Helping Save Mothers and Babies from Illness and Death Due to Preeclampsia

I Didn’t Know What I Was Experiencing Was Preeclampsia

At 35 weeks pregnant, what I expected to be a routine prenatal appointment quickly turned serious when I was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia. My blood pressure was dangerously high, and there was significant protein in my urine. Just days later, lab results revealed that my levels had spiked to 7–8 times the normal range. I was immediately induced and started on a magnesium drip to prevent seizures.

After 20 hours of labor, my condition worsened—my liver enzymes kept climbing, and my baby’s heart rate began to drop. An emergency C-section became necessary, during which I experienced hemorrhaging. My son, born premature, was admitted to the NICU for hypoglycemia and jaundice, while I remained hospitalized for several days to recover.

Looking back, I now recognize that I had been showing signs of preeclampsia as early as 25 weeks—symptoms I dismissed as typical pregnancy discomforts. These included swelling, vision changes, headaches, sudden weight gain, and abdominal pain, which I later learned was linked to my liver. My doctor told me I had been on the brink of developing eclampsia.

Three months later, I’m still healing. My liver enzymes remain elevated, and my blood pressure hasn’t returned to its usual range. Severe preeclampsia has left a lasting impact on my health and could affect future pregnancies.

I’m incredibly grateful to be here—and that my son is now healthy. By sharing my experience, I hope to raise awareness of this serious condition and encourage others to listen to their bodies and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

I Didn’t Know What I Was Experiencing Was Preeclampsia