My son arrived at 38 weeks. The day before his birth, he was estimated 10 lbs 14 oz. We were in shock, however, the odds of him being that large were very unlikely. I was told I needed to have a c-section.

The following day, I went into labor. The week of my labor, my BP was slightly elevated, but nothing alarming. During my c-section birth, I hemorrhaged and lost 2 liters of blood and needed blood transfusions. I then gave birth to my beautiful baby boy, who was 10 lbs 12 oz. All the nurses including my husband and I were shocked.

I was deemed healthy to be discharged 3 days later. Before leaving, I noticed that I still looked 9 months pregnant, my limbs were swollen in extremities, which I was told was normal for c-sections.

2 nights after I was home, I felt like I had trouble breathing. My swollen limbs wouldny go down no matter what I did. I had 20 pairs of shoes and not one pair fit over my feet, and Im a rather slim girl.

Later that night, I took my BP and it was 183/112. I was so incredibly scared. I got to the hospital and my BP was 188/118. From there, I developed the worst headache of my life, I could barley talk, my speech slurred and I couldn’t breathe on my own anymore. I was told I had a seizure and was near stroke level. I was then transferred to the closest hospital that could treat me.

i was in and out of the hospital, ICU and needed minor surgery for one month postpartum with complications due to pre eclampsia. I almost didnt go to the hospital the night that I did, and realized if i chose not to, I likely would not be here. Being knowledgeable of the symptoms following birth is SO important. It truly could save your life. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia doesnt just happen during pregnancy, it can happen after. Im so happy Im alive to be here for ny son.