PRE-ECLAMPSIA…that horrid word

During the 7th month of my pregnancy. My legs started swelling to the point that I could not walk properly. It was exams and as a teacher I was requited to invigilate these exams. I thought the swelling was due to the excessive walking and standing. I also began seeing white spots and feeling light headed when I stood up after sitting or laying down. I didn’t think too much of it. I had a sharp pain just above my ribs and I blamed it on the growing belly. I also had blurred vision and a pain in my shoulder. I went for physio and it didn’t help at all. My weight went from 65kg to 75kg in a month. I also tested my pressure and it was very high The day before school opened I decided to go for a check up as I didn’t want to disadvantage my learners by being sick at work and not giving them the attention that they needed. I thank God that I did because I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and it caused my baby to stop growing.

Symptoms of pre-eclampsia:

• Rapid weight gain.
• Abdominal pain.
• Severe headaches.
• Change in reflexes.
• Reduced urine or no urine output.
• Swelling all over due to fluid build up
• Dizziness.
• Excessive vomiting and nausea.
• Vision changes.
• High blood pressure

I had most of the symptoms and as a first time mum I just thought it it was all normal pregnancy symptoms. If you have any of the symptoms, it’s important to get it checked.