For The Mother’s Health: Karson’s Story

The Mother’s Health

There are so many reasons for a premature birth. A baby may be born early because of a problem in the womb, a condition in the placenta, or the health of the baby is in jeopardy. One other serious reason a baby may be born early is the mother’s health is in danger.

Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome are two conditions that can be very serious and life-threatening for the mother. According to preeclampsia.org, Preeclampsia:

… is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.

and HELLP syndrome:

… is a life-threatening pregnancy complication usually considered to be a variant of preeclampsia…The most common reasons for mothers to become critically ill or die are liver rupture or stroke (cerebral edema or cerebral hemorrhage). These can usually be prevented when caught in time.

So, as you can see, if the mother’s health is in danger, the only alternative is to deliver the baby, no matter how early it may be.

Today’s story features a mother who experienced both these conditions. I’m so happy that both her and her baby are healthy after such a serious fight.

Please meet Karson, as told by his mom, Samantha.

Karson

1.Tell us about your baby.

Karson was born at 28+3 weighing 2 lbs 3 oz. And 14 inches long.

2.How long was he in the NICU? What was the hardest part?

He spent 60 days in the nicu. Karson surprised everyone and did fairly well with minimal issues for his gestation . He received 3 blood transfusions, and was on nippv/bubble cpap for just over 6 weeks. Karson also was on a feeding tube for 7 weeks.

The hardest part for me was feeling like I couldn’t help my baby get better and feeling alone. We were over an hour from home, and My husband had to go back to work.

3.Do you know what caused your premature birth?

I developed very sudden severe pre eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome basically over night.

4.How are you and your baby doing today?

Karson was my first baby. I recently had a baby girl in. January. She was born at 37+2 with only very mild pre eclampsia.

Today, Karson is the happiest 2.5 year old I know. He was caught up cognitively by about 15 months old. He follows up yearly now with our NICU grad clinic.

5.What advice would you give new preemie parents?

Make friends with fellow NICU moms. Talk to them while you’re there. It’s amazing to watch your little ones grow together. And being able to talk to someone who really understands your situation helps.

I created a Facebook support group called Mothers of Super Preemies also. That seems to help a lot of mom’s as well.

I know that Facebook support groups really helped me, including Samantha’s group, so I’m very thankful for them. I’m also thankful that both Samantha, Karson, and their family are doing well today.

Please leave any supportive comments or questions below.