Claire

I was told I had pre-eclampsia 7 months (33 weeks) into my pregnancy, though I think my symptoms started from 5 months (24 weeks). My baby daughter was delivered by emergency c-section and she stayed in SCBU (Special Care Baby) Unit for 18 days.

Claire struggled with feelings of guilt after she had pre-eclampsia and her baby was born early.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

Claire had observations taken after she had given birth. She didn’st know that there was a risk of problems developing at this time and thought she and/or her husband should have been told.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

Claire was pleased when she had a chance at a vaginal delivery after circumstances with her baby being breech and a low-lying placenta changed. However, her pre-eclampsia meant that she ended up having an emergency caesarean section.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

Claire described her baby’s health and how it improved over time.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

Although Claire knew she was poorly, she became determined to breastfeed her daughter when she was born prematurely.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

Claire’s doctor helped her decide whether it was best for her to stay in hospital or be discharged home.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

After being induced, Claire was monitored overnight. When her health deteriorated and after a scare with her baby’s heartbeat slowing down, it was agreed that a caesarean section would be best.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

Claire had seen medical professionals for other health concerns during her pregnancy, such as dehydration. Signs of her poor liver function and high blood pressure were picked up following concerns about a mouth infection.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

There was uncertainty about Claire’s diagnosis when she was unwell. She found that eventually getting a diagnosis label was a way to emotionally move on.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

Claire was in hospital for four days when she was 33 weeks pregnant. She describes the aims of her staying in hospital and having medicines, such as steroid injections.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

Claire thought it was good that her doctors were open about the limits of their knowledge and that they put in the effort to find out more about the situation.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

Claire was told she had some problems with high blood pressure but didn’st remember the term pre-eclampsia’s being used in appointments for some time.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

One of Claire’s pre-eclampsia symptoms was vomiting. She was worried about it and mentioned it to her midwives, but thought it might be a normal’s part of pregnancy.

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39

Claire developed hyperreflexia (a medical description for when a person’s nervous system over-reacts and they have brisk reflexes’s).

Age at interview 39

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 39