During my pregnancy with my son, I experienced the typical symptoms that many expectant mothers endure: nausea, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to smells like meat and perfumes. However, by the fifth month, these symptoms began to diminish, only to be replaced by alarming new ones. I started to feel intense pain in the upper right quadrant of my abdomen, near my liver, along with minimal urine output, blurred vision, and frequent episodes of seeing stars.
Rising Concerns
Each routine check-up revealed a concerning trend: my blood pressure readings were steadily climbing. Initially, I had a healthy reading of 110/70, but by the seventh month, it spiked to 140/110. The nurse attributed this increase to “white coat” hypertension, a phenomenon where anxiety in a medical setting causes a temporary rise in blood pressure. Despite my repeated complaints about my discomfort and the urgency to urinate—often with very little output—my concerns were dismissed as normal pregnancy aches.
Connecting the Dots
As my pregnancy progressed, I gained nearly 30 pounds between months seven and nine, which further fueled my anxiety. I began researching my symptoms online, connecting the dots between my low urine output, elevated blood pressure, and the sharp pain in my liver area. That’s when I stumbled upon the term preeclampsia, a condition previously unknown to me. This serious disorder affects 5-8% of pregnant women and is characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling in various parts of the body, usually occurring late in pregnancy.
If left untreated, preeclampsia can escalate to eclampsia, resulting in seizures and HELLP syndrome, which compromises blood clotting and liver function. The recommended treatment varies depending on how close a woman is to her due date, potentially including rest and dietary modifications.
Turning Point
By 38 weeks, my blood pressure soared to 148/110, prompting the nurse to consider immediate admission to labor and delivery. I expressed my concerns about preeclampsia, but she reassured me with a later reading of 137/94, suggesting it was still just anxiety-driven hypertension. Unfortunately, my fears were validated when I went into labor at 40 weeks, and my blood pressure remained alarmingly high. Tests confirmed the diagnosis of preeclampsia, and medical staff acted swiftly to stabilize my condition for delivery.
A Healthy Outcome
Fortunately, my son was born healthy, and while it took several months for my blood pressure to normalize and my pain to subside, I ultimately recovered. My experience underscores the importance of advocating for oneself during pregnancy. If something feels amiss, don’t hesitate to pursue answers until you receive the reassurance you need for both yourself and your baby.
Resources for Expecting Mothers
For those considering home insemination, it may be helpful to explore resources like this one and this resource that offer valuable information. Also, if you’re navigating the challenges of parenting, such as potty training, this guide could be beneficial.
Conclusion
In summary, my undiagnosed preeclampsia journey was fraught with frustration and fear, but it ultimately led to a healthy outcome. Trust your instincts during pregnancy, and don’t hesitate to seek support when you feel something isn’t right.