'Giving birth almost killed me,' Central New York mom on World Preeclampsia Day
SYRACUSE, NY — Fifteen years ago, Jackile Terribile gave birth to her first child in what turned out to be a life and death situation.
Terribile was diagnosed with preeclampsia.
It's possible for preeclampsia can develop without showing symptoms.
The complications include symptoms such as high blood pressure may develop slowly, or it may have a sudden onset, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Monitoring your blood pressure is crucial for expectant moms because the first sign of preeclampsia is commonly a rise in blood pressure.
Terribile credits the care she received at Crouse Health's NICU.
To donate to the Crouse Foundation, click here.
Other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia may include:
Excess protein in your urine (proteinuria) or additional signs of kidney problems
Severe headaches
Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision or light sensitivity
Upper abdominal pain, usually under your ribs on the right side
Nausea or vomiting
Decreased urine output
Decreased levels of platelets in your blood (thrombocytopenia)
Impaired liver function
Shortness of breath, caused by fluid in your lungs
Sudden weight gain and swelling (edema) — particularly in your face and hands — may occur with preeclampsia. But these also occur in many normal pregnancies, so they're not considered reliable signs of preeclampsia.
