At 30 weeks, I was admitted for a few nights due to preeclampsia. At that time, our son was measuring on the smaller side and we were told to expect to deliver between 34 weeks and 37 weeks depending on how the preeclampsia progressed. The office wanted to start seeing me twice a week for BPPs and cord dopplers. My very first appointment after that admission is where our story gets a little crazy
What was suppose to be a “just in case” appointment at my OB’s office turned into another hospital admission due to intermittently compromised blood flow from the placenta to the baby. The plan was to draw labs, watch our son’s heart rate, and do a repeat ultrasound in the morning. Easy peasy.
2 hours later, the OB resident came in the room, informed us that my liver enzymes are elevated, my blood pressure is severely high, my platelets are dropping, and we’re having a baby. Today. We’re having a baby in the next hour; I had developed HELLP syndrome and the safest thing for both me and baby is to get him out and get him out now.
After a huge blur of chaos, consent forms, and scrub caps, our sweet Elliott O’Neil was born via emergency C-section at 30 weeks and 5 days gestation weighing 2 pounds 15 ounces.
He spent time in the NICU where he experienced intubation, CPAP, total parenteral nutrition and fluids, umbilical venous and arterial catheters, a PICC line, isolation due to neutropenia, and NG feedings. After 41 days in the NICU, Elliott was discharged on Christmas Eve and spent the holidays at home with his mom and dad!
I participate to help all families experience a healthy baby from pregnancy to birth. The funds I raise enable March of Dimes to support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy that truly makes a difference to families in our community and across the country. If you believe, like I do, that every baby deserves the best possible start, please march with me and Elliott’s HELLPers or make a donation to support this effort. It not only takes a village to raise a baby, but a village to advocate for the health of them, too!
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.
Thank you for your support!
