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In the episode “Stephanie’s Story: Preeclampsia During Mardi Gras” of the Healthful Woman podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox sits down with Stephanie Ezcurra Williams to explore her unexpected journey through preeclampsia. What began as a normal pregnancy took a turn when Stephanie developed severe swelling, one of the critical signs of preeclampsia. Occurring during the New Orleans’ Mardi Gras season, her story offers a personal perspective on navigating unexpected complications during pregnancy.

Stephanie’s Preeclampsia Diagnosis

At 35 weeks, Stephanie was diagnosed with preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a severe medical condition indicated by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Her medical team worked to manage her symptoms, hoping to delay delivery until 37 weeks. Despite their efforts, Stephanie’s blood pressure spiked dangerously high, requiring an early delivery. Stephanie’s diagnosis is a reminder that even individuals with no history of health issues can face unexpected complications during pregnancy.

Stephanie’s Birth Story

Stephanie’s delivery via cesarean section presented unexpected challenges. Her son, Gus, was delivered after a complex procedure that required additional measures due to his position in the womb. Born at 35 weeks, Gus faced initial struggles, including low Apgar scores and a week-long NICU stay. Despite his birth complications, he made a full recovery.

The Importance of Advocacy and Medical Care

Reflecting on her experience, Stephanie emphasized the importance of self-advocacy and staying vigilant during pregnancy. She shared how her initial confidence in her health led her to underestimate the seriousness of her symptoms. Her story is a reminder that pregnancy can bring unexpected challenges, even for those in excellent health. Stephanie expresses, “Somebody who’s in the kind of shape and health of an Olympic athlete can still get something serious like preeclampsia, and you know, potentially have fatal results from that.” Dr. Nathan Fox highlighted the significance of taking conditions like preeclampsia seriously. Dr. Fox stated, “If someone has preeclampsia in pregnancy, it’s more common that in their lifetime, they’ll have hypertension.” While most cases of preeclampsia result in positive outcomes, medical attention is essential to avoid severe complications. Stephanie’s story displays the importance of recognizing the signs of preeclampsia and seeking prompt care.

Signs of Preeclampsia

Common symptoms of preeclampsia include severe swelling in the hands, feet, or face,  headaches, blurred vision or light sensitivity, upper abdominal pain, and sudden weight gain. Women may sometimes experience shortness of breath due to lung fluid. Because preeclampsia can develop quickly and progress to more severe conditions, such as eclampsia or HELLP syndrome, it is crucial to monitor these symptoms and seek medical attention and pregnancy care promptly.

Learn More

Stephanie’s journey can help inform individuals navigating pregnancy or curious about preeclampsia. To listen to her full story, listen to the complete episode of the Healthful Woman podcast. If you are experiencing preeclampsia symptoms in New York, contact Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates today through their online contact form.

Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!