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.
March of Dimes is dedicated to bringing people together to tackle America's maternal and infant health crisis—one person, one community, and one step at a time. More than a series of walks, March for Babies is an annual tradition that supports moms and babies every day, every step of the way.
March for Babies connects friends, families, and coworkers to improve the health of families nationwide. Together with March of Dimes, each step forward brings us closer to a healthy future for all.
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