Healthy pregnancy hub

Testimony of a Mother with Preeclampsia: Nelly’s Journey

23 Jan 2025

Articles

On November 19, during the official launch of the HEALTHY PREGNANCY HUB, Nelly, a mother of three, shared her touching story about managing her complicated pregnancies. Her testimony sheds light on the challenges of preeclampsia, hypertension, and taking medications, while highlighting the importance of a trusting relationship with her doctor.

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and often damage to other organs, such as the kidneys or liver. This condition, which usually occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, affects about 1 in 20 pregnant individuals in Canada. Without proper management, it can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby.

A Journey Marked by Difficult Pregnancies

With disarming authenticity, Nelly began her story by explaining:

“I’ve never liked taking medication, so imagine this—you’re handed a box of Materna. I open the box, and I see this huge pill. I thought, no way, this isn’t happening. There’s no way I can swallow that.”

This hesitation toward medication deeply marked her journey. Over time, however, Nelly learned the importance of balancing her fears with her health needs, for both herself and her babies.

“My first pregnancy was a nightmare. Constant vomiting, extreme fatigue—I didn’t feel good in my own body.” With heartbreaking honesty, Nelly also shared the severe consequences she faced:

“When I gave birth, I had severe preeclampsia. It was terrifying.”

These challenges weren’t just physical—they were emotional as well. Each pregnancy became a new hurdle, marked by the fear of complications and the need to better understand her own limits.

Between Neglect and Acceptance of Medications

During her second pregnancy, she shared:

“I was so hesitant to take medication. But my doctor told me, ‘Nelly, you have to take them, or the complications could happen again.’ It wasn’t easy, but this time, I listened, and my pregnancy went better.”

However, during her third, unplanned pregnancy, Nelly once again struggled with her reluctance:

“My doctor warned me to take my medications very seriously. But at times, I was negligent. I skipped doses. It caught up with me. I ended up with severe hypertension and another, even worse, preeclampsia, which led to a cesarean section at 36 weeks. I was in intensive care for 24 hours.”

She emphasized the critical role of her doctor:

“My doctor was extraordinary—a highly experienced woman who understood not just my medical needs but also my fears and cultural background. She encouraged me to talk openly about my struggles and my reluctance toward medications. That made a big difference in how I managed my pregnancies.”

A Strong Message for Future Parents

Despite the challenges, Nelly concluded her testimony with a message full of hope and encouragement:

“To all the moms following us, listen to your doctors and, most importantly, listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. Express your discomfort or concerns about treatments. It really helps doctors support you better. A healthy mom is the most important thing for a baby.”

Nelly’s story is a powerful reminder that every pregnancy is unique, and future parents must rely on both tailored medical support and their own instincts. Her journey shows us that preeclampsia, while serious, can be managed effectively with proper medical care and adherence to treatments.

URL copied!
Credits
Émy Roberge
Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine

Popular Fact Sheets

Our fact sheets answer frequently asked questions about many common exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including medications, health conditions, infections, vaccines, and more.

Resources

In this section, you can browse, in one place, through our various documents and tools for pregnant people, their families and healthcare professionals. You'll find vidéos, downloadable brochures, podcast episodes, and more!

Partners

Your pregnancy during COVID-19
uOttawa
University of Calgary
University of British Columbia
University of Saskatchewan
University of Manitoba
University of Alberta
Unité de soutien SSA
UDEM
Stratos
SOGC
RQRM
QTNPR
QPC
PWHR
Public Health Agency of Canada
PregMed France
SPOR
MPrint
Mitacs
Médicaments Grossesse
McGill
Médicament Québec
FRQ
Perinatal Network
CIHR
IQVIA
iPOP
Institut national de santé publique du Québec
INRS
Innovative Medicines Canada
IN-uTERO
Immerscience
Groww
Enrich
Design Develop Discover
CUSM
CIHR
CHU Sainte-Justine
Centre of Excellence on Partnership with Patients and the Public
CAN-AIM
Canadian Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug Safetry
CAMCCO
CAMCCO-L
C4T
BORN Ontario
Black Physicians of Canada
BC Children's Hospital
Alberta Health Services
MICYRN
UQAT
Dalhousie University