Today is World Preeclampsia Day, and I’m sharing my story to spread awareness.

I have survived preeclampsia three times.

During my first pregnancy, it was considered mild. I was induced at 38 weeks, and after delivery, it went away.

My second pregnancy was very different. Despite taking baby aspirin and being closely monitored, I developed severe preeclampsia. I was induced at 37 weeks.

I was always told that delivery was the cure for preeclampsia, but no one warned me about postpartum preeclampsia.

During my pregnancy, many of my symptoms were brushed off. After giving birth, I was discharged home without any guidance and blood pressure medication even though my blood pressure was still high.

Four days postpartum I almost died. I was readmitted to the hospital with a blood pressure of 187/148. I could barely breathe. I had fluid in my lungs causing pulmonary edema, severe swelling, the worst headache of my life, and I was seeing spots. At first, I tried to convince myself it was just anxiety.

It wasn’t.

I spent a week in the hospital on blood pressure medications and had multiple follow-up appointments with a cardiologist afterward. Looking back now, I realize just how lucky I am to still be here and able to tell my story.

With my third pregnancy, I switched providers. I developed preeclampsia again, similar to my first experience, but this time things were different. My doctors listened to me. Because of what happened during my previous pregnancy, I was monitored very closely throughout pregnancy and postpartum. I was induced at 38 weeks, and my concerns were taken seriously.

Preeclampsia does not always end after delivery. Postpartum preeclampsia is real, and it can become life-threatening very quickly.

Please listen to your body. Trust yourself. And advocate for yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable.