I Had Pre-Eclampsia

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I Had Pre-Eclampsia

by stazy
(NJ)

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.

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 epideral 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.

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 had pre-eclampsia and did not even know it. The midwives kept it to themselves as not to alarm me, but in hindsight, I wish I would of 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.