home on strict orders to be on complete bed rest. I was to see the doctor the following Monday to decide if he should induce labor. I made it thru the week at home with a few minor headaches. I got plenty of rest. Then on Saturday before my Monday appointment, I started spotting, but I didnt think it was anything to inform the doctor about, I figured I was going to see him on Monday why bother him now. Come Monday my blood pressure was so high the nurse thought she was doing something wrong and had the doctor check behind her just to confirm she was right. He wouldnt tell me what my blood pressure was, he just said you are going to have a baby today. I was already dialating and I was 36 weeks. My doctor assured me the baby will be just fine, her lungs were mature enough to handle it. At 10:25pm on August 8, 1994 my beautiful baby girl was born. There were some complications. She was not breathing due to the cord being wrapped around her neck three times. After what felt like forever she finally screamed and I sighed a big sigh of relief. Due to my preeclampsia, the placenta had started to rip away from my uterus which was causing my heavy bleeding during labor. The doctor said if I had not had her when I did she may not have made it. She weighed in at 4lbs. 4ozs. I remained in the hospital for a week, with medication my blood pressure became normal, and my daughter was ready to go home two days after her birth but stayed with me in the hospital till I was where the doctor wanted me to be. After reading the stories of other women's experiences with preeclampsia, I thank God for my doctor and his quick thinking. He was a wonderful doctor who took this very seriously. Because of him my daughter and I are alive. I have two boys and had normal healthly pregnancies with them both. I had all three of my children by the time I was 25. So for other woman out there who have experienced preeclampsia, it is possible to have normal pregnancies. Today my daughter is a lively, wonderful and beautiful 7 yr old. She is a second grader and loves school. She has such a big heart, and loves everything. I cant imagine my life without her. She is truly a miracle. As for me, Im 29 yrs old in good health no signs of high blood pressure. If ever you find out you are facing preeclampsia I hope you find a doctor who was as good as mine. Someone who talks to you and takes his time to explain, and most of all, will listen to you when you arent feeling well, answering your questions until you are satisfied. That to me is a good prenatal doctor. |
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