Roma Boles had never learned about postpartum preeclampsia until after welcoming her baby. Increased patient education and attentive care are crucial in recognizing warning signs.
Before leaving the hospital with her newborn daughter, Lily, in December 2021, New Jersey mom, Emma, mentioned to a nurse that she was experiencing chest pain. “It was just a brief exchange—no follow-up questions like, ‘Are you having any other symptoms?’ or ‘Let me check your vitals,’” she recalls. “I brushed it off, thinking, ‘The nurse said it’s normal, so it must be okay.’
Three days later, the combination of chest pain and vomiting prompted Emma to return to the hospital. This time, a doctor diagnosed her with postpartum preeclampsia. “I asked if I could go home, and he was shocked. He said, ‘Are you serious? You nearly died. You’re not going anywhere!’ I just broke down in tears,” Emma remembers.
Postpartum preeclampsia affects only 4 to 6 percent of women, but according to a survey by ModernFamilyBlog, 1 in 4 mothers feel overlooked or dismissed by their maternity care providers. After experiencing her own symptoms being downplayed, Emma is eager to raise awareness about the postpartum warning signs that can threaten new mothers’ health and encourage parents to advocate for themselves. “I wish I had more information on what to watch for after giving birth,” she says. “Many people are unaware of postpartum conditions and don’t seek help.”
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In summary, postpartum preeclampsia can be a serious condition that goes unnoticed, and awareness is key. By sharing experiences and seeking support, mothers can better navigate their postpartum health and advocate for themselves.