I was pregnant in 2022 with a very healthy pregnancy, but in the back of my "anxiety" mind, I always had the fear of preeclampsia. Towards the end of my pregnancy, I started calling doctors to report my symptoms, but they would say, "Your blood pressure is normal," and brush it off, so I would tell myself I was overreacting. I went into labor on February 6th, 2022, and it was the smoothest delivery ever. We spent two days with our beautiful boy in the hospital and were excited to come home. Three days later, I had a swollen vein in my arm and noticed shortness of breath when walking around the neighborhood, which was uncommon for me. I went to my primary care physician, who told me to rush to the ER immediately because shortness of breath after pregnancy could be serious. After my blood pressure check revealed 150/85, I knew I was about to be diagnosed with my worst fear. They took me back as my blood pressure climbed; I was seeing black fizzy spots in my vision, headaches, etc. My OB-GYN called me to tell me I was right all along; she had received the blood work from the ER and told me to prepare for what comes next. In that moment, my heart sank, and I felt hopeless that I hadn’t done more or that the doctors hadn’t done more! I had a magnesium drip for 24 hours and was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome with elevated liver enzymes. After the drip, my blood pressure remained higher due to anxiety, but my liver enzymes decreased. Three days after being with my son, I felt lost and needed my baby; he was being taken care of by his grandparents, but I felt like I missed out on his first few days of life, a feeling I never wish for anyone. Yesterday, I had my tubes removed because I have been scared to get pregnant again due to the feeling of being out of control and almost losing my life. It was a constant battle, and now I can put it to rest.

My goal is to advocate for all moms-to-be or new moms: please, if you feel off, get yourself checked out. Don’t just call the nurse repeatedly, or they will think you have anxiety (like I did); instead, go in there and demand liver tests, urine cultures, scans, or whatever makes you feel satisfied. Be an advocate for yourself and your precious miracle. You need them, and they need you.

My son Andrew is now three years old and thriving; he is the greatest gift from God.