So some of you may have read my post about being hospitalized with preeclampsia since December 21st. My original due date was 3/20/19.

I went into the hospital at 27+2 with little hope of making it to 28 weeks. Well, we beat the odds and made all the way to 32+6, and, as it turns out, we needed to deliver via emergency c-section not because of preeclampsia, but because of baby being in distress. At the hospital, they have been having us do a NST twice daily. On the evening of 1/28, my little girl kept decelerating into the 80s more than was usual. They moved me to labor and delivery for overnight observation and it kept happening. It wasn’t unusual for her to grab her chord every now and then but this was excessive and I knew something was wrong. At about 5:30am on the morning of 1/29, after her heart rate had dropped below 50, the decision was made to deliver via c-section. I was all together sad, terrified, and overjoyed that we had made it this far and that I would soon meet my first little girl.

The c-section was rough and scary but I had an excellent medical team that I knew fairly well at that point because I’d been in the hospital so long. When they pulled her out, I heard her first little cry and then they took her away to stabilize. It turns out that her chord was wrapped around her neck twice and very tightly, which was causing her heart rate to drop. I know it sounds odd but I’m thankful I’ve been watched so closely with preeclampsia. I’m thankful for the preeclampsia. I honestly have no idea what would have happened otherwise.

Our girl was taken to the NICU where she is doing well. She’s on the cpap on the lowest setting and a little wiggle worm. Our hearts couldn’t be more full. We got to hold her for the first time yesterday and both her daddy and I are completely in love with this tiny little human.

Arah Jane

Born 1/29/2019

3lbs 1oz

17 inches long

First family photo!