What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a disorder that affects approximately 5-8% of pregnant women. It's also referred to as "toxemia." Toxemia causes the blood vessels to constrict and decrease blood flow to the organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain. It also results in high blood pressure. With less blood going to the uterus, it can result in poor growth, decreased amniotic fluid, and placental disruption for the baby. Basically, a pregnant woman is diagnosed if she has high blood pressure AND protein in the urine after twenty weeks of pregnancy. Preeclampsia can range from mild to severe, and it can progress either slowly or rapidly. Most women who develop mild preeclampsia closer towards their due date deliver just fine with proper care, but if it is severe, it can affect many organs and be life-threatening. The only way to find out if you have preeclampsia is via urine sample during doctor visits...that's why it's vital that pregnant ladies do not miss their scheduled appointments. And if a woman is found to have preeclampsia, the only way to get better is to deliver the baby early.

I never heard of this word until this week and the circumstances in which I came to know about it are unfortunate.

A friend of mine found out in December that there were complications in her pregnancy. While she was told that the chances of her baby surviving were slim, everyone held on to hope for a miracle. Just last week, she celebrated her last day of work to go on maternity leave. That weekend, her doctor told that she had preeclampsia and that she would have to deliver as soon as possible.

She delivered a baby boy.

In the next few hours, I can only imagine the love both mom and dad radiated upon that sweet baby. God did, indeed, provide them a miracle. I was fortunate to see her on her last day of work. She was happy and confident. She allowed others to marvel at the baby moving inside by letting them touch her tummy. She simply glowed.

Without a single cry and without any pain or suffering, their baby boy left this earthly world for a heavenly one. While I cannot understand why certain things like this happen, I am certain that God has a new companion at His side. It's been said that God doesn't give us trials that we cannot handle. If God brings you TO it, God will bring you THROUGH it.

My love, prayers, and hope for comfort go out to the Lew family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, baby Lew, and know that you will always be loved no matter where you are.