Mom Felt ‘Exhausted’ During Her Third Pregnancy. Then, After Giving Birth, She Received ‘Frightening’ News (Exclusive)

**New Jersey Mother Shares Difficult Journey Through Postpartum Preeclampsia**

In a heartfelt account of her recent pregnancy experience, Sabrina B., a 38-year-old mother from New Jersey, has opened up about the unprecedented challenges she faced during and after the birth of her third child. Sabrina, a mother of three, described her latest pregnancy as the most strenuous of her life, both physically and emotionally.

Sabrina’s third pregnancy brought with it an overwhelming sense of heaviness. She recalls, “Each pregnancy is different, but this one felt heavier.” As she juggled the demands of motherhood while expecting her new addition, she quickly realised that this time would be particularly taxing. “I felt the difference immediately,” she explained, noting the difficulties of raising a toddler and an almost preteen alongside her pregnancy.

The labour itself was a significant ordeal, lasting 16.5 hours, which Sabrina described as her longest experience to date. However, she stated that it wasn’t just the duration that proved challenging, but the overall weight of her circumstances. “My body felt exhausted. I felt stretched thin physically and emotionally,” she recalled. “I was older, more aware of my body, and more attuned to when something didn’t feel right.”

A week post-delivery, after welcoming her baby Alijah, Sabrina had a routine home visit from a postpartum nurse. During the assessment, the nurse noticed alarming signs, including Sabrina’s elevated blood pressure and substantial swelling in her ankles and feet. The nurse’s swift actions prompted Sabrina to seek immediate medical attention, a decision that would prove crucial.

As her appointment approached, Sabrina’s condition worsened. She became increasingly concerned when she began passing large blood clots, leading to distressing moments that evoked memories of past pregnancy losses. “I started screaming and crying. It triggered past traumatic experiences, and in that moment, I truly thought I was dying,” she recounted. The fear of leaving her children without a mother loomed heavily over her.

Upon seeing her doctor, Sabrina received the shocking diagnosis of postpartum preeclampsia, a condition associated with high blood pressure and potential complications following childbirth. Since then, she has worked closely with her healthcare team to manage her condition, which includes blood pressure medication and steroid treatments to address inflammation.

Reflecting on her recovery, Sabrina noted that the first two weeks postpartum were particularly difficult. The physical limitations she faced, including a loss of grip strength, made it challenging to care for her newborn. “Many nights, my partner would handle the baby while I was unable to,” she explained, expressing gratitude for her partner Arnaldo’s unwavering support during this tumultuous time.

In a bid to raise awareness about maternal health issues, Sabrina has shared her journey online, where she has built a supportive community over the past 11 years. “I wanted to know if other women had gone through this,” she said, highlighting her need for reassurance during a time fraught with uncertainty. Additionally, she aims to shed light on the prevalence of heart disease among Black and Latina women, a cause she is passionate about given the substantial health disparities in these communities.

Sabrina stresses the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, particularly for women who may feel overlooked. “If sharing my story encourages just one woman to check her blood pressure or listen to her intuition, then it’s all worth it,” she affirmed.

Looking back on her experience, Sabrina expressed deep appreciation for the support system surrounding her, from family to medical professionals. “I’m grateful for my village and for doctors who listened,” she remarked. Having faced significant healthcare challenges, she acknowledges how critical it is for women to have access to adequate resources and support during the postpartum period.

As she navigates her recovery, Sabrina remains hopeful, drawing strength from her family and the community she has fostered. Through her journey, she aims not only to facilitate discussions about maternal health but also to empower other women to advocate for their wellbeing, reinforcing the message that they deserve quality care and support.