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Astin’s Mama

Mama to a warrior . The Unexpected when Expecting. Maternal Health Awareness . Single Mom Life. Self Care Pusher .

June 7, 2022

6 Signs of Preeclampsia

Understanding Preeclampsia Signs and Symptoms

*This is a story share of facts and experience with preeclampsia. This is NOT medical advice and if you suspect you are suffering from preeclampsia, inform your care team, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, or Maternal-Fetal Medicine doctor. *

I struggled with high blood pressure for years due to my kidney failure so I knew I would be predisposed to preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is persistently high blood pressure during pregnancy and/ or postpartum. I was already on blood pressure medicine called Lisinopril daily before pregnancy and it is NOT TO BE TAKEN during pregnancy. I stopped taking lisinopril right away and went through a few more meds until my team gave me labetalol. Labetalol was really helpful with maintaining my blood pressure in addition to being on dialysis. But as my pregnancy progressed I noticed my blood pressure was continuing to rise even with the interventions I had in place. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I had just turned 27 weeks and I woke with a horrible headache and nausea. I was on the antepartum unit for the 5th week in a row and Sundays were the days I wanted visitors. That particular Sunday, everyone came to visit, but I could barely sit up or talk, even see anyone. I so nauseous that I couldn’t eat the whole day. I was afraid that was the day I was going to have to have my emergency c-section because I just felt awful. Turned out my preeclampsia was getting worse but the doctors were able to give me a very high dose of nifedipine to decrease my blood pressure and after about 12 hours of agony, I was so much better.

Here are 6 Signs & Symptoms of Preeclampsia.

 

1. Protein spillage in urine.

This is a major sign of preeclampsia and also kidney failure. This was actually how I found out I had kidney failure. Your doctor should be checking your urine sample at each lab appointment to check for protein as well as any other alarming signs of infection or organisms that can impact your pregnancy. Foamy urine is also a sign I personally experienced with protein in my urine.

2. Severe headaches.

These headaches make you stop in your tracks. When I had headaches from preeclampsia, it was impossible to keep my eyes open or even have a conversation with someone. I could not get anything done and honestly, nothing would cure the pain except for blood pressure medicine.

3. Change in Vision

A very serious symptom that can occur as an indication of swelling in the brain caused by extremely high blood pressure. Common vision changes can include light sensitivity, flashing lights, blurry vision, or spots.

4. Swelling in feet and ankles

Swelling during pregnancy is totally normal. Preeclampsia swelling is a bit different. Especially in your ankles, hands, and face you will feel a huge influx of extra fluid retained in these areas. My experience was extra fluid on my chest and ankles that made it difficult to walk or move around sometimes.

5. Persistent shortness of breath.

Shortness of breath, a racing pulse, mental confusion, a heightened sense of anxiety, and a sense of impending doom can be symptoms of preeclampsia. If these symptoms are new to you, they could indicate an elevated blood pressure, or more rarely, fluid collecting in your lungs (pulmonary edema).

 

6. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure during pregnancy is one of the biggest red flags that preeclampsia may be developing. And even if it’s not a symptom of preeclampsia, it can still be a sign of a problem.

High blood pressure is traditionally defined as blood pressure of 140/90 or greater, measured on two separate occasions at least four hours apart. During pregnancy, a rise in the lower number (diastolic) of 15 degrees or more, or a rise in the upper number (systolic) of 30 degrees or more can also be a cause for concern.

 

If you have any of these symptoms or cause for concern, inform your doctor, doula, midwife, or any and every medical team member that supports you.

For more information visit http://www.preeclampsia.org

Filed in: Maternal Health Issues |

April 12, 2022

5 Reasons Why We Need Black Maternal Health Week

1. Black Women make up 12.4% of the population in the United States, yet makeup 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births of maternal health deaths in the United States.

 

2. Black women face higher rates of chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, heart conditions, and diabetes. Conditions that can contribute to maternal death.

 

3. Racial discrimination within the health care systems across America impacts the way Black women are received in medical centers.

4. Socioeconomic status and private insurance, do not exclude Black Women from being ignored by doctors.

 

5. The Maternal Crisis is a HUMAN RIGHTS Crisis.

 

To learn more about how you can advocate and support Black Mamas visit https://blackmamasmatter.org/bmhw/

Filed in: Maternal Health Issues |

April 6, 2022

4 Things I wish I knew Before My Emergency C-Section

It is a vivid memory I think I will never forget.

The lights, the crowded room, the fear, the coldness.

The young resident Neonatologists waiting for Astin to my right. I had spent weeks in the hospital, with the threat of an emergency C-section every day.

If I was ever having a hard day while staying in Antepartum , when Astin was not breathing( in utero)  on the monitor or it was difficult to find his heart rate, I was reminded not to eat, just in case I need to be “put under” for the operation. I had no idea the recovery of a c-section nor did I know the details about what would unfold , but I knew it was the fastest way for me to feel comfortable delivering this tiny miracle .

Here are 4 THINGS I wish I knew BEFORE my C-Section

1. You can feel it.

“You won’t feel it”.

I felt it.

I felt every pull and tug. The doctors did an amazing job with my operation and pain level. I just felt the pressure from the tugging and pulling. And I spoke up immediately to let them know I could feel the pressure on my uterus and abdomen.  At first, I did not want to speak up because we were under immediate time restraint due to Astin’s heart rate dropping.

2. DO NOT WALK until you ARE READY

I will first say this is not medical advice. I believe every birthing parent should advocate for their mind and body.

I felt like my body was literally cut in half and I could not feel my legs for almost 36 hours due to the epidural and pain medicine. And I was asked to walk 48 hours after my emergency c-section. As much as I loved my nurse, I respectfully declined her off to walk. I had doctors and nurses both coming in saying you have to walk, but I refused. I knew my body. I knew what pain I was in and unfortunately, I do not have good reactions to pain medication. So when I was ready to walk about 72 hours after my emergency c-section I walked. It was hard watching other families walk to the nursey to see their babies,  while I was wheeled around to the NICU, I would cry and sob when I got back to my room. Now I am reminded that the reason for the NICU to take precious care of our warriors when our bodies can no longer due so.

3. Utilize your tribe and doula for help.

I was so stubborn.

I wanted to be with Astin as much as possible no matter how much pain I was in, I told myself I was the only one he needed at all times. I had convinced myself that I was a bad mom if I was not there with him because he should really be with me, in my belly a little bit longer. There was far from the truth. I had done everything possible to give birth to a healthy child. And I wish I could tell myself it is ok to let your tribe help as much as possible. I would tell myself it is ok not to drive, it is ok to sit down for a day at home and just pump, shower and relax. Allow my family members and close friends to check in on Astin. And did I mention, DO NOT DRIVE. I drove too early and I was in so much pain because of this fast decision. I would recommend to anyone following a c-section to be sure to wait 4 to 6 weeks before driving.

4. Do not go home unless you are READY

I know it can be difficult to be away from home.

I know it can be difficult to be in the hospital with cafeteria food.

I know how bad it can be when you just want your own comfy bed.

Listen, Linda

If you are experiencing any discomfort like fast heart rate, headaches, nausea, pain or pressure in the chest, or swelling in your legs, you should inform the doctors and nurses that you are not ready to go home. Please let the medical team know your symptoms and ask for testing. I wanted to be discharged so quickly that I ended up back in Labor and Delivery due to high blood pressure and headaches.

So I like to caution and push others about the importance of advocating for yourself, the importance of having family and friends advocate for you if you are experiencing any unfamiliar symptoms following childbirth.

In my featured photo, you can see a developed huge bruise on my belly just two days after my c-section. It was a reaction to the binder and tape, a reaction all the residents and myself were stunned by.  The binder is used for support but it is not required and as you can see from my skin reaction, each person is different in how they heal from a cesarean.

Thank you for allowing me to share.
Leave a comment if you want to share your C-Section experience.

Filed in: Maternal Health Issues, The Unexpected when Expecting |

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Adrianna Ebron is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. She is the mama to tiny warrior and miracle 2-year old. After surviving a tough pregnancy, a 165 day NICU stay, and being dialysis for nearly two years; Adrianna uses her social media platforms to educate and share stories about Maternal Health Issues in hopes of decreasing the maternal mortality rate in the United States.

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Story Time : How I was diagnosed with Kidney Disea Story Time : How I was diagnosed with Kidney Disease 

I spent like 30 minutes editing my captions  for spelling and IG didn't update 
Spelling should be : 
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Creatinine 
FSGS

**I should note that this is not medical advice and I am sharing my experience with my diagnosis . If you suspect you have any type of kidney failure you should make an appointment with your primary care physician immediately *

My first sign was protein in my urine ( it can look very foamy) 
Protein Spillage is also known as proteinuria or albuminuria. 

According to the National Kidney Foundation,

One of the main jobs of your kidneys is to filter your blood. When your kidneys are healthy, they keep important things your body needs inside your blood, like protein. They also remove things your body doesn’t need, like waste products and extra water. 

If your kidneys are damaged, protein can “leak” out of the kidneys into your urine.  Having protein in your urine is called “albuminuria” or “proteinuria.” 

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I am always happy to share my journey to my kidney transplant . More to come 💚💚💚💚💚

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