Allyson Felix’s fight with Preeclampsia is an inspirational journey pushing the athlete to push for quality healthcare for women. For Felix, this cause is personal. Back in 2018, her pregnancy had severe challenges due to complications with preeclampsia. The situation worsened at week 32, necessitating an emergency cesarean section.
“They were constantly concerned about the risk of stroke or losing my vision,” she recounted. “I went from being admitted to stay for two more weeks to give the baby more time, to delivering later that very night.”
Reflecting on the experience, Felix admitted, “It escalated rapidly. But I’m aware that had I not delivered, both myself and my baby would’ve been in jeopardy.”
Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia
- Additional protein in the urine (proteinuria) or indications of kidney issues
- Reduced platelet levels in the blood (thrombocytopenia)
- Elevated liver enzyme levels signal liver concerns and Intense headaches
- Alterations in vision, like momentary vision loss, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light
- Breathlessness due to lung fluid accumulation Upper abdominal discomfort, often beneath the right ribcage Feelings of nausea or vomiting
Before her delivery, Felix wasn’t fully informed about the specific risks preeclampsia posed to Black women, including high blood pressure. This made Allyson Felix’s fight with Preeclampsia complicated and severe.
“I felt like I should have known the risks,” she expressed.
“I felt like I should’ve been educated on the warning signs. Instead, I wasn’t. I was unaware of what preeclampsia entailed. I didn’t grasp that the swelling in my feet wasn’t just a typical pregnancy sign but could signal preeclampsia. So, despite having excellent medical care, it wasn’t always enough.”
Allyson Felix
Preeclampsia, a serious condition detectable after 20 weeks of pregnancy, exhibits symptoms such as high blood pressure, vision alterations, and complications with the kidneys, liver, headaches, and chest pain, according to the Preeclampsia Foundation.
Reports from Rochester Regional Health indicate that Black women are 60% more likely than white women to experience preeclampsia during pregnancy.
The passing of Felix’s U.S. women’s 4×100 meter relay teammate Tori Bowie following childbirth complications in May was profoundly distressing.
“It’s an utterly devastating reality faced by Black women in childbirth in America,” Felix shared. “Numerous situations echo this experience. It’s disheartening that it takes such tragic losses to spotlight these issues. However, it also fuels the urgency for us to do better.”
Felix points to healthcare disparities stemming from inadequate implicit bias training and Black women feeling hesitant to voice their health concerns.
“There are countless accounts of women being ignored in delivery rooms and at medical appointments,” she asserted. “I don’t believe women should always have to advocate for themselves.”
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia, a severe condition related to blood pressure, emerges during pregnancy. It commonly involves elevated blood pressure (hypertension) and heightened protein levels in urine (proteinuria). This condition typically manifests after the 20th week of pregnancy. It may impact various organs and poses risks for both the mother and the developing fetus. Given these dangers, seeking treatment from a healthcare provider is crucial in managing preeclampsia.
What Happens When You Have Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia involves elevated blood pressure (greater than 140/90 mmHg) and high levels of protein in the urine. This condition strains the heart and other organs, leading to severe complications. It can hinder placental blood supply, impact liver and kidney function, or result in lung fluid accumulation. The presence of protein in urine signifies kidney issues.
How prevalent is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition, complicating around 8% of global deliveries. In the United States, it contributes to approximately 15% of premature births (delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy).
Who is susceptible to preeclampsia?
First-time mothers may face a higher risk of preeclampsia. Healthcare professionals aren’t entirely certain about the causes. However, several factors might heighten the risk, such as:
Risk Factors of Preeclampsia
- History of high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes.
- Expecting multiples.
- Family history of preeclampsia.
- Autoimmune conditions like lupus.
- Obesity.
Seeking Medical Help
Ensure you attend your prenatal appointments for proper blood pressure monitoring by your healthcare provider. If you experience severe headaches, blurred vision, visual disruptions, intense abdominal pain, or significant breathlessness, promptly contact your provider or seek urgent care at an emergency room.
Pregnancy often brings about complaints like headaches, nausea, and discomfort, making it challenging to distinguish between typical pregnancy experiences and potentially serious issues—particularly for first-time pregnancies. If you’re worried about any symptoms, reach out to your doctor for guidance.