Friday, January 19, 2007 11:25 AM
Bringing Home Baby
By Lori
It's been almost a full week since we were released from the hospital with our new little man, Cooper. Life with a newborn is certainly an adjustment -- suddenly everything revolves around feedings and diaper changes, and things like baby farts are totally exciting! It's overwhelming, a little scary, and absolutely wonderful.
I wanted to use my blog post today to bring attention to a little-known yet serious condition I developed in my third trimester. Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, preeclampsia is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and other symptoms. Preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading global cause of maternal and infant illness and death. The cause is unknown, it cannot be prevented, and the only cure is delivery. Read more at www.preeclampsia.org
Not many people know about the severity of this condition until it actually happens to them -- myself included. I had a rather uneventful and healthy pregnancy until I reached 32 weeks, when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. In just a few short weeks, my symptoms progressed to preeclampsia, which stopped Cooper's growth in the womb and he had to be delivered almost one month early. Luckily, he and I both left the hospital perfect and healthy.
I believe my story has a happy ending due to the cautious prenatal care I received from our team of doctors. I had no outward symptoms of preeclampsia -- the condition was detected at a routine checkup. To all Nesties who are pregnant or just thinking about it -- good prenatal care is of utmost importance, so find a doctor that you really trust and never, ever skip an appointment.
Thanks to all of you for your kind words last week. Without further ado... here is a photo of our new little cutie!
