Elsie is eight days old today. Last Wednesday I went to my OBGYN's office to get my blood pressure taken after suffering from a migraine on Tuesday. Six hours later, our daughter was delivered via c-section. My doctor diagnosed me with Severe Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition that affects 5-8% of all pregnancies. It is typically seen in the first pregnancy, and according to the Preeclampsia foundation is characterized by swelling, headaches, changes in vision, and protein in the urine. However, they also point out that some women with rapidly progressive conditions report few symptoms. The cure is delivery of the baby.
There are no 'tests' to identify Preeclampsia in women that I am aware of. I really believe that my health and Elsie's health is a testament to my OBGYN's experience with high risk pregnancies, and my relationship with him. I hated to be the crazy pregnant lady calling about headaches, etc...but in the end those were the red flags that helped my doctor make a diagnosis. Thank you Dr. G.
So here we are, eight days later, with a beautiful 1 lb 9 oz daughter. Thus far she is doing well in the NICU.
Today they have increased her feedings to one CC of breast milk every three hours. She had another dirty diaper this morning, and there are no signs of infection. Her blood pressure has decreased. On Monday she received a standard brain ultrasound to check for hemorrhaging and it came back normal. They will do another scan at 30 days of life. We are very blessed.
To those of you in Conway, Birmingham, Houston, and everywhere in between thank you for all the prayers. We appreciate them more than words can express. It means so much to us to know that there are so many people who care about us. Keep the prayers going.
I never thought I would be a Mom who posts information about her child to the Internet. Due to the outpouring of support we have received it is just easier to post to this blog than return all the phone calls. Check back frequently for updates, or subscribe!
Love Y'all,
Ellen
