Pre-eclampsia (my story) (Pregnancy Complications)

Member Name: nay_money

Product:	Pregnancy Complications
Date:	28/01/09 (101 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: .

Disadvantages: life threatening to mother and baby

I am going to write about pre-eclapsia, this is something that I have had to deal with.

I was having a normal pregnancy, working as normal and getting on with preparing for our childs arrival. I was going for my regular check up's with my midwife, which were 2 weekly. i had noticed that parts of my body were swelling up quite a bit, around my face, ankles, feet and hands, particularly my ankles and feet though, as my shoes were becoming quite tight. As this was my first pregnancy I didn't think anything of it, I just thought that I was maybe doing too much. I went to the midwife on the Tuesday, I was 30 weeks pregnant at the point, for this check up and I mentioned about the swelling, and she agreed that it was quite bad, she then checked my blood pressure (which I have never before had any problems with) and it was high, then she checked my urine sample, which had protein in it. She asked if I had been suffering from headaches, but I had not. She suggested I had pre-eclampsia and that I should go to hospital and take an overnight bag with me, as I'd be staying in, so they could keep an eye on me. I went straight to hospital and was hooked up to monitors, I was then told that I would have to get an injection to strengthen the baby's lungs incase they had to deliver my baby early.

At this point I didn't really know what was going on, I did not know what Pre-eclampsia was nor did I realise just how serious all this was. I was taken to the maternity ward after the injection, and they took numerous samples from me, the checked my blood pressure every hour and my urine and asked me if I had a headache. Because I didn't have a headache I took this to be a good sign, but it didn't make much difference. I was monitored all through the night and apparently I was not getting any better (I actually felt fine). When the doctor came to see me on the Wednesday morning, He explained that they would continue to monitor me for a few more hours and possibly have to deliver my baby that day.

My Mum and partner had been in with me at this time and my Mum got quite upset, she obviously realised the implications of having the baby 10 weeks early, but I had not.

About 2 hours passed and things had not changed, so the doctor came back and said that I'd be getting an emergency c section at 6pm. I absolutely hate knives and was petrified about this, I asked if i would be asleep for this and they said they'd prefer that I was and I did too.

I came around in the labour ward with a poloroid photo of my daughter, with wires everywhere, she was fine, she even managed to breath on her own for a bit. I was wheeled along in my bed to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) to have a look at her, I did not managed to get very close, but I remember how tiny she was in that huge incubator.

We then were moved to a hospital with a better SCBU, we were only there 2 days and managed to get a transfer back to our own local hospital. She was 3lb and 1/2 oz at birth. She got home from hospital at 7 and a half weeks old and was now 5lb 2oz.

My daughter is now a happy and healthy 7 year old and has never had any problems with her development.

Pre-eclampsia -

Most pregnant woman have no idea what this is, let alone the dangers it can cause. It is life threatening to mother and baby, if not caught in time. I am extremely grateful for the regular check up's and would encourage all pregnant women to ensure that you always keep these appointments and always contact your midwife if you have any queries, no matter how much you think you are hindering them, they are always there to help you.

I just wish there was more awareness of pre-eclampsia.

Summary: Always get checked and contact your midwife if you have any worries