In August of 2020, my husband & I found out were were going to have a baby (our first). Despite not knowing exactly what to expect (especially in a pandemic), we were excited. All was going smooth.

On Feb. 17th, 2021 I decided to reach out to my doctor due to swelling in my left leg. I assumed it was probably "3rd trimester" swelling. Otherwise, I felt fine. Upon arriving to the L&D department for an examination, I was abruptly admitted. This was due to severe high blood pressure /swelling. I was 31+6. I was diagnosed with sudden onset preeclampsia with severe features.

Four days later, I was getting progressively worse, and the anesthesiologist determined I was too high risk for delievery at our local hospital (partially due to pulmonary edema). The ambulance would not transfer me to the Mother Baby Center until my bp came down to a safer level, so I was given rescue medicine. I eventually was transported, and delivered my baby boy at 32 weeks via C-section. My precious son would stay in the NICU for a total of 5 weeks, and I would be in the hospital a total of ten days, as my care team worked hard to stabilize my blood pressure.

I was released on 3 seperate blood pressure medicines, totaling over 2,000 Mg daily. No one could visit me during my stay (except my husband, thank goodness), and no one could see our baby in the NICU (except us). It was all very traumatic. It would be a long road of postpartum recovery (not so much physically as emotionally). I experienced PPA, birth trauma, and PTSD. However, I did eventually seek counseling, and with time, I did recover. 15 months postpartum, I was able to come off my final blood pressure medicine.

Our once 3lb baby is now a thriving 32lb 2 year old. We are extremely blessed. Yet, all that happened - and all that could have happened - does not leave me. It is my mission to advocate for other preeclampsia/NICU moms, and help bring awareness.