I had a textbook pregnancy. I noticed some swelling around 20 weeks but it was the middle of summer and I was on my feet alot as a meeting planner. My doctor recommended compression socks. My blood pressure was normal. My blood pressure started slightly rising as the pregnancy wore on as did the swelling. It came to the point where I had to buy a size bigger shoe as by the end of the day my size shoe did not fit. My husband had to pull up my compression socks because my fingers/hands were so swollen. I was reassured that all looked good and I didn't think otherwise as I was a healthy 37 year old at the time. Around 37 weeks, I went in for my weekly appointment and my BP reading was 140/110 and I had protein in my urine. I was immediately sent to the hospital next door and admitted. My BP went down as did the protein in my urine. Preeclampsia warning symptoms were discussed again with me when I was released. I was ordered to stay on bedrest and went to weekly NST monitorings. While my BP was still high, our baby was ok. Finally, at 39 weeks, my doctor had seen enough of my swelling and ordered a medical induction. At this time, I started experencing what I thought was acid reflux. Something I never had before but even when I told the NST nurse, it wasn't much of a concern as I was almost there. I went in later that week to be induced and I was found not only to have severe pree but also HELLP Syndrome. I was immediately placed on a mag drip and informed that naturally is the safest way to deliver as a C section would involve a platelet transfusion and I would be completely out. My husband would not be in the room with me. A epidural was not advised as I had low red blood cells and I could have bled out. I was horified. My birth plan included an epidural, how could this be? What did I do wrong? The nurse told my husband I was very sick and the next 24 hours would be critical for us both. My doctor broke my water and 12 hour later our beautiful son was born with NICU staff in the room.

The mag drip was monitored by a nurse who was constantly present in my room as it had to be stopped several times due to toxicity. I was not allowed to drink water or food during my delivery as the extra fluid on my lungs could have caused me to choke if I had a seizure. I was allowed 5 ice chips per hour. I was weak and in shock and suffered from PPD and PPA for years after our son was born I could not get through the month of September (his birthday month) without reliving this trauma for years. I finally realized my marriage was suffering as was my relationships with others and sought out therapy and was placed on Zoloft. I was in darkness and grateful that a friend picked me up and encouraged me to seek help. I am forever grateful to have a healthy 10 year old son. Sadly, we had 2 miscarriages in 2019 and 2021. I found a doctor who gave me the hope and confidence that I could have a healthy pregancy and delivery. I was not in the frame of mind before this to try again. I blamed myself and my body for this. I know I am not alone in thining this after having pree or HELLP. I know me and my family are one of the lucky ones. We made it out and will forever be grateful for our kiddo and his/and my health. I know no longer take today for granted.