A Journey Through Preeclampsia, Delivery, and Healing

On May 10th, 2025, we welcomed our third beautiful baby, Channie, into the world. She arrived earlier than expected—at 37 weeks—through an unplanned C-section. Her birth was not the gentle, scheduled delivery we had envisioned. It came after a whirlwind of complications that tested my strength, intuition, and trust in the healthcare system.

It all started the night before, on May 9th. I went to labor and delivery because I knew something wasn’t right. My blood pressure was dangerously high, I had severe headaches, and the swelling in my legs and feet—something I’d been experiencing since around 28 weeks—had become almost unbearable.

The doctors decided to monitor me for a few hours to determine if I had preeclampsia. My scheduled C-section wasn’t for another two weeks, on May 22nd, but with each passing hour, it felt more and more like Channie might come sooner.

What followed was frustrating. The doctor suspected the blood pressure cuff might be too small, but instead of a properly sized medium cuff, the nurse used an oversized thigh cuff that wrapped from my shoulder to my wrist. It was painful, inaccurate, and uncomfortable. I spoke up several times, but they never found the right size. Despite concerning lab results—including elevated protein in my urine—and the continued high BP readings, the doctor eventually came in and said I could go home. I was told my blood pressure had “stabilized” and to follow up with my OB on Monday. This was early Saturday morning.

Even though I didn’t feel right, even though the headache never left, and even though I was scared, I went home. But by 3 p.m., I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was still very wrong. My home BP monitor confirmed it—still high. So I trusted my gut and went back.

Thank God I did.

Within two hours of arriving back at the hospital, I was being prepped for surgery. Channie was delivered safely via C-section, and I was immediately started on a magnesium drip to prevent seizures. I stayed in the hospital for three days and was discharged on blood pressure medication.

Just when I thought we were in the clear, I found myself in the ER again two weeks later. I couldn’t breathe properly. After several tests, they discovered a blood clot in my lung. I was admitted for another three days and started on blood thinners.

This birth journey was nothing like my previous ones. It was emotionally exhausting, physically painful, and full of moments where I felt unheard. But I also learned just how important it is to advocate for yourself—loudly and without apology.

Channie is here. She’s healthy. And I’m healing.

If you’re reading this and something feels “off” during your pregnancy, trust your instincts. Speak up. Go back. Ask questions. You know your body better than anyone.

We’re both home now—recovering, adjusting, and soaking in the beauty of this new chapter.

But I want to end this by speaking directly to other moms: advocate for yourself and your baby. Doctors may have the training, but you have the experience of living in your body every single day. When something feels off—it is off. Our bodies are incredibly intuitive, and they will speak to us when something isn’t right.

Don’t let anyone dismiss your concerns or make you feel dramatic for speaking up. You are not being “too much.” You are not overreacting. You are protecting your health and your child’s life.

Your voice matters. Use it. Push back. Ask questions. Demand answers. And if necessary, go back until someone listens.

You are your own best advocate—and your baby’s first one, too. Trust your instincts. They’re there for a reason.