I had no history of high blood pressure, but at 23 weeks of pregnancy I started experiencing hypertension. My doctors put me on medication and rest, but I didn’t get any better. At 25 weeks, I went back to see the doctor because I thought I was having side effects from the medication. Instead, I was diagnosed with preeclampsia and rushed in to the operating room. Emily was due on Christmas day, but was born via emergency c-section on September 16th, 2014.
Because of her premature birth, Emily only weighed 1.3lbs, had jaundice, had patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and couldn’t breathe on her own. Lung development is one of the important things that happens later in gestation. She was put on a ventilator for 8 weeks, had surgery, got blood transfusions, and received Surfactant to help her lungs. Emily was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for 119 days and came home on oxygen and an apnea monitor.
Emily is now 9 years old and thriving. She is a big sister to Sophie, who was born healthy. She wants to work with dogs when she grows up, maybe in a doggie daycare.
With preterm birth rates continuing to rise, the U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, especially for women and babies of color.
At March for Babies™ you're lifting up communities, creating connections and taking action to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.
Together, we’re marching to raise funds and awareness to transform the health of all families!
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