At 24 weeks, I was placed on bed rest after experiencing daily elevated blood pressure that medication couldn’t control. I had heard of preeclampsia before, but I didn’t take it as seriously as I should have. Looking back, that perspective has completely changed. I began having frequent episodes of blurred vision, black spots, and dizziness, and even the short walk from my bed to the bathroom would cause my blood pressure to spike. With close monitoring and multiple appointments each week with my OB-GYN, I made it to 32 weeks.

In the days leading up to delivery, I developed a severe headache at the base of my neck that wouldn’t respond to medication, and the swelling in my body became overwhelming—my face, hands, and legs were all affected. I ultimately delivered via C-section, but experienced a hemorrhage afterward that required a blood transfusion. My platelet count had dropped significantly, and I remember waking up to my doctor explaining how quickly my condition had progressed into HELLP syndrome.

My baby was born weighing 3 pounds, 11 ounces and required care in the NICU, adding another layer of fear and uncertainty during an already overwhelming time. Even now, 13 months later, I am still on blood pressure medication due to the lasting effects this had on my body.

Now, I share my story to urge other women to pay attention to their bodies, take symptoms seriously, and trust themselves when something feels off.