I started checking my blood pressure 2-3 times per week at 28 weeks gestation after being diagnosed with fetal growth restriction. At 30 weeks 3 days, I got a reading of 148/97. We measured it multiple times. But we kept getting readings in that range. I went into the hospital, where they took a urine sample and found high protein, ultimately leading to my diagnosis of preeclampsia. After a 24 hour stay, during which they gave me steroid shots that help baby’s lungs develop in case I have to deliver early (within a week), I was sent home and told to continue monitoring my symptoms and blood pressure. About a day later, I woke up in the middle of the night feeling some chest pain and had a blood pressure reading of 166/103. At 30 weeks and 5 days, I was back in the hospital. I was put on mag, which was a horrible experience. I was so tired, I kept getting hot and cold, I couldn’t eat anything or get up to go to the bathroom while on mag. At this point the doctors said I’ll have to stay in the hospital until delivery- with a goal of making it to and delivering at 34 weeks.

Every day they pricked me to take a blood sample to check my liver enzymes, platelets, and other things. My body was starting to swell and the pricks were painful because they’d have a hard time finding a good vein, so I’d get pricked multiple times before they could get a blood sample. 4 days in, they started having to try getting blood samples from my feet because of how many sore spots I had on my arms.

At 31 weeks and 1 day, my liver enzymes got too high and they said I’d need to be induced for my own safety. My platelet levels ended up dropping as well, meaning I had developed HELLP syndrome. I was put back on mag and they did an ultrasound before starting the induction. Unfortunately, baby was in a transverse position so we ended up having to do a c-section. Delivery luckily went smoothly. Afterwards, my blood pressure remained high for about a week, which felt scary. I relied heavily on my husband for emotional support during this time. Eventually my blood pressure went down and I was able to go off the blood pressure medication as well. Our baby was delivered 9 weeks early and was in the NICU for about 52 days. She is now home and healthy and growing.

I can’t imagine how different things might have looked if I wasn’t checking my blood pressure at home. My might have preeclampsia gotten become more severe before it was caught. I am sharing my story in hopes that I can encourage other pregnant people to take charge of their health and measure their blood pressure at home just to be safe.