Pre-eclampsia or preeclampsia (PE) is a disorder of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and a large amount of protein in the urine.[1] The disorder usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy and gets worse over time.[2][3] In severe disease there may be red blood cell breakdown, a low blood platelet count, impaired liver function, kidney dysfunction, swelling, shortness of breath due to fluid in the lungs, or visual disturbances.[2][3] Preeclampsia increases the risk of poor outcomes for both the mother and the baby.[3] If left untreated, it may result in seizures at which point it is known as eclampsia.[2] -- wikipedia The only cure for preeclampsia is birth
So that is what it is. And we have it. Emily has struggled for some time with high blood pressure for some years, and we knew this was a risk. We have been working together on blood pressure and working with medications, with little effect. This week our family doctor referred us to a Obstetrician to get it checked out, especially as Emily has had a number of highly resetless days and nights with extra ordinary high blood pressure and a general discomfort.
We were left contemplating delaying today's appointment after receiving the first winter storm of the season and have 120 km of ice covered roads to deal with. We decided to risk it and we are glad that we did. Our OB took a look and sent us off to the Royal University Hospital. We got settled in and I (Bryce) headed home as the plan was control the blood pressure and get things stable-- not much to worry about and now medical drama in the near offing.
But that changed. I got home and had supper just in time to get a call from Emily saying that I needed to come back, that Pre-eclampsia had indeed set in and we may well be seeing our 29 week old child sooner than we either expected. With that, I packed a bag, and headed back to the city.
We are now in waiting to see how the blood tests look. The problem, it seems with Pre-eclampsia deprives the organs of the mother with adequate blood supply. Emily's body is starting to show signs of this deprivation, and we need to address this. The question, it seems now is not whether our child will appear well ahead of schedule (a true first for the Miller-Toews household), but when the kid will make an appearance. Ideally mother and child and continue sharing space for a while longer yet, but it seems like the arrangement is coming to and end sooner rather than later.
The 2 AM blood test will tell the tale. Stay tuned.
I will pray for all three of you. You are in God's hands. Hugs
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