I never realized that I was very sick and could have died. I had preeclampsia and did not even know it.
I gave birth with preeclampsia and here’s my story
Gained Weight and Was Really Sick
During my pregnancy, I gained over 70lbs and worked until the day before I delivered. Little did I know how sick I really was.
I was not feeling well and went to the doctor’s office. The midwife determined that I need to go to the hospital and deliver as soon as possible. I was bloated and my blood pressure was sky high.
Induced to Give Birth With Preeclampsia
Since I was only 2 weeks away from my due date, they decided to induce me. That was not fun. I cringed when they manually broke my water.
After about 1 hour of contractions and pushing, I asked the midwife how much longer it was going to take. She said within the next hour. I was determined to push my baby out within that time frame.
Unfortunately, I had refused the epidural and had to resort to a cervical block. It was so painful! I was so exhausted between pushing that I almost fell asleep. I was using the birthing chair (the 1st for that hospital) and the midwife and my husband were coaching me on.
Drama After Birth
When my son came out, he had the cord wrapped around his neck, therefore my husband was unable to “catch” him. The midwife carefully unwrapped the cord and handed him to me. What a joy!
Unfortunately, I was in no condition to celebrate. They need to call the doctor in to do some stitching up. I was drugged up from an IV for my high blood pressure that I could barely lift a soda can much less my baby.
It was a very difficult time in the hospital, especially when I had one nurse who told me I was leaving when I was actually spending another day since I was sick.
After I got home, it took some time to get used to taking care of a baby. I was really weak so that did not help.
I never realized that I was very sick and could have died. I gave birth with preeclampsia and did not even know it. The midwives kept it to themselves as not to alarm me, but in hindsight, I wish I would have known.
9 years later, I am still taking high blood pressure medication. I haven’t lost all the weight, but the majority of it. I am happy to have my son and cherish every moment with him.
If anyone else had a similar experience, I’d love to hear your story.
Stazy
More Vaginal Birth Stories
- Fast First Labour, Almost Preterm
- Detailed Story Of Normal Vaginal Birth
- The Water Can Break… Anywhere!
- The Worst Day Of My Life
- Quick Labor With Baby No 2
- Giving Birth Is Nothing Like On TV!
- Induction Took 4 Days…
Or head over to our main Birth Stories Section to read about other types of birthing experiences…
About Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can develop during pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure and sometimes damages to the liver and kidneys.
Preeclampsia rarely begins to develop before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Just like in Stazy’s case, the best treatment for preeclampsia is to give birth. This is why she was immediately induced.
Birth with preeclampsia is higher risk than a regular birth
You can more about preeclampsia here at Mayo Clinic.
An excellent book to learn about pregnancy in general and also preeclampsia specifically is What to Expect When You’re Expecting.
If anyone else gave birth with preeclampsia, or you have any other thoughts or comments, please share below!
Paula Dennholt founded Easy Baby Life in 2006 and has been a passionate parenting and pregnancy writer since then. Her parenting approach and writing are based on studies in cognitive-behavioral models and therapy for children and her experience as a mother and stepmother. Life as a parent has convinced her of how crucial it is to put relationships before rules. She strongly believes in positive parenting and a science-based approach.
Paula cooperates with a team of pediatricians who assist in reviewing and writing articles.
