During my pregnancy with my son over two years ago, I experienced all the typical symptoms: nausea, sensitivity to smells, and overwhelming fatigue. However, by the fifth month, while those symptoms began to subside, I started experiencing alarming new ones. I felt sharp pain in my liver area, noticed a drastic decrease in urine output, and frequently had blurred vision accompanied by the sensation of seeing stars.
Rising Concerns
At each routine check-up, my blood pressure readings steadily increased from a normal 110/70 to a concerning 140/110 by the seventh month. The nurse attributed this to “white coat” hypertension, a condition where anxiety in a medical setting causes elevated blood pressure readings. Despite my frequent trips to the restroom, I was hardly able to produce any urine.
As my belly expanded, so did my discomfort. I often found myself needing to rest more often, yet when I communicated my worries to the nurse and the OBGYN, I was reassured that my experiences were just part of pregnancy. However, an unsettling feeling lingered in the back of my mind. I had hardly gained any weight throughout my pregnancy, but between the seventh and ninth months, I inexplicably gained almost 30 pounds.
Researching My Symptoms
Concerned about my symptoms, I turned to online resources to investigate further. My symptoms—diminished urine output, rising blood pressure, swelling, and liver pain—led me to discover preeclampsia, a term I had never encountered before. Previously known as toxemia, preeclampsia affects about 5-8% of pregnant women and can manifest as high blood pressure in women who previously had normal readings, protein in the urine, and swelling in extremities. While it typically arises late in pregnancy, it can develop earlier and, if left undiagnosed, may progress to eclampsia, leading to severe complications like seizures and HELLP syndrome, which impacts blood and liver function.
Seeking Treatment
Treatment varies based on how close the woman is to her delivery date. If delivery isn’t imminent, doctors may recommend rest and dietary modifications. At 38 weeks, my blood pressure spiked to 148/110, and while the nurse expressed concern and considered sending me to labor and delivery, she ultimately attributed my condition to white coat hypertension once again.
When I finally went into labor at 40 weeks—just an hour past my due date—I arrived with dangerously high blood pressure. Blood tests confirmed the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Although the details of my labor are hazy, medical staff acted quickly to stabilize my blood pressure and ensure a safe delivery. Thankfully, my son was born healthy, but it took months for my own health to recover.
Advocating for Your Health
If you suspect something is wrong during your pregnancy, it’s crucial to persist in seeking answers until your concerns are addressed satisfactorily. Both you and your baby deserve proper care and attention.
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Conclusion
In summary, I experienced undiagnosed preeclampsia during my pregnancy, which escalated despite multiple check-ups and reassurances. My story highlights the importance of advocating for your health and trusting your instincts during such a vulnerable time.