Chase and Tucker's NICU Session

Please enjoy Preemie Prints' families’ inspirational story & photos.

Consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. We thank our supporters, Preemie Prints volunteers, and donors for allowing us to continue touching the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families.

We pray these special memories from Preemie Prints

will help families heal and remember how strong

they were in overcoming their NICU journey together.

A NICU STORY | THOUGHTS FROM CHASE AND TUCKER'S FAMILY

I had always planned on my twins being at Strong Hospital. I just didn't know it would be so soon: 27 weeks. I thought I would have had a perfect pregnancy and my twins would have been the perfect weight and height. I ended up going to Thompson hospital at 3am with what I thought was Braxton Hicks contractions.. Little did I know I was 4cm dilated and my baby boy Tucker was trying to get out. I ended up having an emergency c-section 20 minutes later when my doctor arrived. I thought the boys would be here before Strong's NICU arrived. I was so scared and so worried; it was every mothers worst fear and it happened in a blink of an eye. Then my doctor started to make the cut, accessed my uterus, and as that was happening Strong's NICU transportation team scrubbed in just in time. There were 8 people per child; my room was packed. Then they pulled little Tucker out and 2 minutes later Chase. Chase came out kicking and screaming. Then I waited what seemed like forever to hear Tucker. Finally, he screamed and I cried with joy knowing everything was going to be OK. As this happened my doctor sang Happy Birthday to each boy and everyone joined in. It was the most memorable experience of my life. When I was in recovery I was told they would bring in my twins, but I probably couldn't touch them. They brought the boys in with the incubators open. They told me I could touch them and it made me so happy. I got a minute with each of them, then they went off to Strong Memorial Hospital without me. Broke my heart and that was the longest 36 hours of my life. Thompson tried everything in their power to get me to Strong. Then they just released me early. I've been at Strong everyday since. I'm so glad they saved my boys and I'm so happy to be a new mommy. I still have a long way to go, but I'm thankful for this place and for my two little boys.

Chase and Tucker's photo session was taken and donated by Preemie Prints volunteer photographer, Jennifer Sternal-Johnson.

https://www.facebook.com/blackbirdfamilyphotography

A Note From Jen:

As a twin preemie mom myself, I treasure the first photos that we were able to take with all of us together, at about 1 month old. Tucker and Chase are 27 week preemies and I was lucky enough to share that moment with their family.

Photos belong to our volunteer photographers, families,

and organization --  please do not use for any purpose.

____________________________________________

Preemie Prints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sharing hope with NICU families through a variety of support programs. One of those programs is the gift of NICU photography and preemie photography. NICU families from across the US can request a no-charge photography session by a Preemie Prints volunteer. The family request form can be found on the right side of our website. These sessions are free of charge and for any NICU family, regardless of time spent in the NICU. The NICU photo shoot can take place inside the NICU or after baby is discharged and at home until their 1st birthday. Facing time in a NICU with a premature or critically ill baby is an extremely difficult time for families. Preemie Prints has a mission to share hope by letting families know they are not alone. Preemie Prints currently has over 100 volunteers nationwide. We are always looking for more volunteers to share in our mission! If you are interested, please email sherri@preemieprints.org and visit our website at www.preemieprints.org. To date Preemie Prints and our volunteers have gifted over 500 NICU family sessions.

This was a Preemie Prints NICU photography session that took place near Rochester NY.

We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.

SJ -- NICU Grad Session

Please enjoy Preemie Prints' families’ inspirational story & photos.

Consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. We thank our supporters, Preemie Prints volunteers, and donors for allowing us to continue touching the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families.

We pray these special memories from Preemie Prints

will help families heal and remember how strong

they were in overcoming their NICU journey together.

A NICU STORY | THOUGHTS FROM SJ'S FAMILY

Our son was born at 34 weeks at Unity Hospital in Greece, NY. My water broke unexpectedly as my pregnancy was going perfectly normal. When he was born he did great and did not need any support breathing. He was in the nursery during his stay at Unity and they kept a close eye on him. The day we were supposed to be discharged ( we were going to leave in a couple hours after his car seat test) he had an apneic event and at that point we knew we would be staying longer. He ended up needing to be intubated and had to be transferred to the NICU at Strong Memorial Hospital. My husband and I were devastated, we had no idea what to expect. All we could do was cry. We met the ambulance at the hospital and were able to see him once they got him situated in his room. We walked into the room and my husband and I lost it, we just started bawling. He was hooked up to the ventilator and so much more. At this point the doctors told us that they didn't know what was going on but were going to run a lot of tests so it would just be a waiting game. It was so hard to see our son like this, we just felt so helpless and had no idea what to expect. We just talked to him and told him we loved him and knew he was a fighter and get through this. Several doctors came in and out and did tests and were telling us worse case scenario which was so hard for us. The first doctor told us he thought it may be brain damage and that was the hardest thing for us to hear, another doctor told us a seizure disorder, and another a metabolic disorder and many other things. We just tried to take it one day at a time and stay positive. All of the tests ended up coming back negative and they said he just needed more time to develop. They weaned him off of the ventilator, then he was on a nasal cannula and then eventually on room air. We were there for 11 days and the first 4 were the most stressful days of our lives. We literally felt like the world was ending and felt so helpless as we looked at him hooked up to everything. To other parents with babies in the NICU: try and take it one day at a time, it feels like there is no light at the end of the tunnel in the beginning but trust the nursing staff and things get a bit "easier" with each passing day. 

SJ's photo session was taken and donated by Preemie Prints volunteer photographer, Jennifer Sternal-Johnson.

https://www.facebook.com/blackbirdfamilyphotography

A Note From Jen:

SJ was a little uncertain about the whole photography situation, but once he fell asleep, we got some great photos. Adorable little dude!

Photos belong to our volunteer photographers, families,

and organization --  please do not use for any purpose.

____________________________________________

Preemie Prints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sharing hope with NICU families through a variety of support programs. One of those programs is the gift of NICU photography and preemie photography. NICU families from across the US can request a no-charge photography session by a Preemie Prints volunteer. The family request from can be found on the right side of our website. These sessions are free of charge and for any NICU family, regardless of time spent in the NICU. The NICU photo shoot can take place inside the NICU or after baby is discharged and at home until their 1st birthday. Facing time in a NICU with a premature or critically ill baby is an extremely difficult time for families. Preemie Prints has a mission to share hope by letting families know they are not alone. Preemie Prints currently has over 100 volunteers nationwide. We are always looking for more volunteers to share in our mission! If you are interested, please email sherri@preemieprints.org and visit our website at www.preemieprints.org. To date Preemie Prints and our volunteers have gifted over 500 NICU family sessions.

This was a Preemie Prints NICU graduate photography session that took place near Rochester NY.

We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.

Adelyn and Emma: NICU Grads!

Please enjoy Preemie Prints' families’ inspirational story & photos.

Consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. We thank our supporters, Preemie Prints volunteers, and donors for allowing us to continue touching the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families.

We pray these special memories from Preemie Prints

will help families heal and remember how strong

they were in overcoming their NICU journey together.

A NICU STORY | THOUGHTS FROM ADELYN AND EMMA'S FAMILY

Our miracle babies were taken by emergency c section due to preeclampsia at 34 weeks. They were in the NICU for 12 days and were very healthy considering they were 6 weeks early. They were 4'14 and 5'2 lbs. Since they had been monitoring me they did give me some steroids to help with their lungs and I think it really helped because they didn't need breathing tubes. Their biggest difficulties were learning how to eat from a bottle and maintaining their temperature. They were in isolettes for most of their stay and we had to keep checking their temps for awhile after coming home. Now they are 6 months old(4 1/2 corrected) and are hitting all of their milestones! We consider ourselves extremely lucky and blessed:-)Remember that they are where they need to be right now and they are getting the care that they need. the hospital environment is extremely exhausting and overwhelming so make sure you take some time away and breaks to process and recover. It was extremely emotional the first time I left the hospital and went home without my babies but it was exactly what I needed to come back to them stronger and rested. Take help when offered! Lean on your support system...they are there for you. Last but not least don't feel bad denying visitors. I remember being completely overwhelmed with family wanting to see the babies and hold them but what they don't understand is that you don't even get to hold them for that long or often. We had days where we just said no visitors at all and looking back I wish we had done that more. You will get through this!!!

Adelyn and Emma's photo session was taken and donated by Preemie Prints volunteer photographer, Jennifer Sternal-Johnson.

https://www.facebook.com/blackbirdfamilyphotography

A Note From Jen:

34 week rainbow babies--now almost 6 months old! They were so good during our session and "posed" beautifully. Sweet girls!

Photos belong to our volunteer photographers, families,

and organization --  please do not use for any purpose.

____________________________________________

Preemie Prints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sharing hope with NICU families through a variety of support programs. One of those programs is the gift of NICU photography and preemie photography. NICU families from across the US can request a no-charge photography session by a Preemie Prints volunteer. The family request from can be found on the right side of our website. These sessions are free of charge and for any NICU family, regardless of time spent in the NICU. The NICU photo shoot can take place inside the NICU or after baby is discharged and at home until their 1st birthday. Facing time in a NICU with a premature or critically ill baby is an extremely difficult time for families. Preemie Prints has a mission to share hope by letting families know they are not alone. Preemie Prints currently has over 100 volunteers nationwide. We are always looking for more volunteers to share in our mission! If you are interested, please email sherri@preemieprints.org and visit our website at www.preemieprints.org. To date Preemie Prints and our volunteers have gifted over 500 NICU family sessions.

This was a Preemie Prints NICU graduate photography session that took place near Rochester NY.

We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.

A Preemie Story: The Roller Coaster That Never Ends

Shared with us by:
Valkyrie Schmidt
August 4, 2013

Doctors and parents alike have often been quoted calling the life of a premature baby a roller coaster ride, starting at the crucial moments the baby is born. They say that by the time you are awake and aware enough to know what’s going on, you know in your heart it’s too late to do anything but hang on for the ride. For me, it was well before that; during the time leading up to my daughter’s birth at approximately 26 weeks. She was born because she wasn’t growing in my womb, and I had such severe preeclampsia, both of our heart rates were dropping drastically, and the doctors were afraid I would start seizing.

I was wheeled in to the OR, given the epidural, and an emergency C-section later, my daughter was born. Sadly, I was so heavily medicated I don’t remember most of it. I couldn’t touch my daughter because her skin hadn’t even grown over her, and I was so drugged that I’m told she cried, but I don’t even have that to remember.

Fast forward to the next day. The drugs had started to wear off, and I was wheeled into the NICU for the first time ever. I had to wash my hands in the large, metal sinks, then put on hand sanitizer. When you first open the door to the NICU, you notice it’s very dark, and mostly quiet, save for a few lucky babies who were born strong enough to cry and be in a crib. You smell that so powerful scent of sanitizing chemicals, so thick you can almost taste it burning in the back of your nose and eyes, mingling with the salty tears you’re trying so hard not to shed. You see yourself reflected in the faces of the other parents: the wide, pained eyes; the hurried and distracted pacing, as if just sitting could end your child’s life.

I remember so vividly her little naked shape. She was so very red, even under the iridescent blue of the bilirubin lights; because her skin had not formed. She had what looked like the smallest sunglasses in the world, to shield her still-sealed eyes from that unforgiving light.

As you sit and pray, you hear the constant sounds of the monitors and machines of yours and every other child in the NICU. So often the alarms sounded, and everyone’s heart stopped; praying it wasn’t their child, and that whoever’s alarm it was, they would survive. That’s part of why they call it “the roller coaster ride”, because every child has good days, and bad days. You just had to pray that on those bad days, they still fought to survive, and that you wouldn’t have to suffer the ultimate sorrow.

One of the worst feelings in those first weeks, and maybe longer is that you can’t touch your child, for just to touch would break their paper-thin skins and kill them. You must console yourself to touching the hard plastic of the isolette, or the soft cloth of a receiving blanket and you wear it to leave your scent on it; to place in the isolette for them, to comfort them as the suffer and struggle to survive.

After the draining weeks turn into months, and you have suffered through surgeries, scares, pain, and fear; first you become numb. Then, if you are lucky, you get hope. Hope from the start is what keeps you from falling into despair every time you glance up from your baby to see another’s parents sobbing across the room. Hope is what makes you forge friendships with the parents whose baby is right next to yours. And hope, after those awful months, is what brings your baby home.

My daughter came home 4 and a half months after birth, and I remember as I walked out of the sterile hospital, and into the warm early September breeze, I was terrified, but excited. I could hold her, feel her warmth against me as often as I wanted. I could smell the airy sweetness of her, almost like a doughnut or powdered sugar. I could see her, day and night; wake up and she would be there, breathing so softly in the bassinet next to the bed. It is definitely a roller coaster ride; but it is also the ride of a lifetime.

A Hope Filled Story About Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome

By guest blogger: Olivia (twin mom currently carrying 27 week old identical twin boys) 

To learn more about TTS please visit The TTTS Foundation

TTTS occurs when blood moves from one twin to the other. The twin that loses the blood is called the donor twin. The twin that receives the blood is called the recipient twin.

Both infants may have problems depending on the severity of the transfusion. The donor twin may have too little blood, and the other may have too much blood. The donor twin may need a blood transfusion, while the recipient twin may need to have the amount of blood in his or her body reduced. TTTS is a cause of premature birth and/or infant death.

"I met Olivia when she contacted me about making a set of bracelets for her identical twin boys! I get so excited whenever I hear from or talk to an identical twin parent and immediately conversations begin and stories are shared about pregnancy. When she told me about her twins and her ttts diagnoses it hit home with me. Most of my pregnancy was lived in worry as to if TTTS would be an issue for my girls, since that is the case for about 20% of mono-di (Monochorionic- Diamniotic) twins. I had ultrasounds every 2-3 weeks throughout my pregnancy to check. Thankfully TTTS was never an issue for us. Still, throughout my pregnancy I read so many scary stories surrounding TTTS and very few that shared a positive outcome for the both babies. How nice it would have been to come across Olivia's story with such a happy ending. It would have given me hope and probably eased my mind some that even if the worst happened there was a faith filled possibility that everything would be okay for my girls. So I asked her if she'd share her story on our blog for any other families facing a TTTS diagnoses and thankfully she agreed." ~Amber

Image copyright of The TTTS Foundation.

The Lord has blessed my husband and I with five precious children (ages 8, 7, 6, 3, 1), and we found out the joyous news in November that I am pregnant with identical twin baby boys.  What a blessing from Jesus!  My Maternal Fetal Medicine Doctor here in South Carolina had concerns about twin to twin transfusion.  We prayed about the specialist to choose, as there are no specialists for this here in South Carolina.  The Lord gave us a peace about choosing Dr. Quintero in Florida.

Although I had many symptoms of twin to twin transfusion, the doctors were puzzled why I met some of the criteria, but not all of the criteria.  As Dr. Quintero, said, “Two plus two does not always equal four in the medical field.”  For example, Baby A and Baby B both had excellent growth despite the fact that most twins with twin to twin transfusion do not have similar growth to each other.  In addition, even though Baby B did not have visible bladder, he had some amniotic fluid in his membrane—very puzzling to the doctors.  Dr. Quintero figured that there must be a hole in Baby A’s membrane that was letting fluid into Baby B’s membrane—however when he did surgery, he could not find hole, and determined this is medically unexplainable.

My husband, my almost two-year-old daughter, and myself flew to Miami on Sunday March 25^th and had evaluation on Monday March 26^th with specialist (Dr. Quintero) about twin to twin transfusion for the identical baby boys in my womb.  Doctor immediately admitted me to the hospital after the appointment with him, and said I was in stage three (there are only four stages).  He said most women in my situation would have babies that would have already died by now.  Praise Jesus, the baby boys in belly have been protected by Jesus.  He has sustained their lives!  I think of Jeremiah 29:11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Only weeks earlier, my husband and I sat in our bedroom praying together for the twins, knowing that their condition was serious.  We both came to the point where we laid down their lives before the Lord and expressed our desire that they live and be born healthy, however we also accepted if the Lord chose to take them Home to Heaven.  With tears, that was a hard place to come to from a human perspective, as it was hard to think about the possibility that they could die.  But, we know that the Lord is Sovereign---He created the twins and we acknowledged that we wanted to be yielded to the Lord.  I believe the Lord wants each of us to come to the place of a total surrender—to totally trust Him and be yielded to Him with a whole heart. 

Dr. Quintero talked of how lucky I am that I had not ruptured (which would have caused serious concerns for me and death to both twins) because I was measuring 42 weeks pregnant (due to extra fluid from Baby A’s twin to twin transfusion challenges and having too much amniotic fluid).  I told him that is not luck---truly this is the Lord’s protection because I know truly He has a plan and purpose for these little boys in my belly!!!  I have not had any preterm labor, and doctor was surprised by that, considering how large my belly is (I am 22 weeks pregnant yet measuring the 42 weeks).   I have had 5 c-sections previously, so once again doctor is totally surprised that my uterus has not ruptured with all the pressure of fluid. 

At 22 weeks gestation, I had surgery in Miami on Tuesday March 27^th .  The surgery went GREAT!  The consent form for surgery stated that there is 55% likelihood that both twins would stay alive through this surgery.  According to doctor, there is 95% likelihood that babies would both die if no treatment was done.  I got out of the hospital on March 28th.  Praise JESUS-----both twins are alive and cured and doing WONDERFULLY!  There are no long term effects and they both are very healthy and can be carried to full-term.  Doctor removed 2.5 liters of fluid from my womb and my tummy has resumed to proper size.  I feel so much better.  The surgery was amazing.  Doctor inserted tube straight into my belly and the tube had camera inside it.  He lasered two large vessels connecting the boys and also lasered many smaller vessels.  Meanwhile, I was kept somewhat sedated but had to keep eyes open during procedure and stay awake.  At end of procedure, he allowed me to see real pictures of the boys straight in my belly.  They are precious!!! They are getting chubby and they are pink and look so cozy and sweet.  I stayed in hospital through Wednesday March 28^th.  We arrived back to SC March 29th. 

Currently, I am 27 weeks pregnant and do not have preterm labor.  At appointment today, both babies are growing wonderfully and have normal levels of amniotic fluid and continuous, normal levels of blood flow from umbilical cords to placenta.  I am expected to be able to carry the twins full-term to 37 weeks possibly, although I am instructed to reduce activity due to possibility of water breaking, preterm labor, and rupture.

Please pray specifically and fervently—

--that the twin boys will stay in womb full-term with no rupture and no preterm labor, Lord-willing

--for salvation of the doctor/nurses in Miami.  There is a lot of “scientific” approach there with medicine and I think there is emptiness as I don’t know that they know Jesus as Savior.  There were many opportunities to point glory to Christ, and I know some seeds were planted.

Here is a note I sent to some people from the church we attend on the morning that we flew out to Miami…….

This morning in my devotion with the Lord, He brought to mind that quote that I told you all about on the email  sometime the other week---the quote by Tim Tebow that goes something like this, “Football is the platform through which I share my faith in Jesus Christ.”

I was thinking about that again this morning and how that applies to life situations.  As we travel to Florida, this trip to Florida is our “platform” through which we can share our faith in Jesus Christ and glorify His Name Alone.  I think of how Jesus’ Name is Power!  Please pray for us to each have boldness as the Lord gives opportunities to glorify His Name in the midst of these trials that He has allowed.  May His Name be glorified!

And I encourage you all---whether you are going through a very difficult trial right now, or a very exciting wonderful time, the importance to think of the time/life situation as a “platform” through which you can share your faith in Jesus Christ and point glory to His Name!  It is exciting to see what the Lord has in store in bringing glory to His Name! J

Here are two awesome verses that the Lord used to encourage my heart this morning,
Psalm 40:16, “Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”

Psalm 40:17, “But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me, You are my Help and my Deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.”

Thank you again for all your prayers and support as Mikey, Abigail, the twins, and I fly out this morning to go on our “mission trip” to Florida!! J  Love, Olivia

What are high blood pressure and preeclampsia?

Blood pressure is a measure of how hard your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. If the force is too hard, you have high blood pressure (also called hypertension). When high blood pressure starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it may be a sign of a very serious problem called preeclampsia.

Blood pressure is shown as two numbers. The top number ( systolic ) is the pressure when the heart pumps blood. The bottom number ( diastolic ) is the pressure when the heart relaxes and fills with blood. Blood pressure is high if the top number is more than 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), or if the bottom number is more than 90 mm Hg. For example, blood pressure of 150/85 (say "150 over 85") or 140/95 is high. Or both numbers can be high, such as 150/95.

A woman may have high blood pressure before she gets pregnant. Or her blood pressure may start to go up during pregnancy.

If you have high blood pressure during pregnancy, you need to have checkups more often than women who do not have this problem. There is no way to know if you will get preeclampsia. This is one of the reasons that you are watched closely during your pregnancy.

High blood pressure and preeclampsia are related, but they have some differences.

High blood pressure

Normally, a woman's blood pressure drops during her second trimester. Then it returns to normal by the end of the pregnancy. But in some women, blood pressure goes up very high in the second or third trimester. This is sometimes called gestational hypertension and can lead to preeclampsia. You will need to have your blood pressure checked often and you may need treatment. Usually, the problem goes away after the baby is born.

High blood pressure that started before pregnancy usually doesn't go away after the baby is born.

A small rise in blood pressure may not be a problem. But your doctor will watch your pressure to make sure it does not get too high. The doctor also will check you for preeclampsia.

Very high blood pressure keeps your baby from getting enough blood and oxygen. This could limit your baby's growth or cause the placenta to pull away too soon from the uterus. High blood pressure also could lead to stillbirth.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related problem. The symptoms of preeclampsia include new high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy along with other problems, such as protein in your urine. Preeclampsia usually goes away after you give birth. In rare cases, blood pressure can stay high for up to 6 weeks after the birth.

Preeclampsia can be deadly for the mother and baby. It can keep the baby from getting enough blood and oxygen. It also can harm the mother's liver , kidneys , and brain. Women with very bad preeclampsia can have dangerous seizures. This is called eclampsia.

What causes preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy?

Experts don't know the exact cause of preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy. But they have some ideas about preeclampsia:

·         Preeclampsia seems to start because the placenta doesn't grow the usual network of blood vessels deep in the wall of the uterus. This leads to poor blood flow in the placenta.

·         Preeclampsia may run in families. If your mother had preeclampsia while she was pregnant with you, you have a higher chance of getting it during pregnancy. You also have a higher chance of getting it if the mother of your baby's father had preeclampsia.

·         The mother's immune system may react to the father's sperm, the placenta, or the baby.

·         Already having high blood pressure when you get pregnant raises your chance of getting preeclampsia.

·         Problems that can lead to high blood pressure, such as obesity , polycystic ovary syndrome , and diabetes , could raise your risk of preeclampsia.

What are the symptoms?

High blood pressure usually doesn't cause symptoms. But very high blood pressure sometimes causes headaches and shortness of breath or changes in vision.

Mild preeclampsia usually doesn't cause symptoms, either. But preeclampsia can cause rapid weight gain and sudden swelling of the hands and face. Severe preeclampsia causes symptoms of organ trouble, such as a very bad headache and trouble seeing and breathing. It also can cause belly pain and decreased urination.

How are high blood pressure and preeclampsia diagnosed?

High blood pressure and preeclampsia are usually found during a prenatal visit. This is one reason why it's so important to go to all of your prenatal visits. You need to have your blood pressure checked often.   Sudden increase in blood pressure often is the first sign of a problem.

You also will have a urine test to look for protein, another sign of preeclampsia.

If you have high blood pressure, tell your doctor right away if you have a headache or belly pain. These signs of preeclampsia can occur before protein shows up in your urine.

How are they treated?

Your doctor may have you take medicine if he or she thinks your blood pressure is too high.

The only cure for preeclampsia is having the baby. You may get medicines to lower your blood pressure and to prevent seizures. You also may get medicine to help your baby's lungs get ready for birth. Your doctor will try to deliver your baby when the baby has grown enough to be ready for birth. But sometimes a baby has to be delivered early to protect the health of the mother or the baby. If this happens, your baby will get special care for premature babies.

Do preeclampsia and high blood pressure lead to long-term high blood pressure?

If you have high blood pressure during pregnancy but had normal blood pressure before pregnancy, your pressure is likely to go back to normal after you have the baby. But if you had high blood pressure before pregnancy, you probably will still have it after you give birth.

Experts don't think preeclampsia causes high blood pressure later in life. But women who get preeclampsia may have a higher-than-normal chance of getting high blood pressure after pregnancy or later in life.