Samantha Harper, model and daughter of a renowned musician, recently opened up about her experience following the birth of her daughter. In an emotional Instagram post featuring her baby’s tiny feet, she described the day as “the best day of my life.” However, her initial weeks as a new mom were marked by challenges that many mothers can relate to.
“I was in the hospital for two days, but once I got home, I literally swelled up like a balloon,” she revealed during an episode of the podcast SHE MD. “I felt really unwell, with my blood pressure skyrocketing to 165 over 103. It turned out to be postpartum preeclampsia.”
Understanding Postpartum Preeclampsia
Postpartum preeclampsia is a serious condition that can arise within 48 hours of childbirth, potentially leading to severe complications like eclampsia (seizures) and HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count). Samantha had previously dealt with preeclampsia during her pregnancy, which is characterized by sudden high blood pressure. At 32 weeks, she had experienced fatigue and cramps, prompting her to consult her healthcare provider.
“I texted my doctor, who advised me to visit a fetal specialist for monitoring just to be safe,” she shared. After a six-day hospital stay for observation, she was placed on bed rest and later induced at 38 weeks. Despite a smooth delivery, she encountered significant swelling just two days postpartum and reached out to her medical team, who instructed her to return to the hospital.
Resources for New Moms
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Conclusion
In summary, Samantha Harper’s candid account of her postpartum experience highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia. Her story serves as a reminder for new moms to be vigilant about their health after childbirth.