Christine Lara began to feel “off” 29 weeks in to her first pregnancy. She left work and called her doctor, describing her symptoms as flu-like with excessive swelling. The doctor told Lara to come directly in. To the trained physician, Lara’s symptoms were obvious indicators of preeclampsia. The mom-to-be, however, was at a loss. “I had read What to Expect When You’re Expecting and there were two lines saying, ‘This is what preeclampsia is, but it is unlikely to happen,’” Lara says. “I was really lucky because I was already going to a high-risk obstetrician and he caught it. He was able to take care of me and make sure I didn’t die.”
The following weeks were dubious for the Lara family. Following an emergency cesarean section, baby Christopher spent seven weeks in the neonatal ICU. With time on her hands, the new mom began to research the condition that nearly claimed her life and the life of her unborn child. Lara learned that preeclampsia, a condition occurring only during pregnancy and the postpartum period, affects at least 5–8 percent of pregnancies and can be fatal for both mom and baby. She was shocked by her lack of awareness, in spite of the prevalence and seriousness of preeclampsia.
A year later, when Lara discovered that she was pregnant again, she proceeded with caution. Having previously had preeclampsia, Lara knew that she had a 30 percent chance of contracting the condition again. At 33 weeks, when she felt the familiar symptoms, she immediately went in to see her physician. She had preeclampsia again and would deliver her second child, Katie, five weeks early.
Today, Christopher is 4 years old; Katie is 2.5. Both are thriving. The Lara family has moved on from the traumatic close calls, but they have not forgotten. Lara has devoted herself to spreading awareness, warning pregnant friends and family members about preeclampsia and its warning signs. “I think it’s so important to spread awareness,” she says. “An insane amount of swelling is not normal. If you’re starting to feel bad and you think it’s flu-like, go to the doctor. Ask, and if you think something is wrong, ask again.”
The Lara family is optimistic about helping create awareness on a whole new level. They’ve embraced the role of “Mission Family” for the 2013 Preeclampsia Promise Walk on May 18th. Preeclampsia survivors, friends and family will gather in Farmers Branch to support and encourage one another, spread awareness and fundraise for the cause.
Walk Director Nicole Purnell wasn’t as fortunate as Christine Lara. Purnell had HELLP syndrome, a severe form of preeclampsia, and ultimately underwent an emergency C-section and hysterectomy. Though she survived, her unborn son did not. Purnell quickly got involved with The Preeclampsia Foundation and decided to found a walk in the Dallas-Fort Worth area five years ago. “It’s really healing because we hold it around Mother’s Day weekend,” she says. “It’s significant.”
The family friendly event will kick off with a memorial followed by fun runs and a silent auction. Purnell says the event has grown each year and expects a crowd of around 200. In addition to celebrating those who have walked the difficult path of preeclampsia, the event will also focus on awareness. “Just knowing about it is key because I know I’m not the only one out there that had no clue,” Purnell says. “It’s not trying to scare people, it’s just being aware so you take it seriously. I feel like if I had taken it more seriously my outcome may have been a lot different.”
The Promise Walk will take place on Saturday, May 18 at Gussie Field Watterworth Park. For more information on the walk visit promisewalk.org/dallas.
For more information on preeclampsia, including a detailed definition and warning signs, read our Q&A with high-risk obstetrician Dr. Carol Brown-Elliott.
