Birdy,
Preeclampsia affects 5-8% of all pregnancies. In theory, we would be on the “Least Likely to Succeed” list for preeclampsia candidates. Risk factors include:
- Previous history of preeclampsia
- Multiple gestation (i.e., pregnant with more than one baby)
- History of chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease or organ transplant
- First pregnancy
- Obesity, particularly with Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater.
- Over 35 or under 20 years of age
- Family history of preeclampsia
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Lupus or other autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis and multiple sclerosis
- In-vitro fertilization
- Sickle cell disease
- African American
…Literally not one of these factors is us.
Throughout our second trimester, we met with high-risk doctors at UC Davis over an elevated blood result that may be a predictor for preeclampsia. One of them said to me, “If someone had a gun to my head and asked me to pick five of my patients right now who are safe from preeclampsia, I would pick you.” This doctor is known for being one of the most conservative perinates on the team.
In other words, no one saw this coming.
Not only are we officially preeclamptic, Birdy, we are severely so. We have somehow gone from “Least Likely to Succeed” to an A++ in preeclampsia.
The doctors assure me there is nothing I did to cause this. My sister visits to commiserate with me over how this happened. I guess my $90/month organic prenatal vitamin, DHA, probiotic cocktail can’t compare to Rite Aid’s $9 special. I guess the walking 2-6 miles several days a week wasn’t enough physical activity. I guess the abstinence from coffee, alcohol, and skincare products containing parabens or phalaltes wasn’t enough to grow a healthy placenta. Should have done a little more crack cocaine. Should have picked up some 6-packs of beer.
We joke, but Birdy, I also think about the things I really may have done to cause this. I think about the Napa trip around the days that I ovulated. I think about the turkey sandwich I ate in a fit of morning sickness without reheating the turkey meat. I think about the white carbs and high fat that made up most of my diet for 17 weeks of nausea. People say it’s a waste of time and energy, but I can’t help it. Whatever it was, I am so sorry.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Okay there missy, this is just plain crazy. This little Birdie has been a funny little jokester from the beginning. All of the morning sickness, good grief! You’re gonna have your hands full with this little one. There is nothing that you did or didn’t do to make this happen. I actually have very explosive blood pressure that manifested when I was in my 20s, at least 20 pounds thinner and fit. Genetics are a bitch. Some things are unexplainable. What I do know is that you and our little Birdie are gonna make it through this like champions.
Thanks Noelle. Love ya.
You are not the cause, you are taking care of yourself and this pregnancy the best you can. I have been there with the what if’s so give yourself space to feel them and move through them. xo.
Thank you friend. xo
OMG you have preeclampsia?!?! I’m so so sorry. I had it 3x: the first, utter disaster at 24 weeks, the second, was on bed rest 5 months and got to 36 weeks with my daughter, last time at 39. I’m thinking of you and sending every good thought.
Thank you so much for sharing and for the good thoughts. We are taking it one day at a time and they are saying they won’t let me go past 34 weeks. 🙁
Aw I’m so sorry. I’m no expert, but 99.9% sure that tryout egg was already developed when you ovulated in Napa, that most of the world subsists of white carbs (same as brown ones anyway!) and fat throughout their pregnancies, does anyone need to reheat turkey meat?- that’s news to me! In other words you did nothing wrong. You’re just getting all the bad luck out of the way early so the rest of Birdy’s life will be smooth sailing 💜💖💚