After welcoming her second child, Emma Sullivan found herself in a dire situation that required her to trust her instincts. Just five days postpartum, Emma anticipated feeling tired and sore, but instead, she was met with alarming symptoms. Experiencing shortness of breath and an unusual pain in her upper back, she sensed that something was amiss.
“I couldn’t take a deep breath, and lying down made me wake up gasping for air,” she recalls. Concerned about her health, Emma decided to monitor her heart rate using her smartwatch, which revealed that her heart rate had dropped significantly—30% lower than her normal range. Alarmed, she shared her findings with her partner, Jack, who quickly purchased a blood pressure cuff to check her readings.
As they tracked her blood pressure throughout the day, it alarmingly rose from 130/90 to 140/95, far exceeding the normal range of 120/80. Emma’s persistence and self-advocacy ultimately led her to seek further medical help, which proved crucial in addressing her severe case of postpartum preeclampsia.
Understanding Postpartum Preeclampsia
Understanding the signs of postpartum preeclampsia can be life-saving. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms like high blood pressure, severe headaches, or visual changes after childbirth, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional immediately.
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Summary
Emma Sullivan’s story highlights the importance of trusting your instincts, especially after childbirth. Her experience with postpartum preeclampsia and the importance of self-advocacy can serve as a reminder to new mothers to be aware of their health and seek help when something feels off.