As someone who was expecting in the summer months, I assumed swelling and headache and vision changes were supposed to be part of pregnancy and I wish I would have known they are a sign of something much bigger. In July of 2024, while 37 weeks pregnant with my daughter, I began to exhibit symptoms of preeclampsia that I initially wrote off as being part of regular end of pregnancy symptoms and I tried my best to push through to my due date. It began with swelling in the face, legs and arms so bad that simply wearing sandals became a problem. It then progressed into a severe headache, vision difficulties and high blood pressure that became worse over the course of 4 days. Thankfully, with the care of an incredible OBGYN and L&D team, I was safely treated and induced early and our daughter made her safe and healthy arrival.

Unfortunately, my story with preeclampsia did not end with delivery. I was not aware that preeclampsia is not just a pregnancy issue and it can be a very severe issue in postpartum. I was discharged home with a clean bill of health but it was only 4 days later when I became more swollen, lightheaded and my blood pressure readings again were high. I was scared and anxious for my health during a time where all I wanted was to be with my newborn 24/7. I was directed to a higher level ER and it was there I learned that preeclampsia can in fact rebound postpartum and that continued care, monitoring and treatment was necessary to recover my body from preeclampsia. If there is one thing I could tell to anyone who is expecting, please do not ignore your body and immediately reach out when you are feeling off. Preeclampsia is NOT a regular experience for pregnancy and is a very severe issue but with proper care and treatment it can be managed.