At my 34-weeks

On 8th March 2008, I went for a normal check-up with Hubby. I didn't suspect anything, until the doc told me that there was some protein contained in my urine. It might be due to the food that I took, or maybe caused by urine infection. So the doc sent me for another test and the result should be ready in 30-minutes. It was a loong 30 minutes for me. So, we came back to see the doc with the result and the result remained the same. So the doc prescribed me some meds to treat the protein and hopefully it will go off by tuesday. Hubby told me not to worry. It might be due to urine infection and it could be treated.

So I came back on tuesday (11 March 2008) and again I had to take the urine test. Again, there was a level of protein in my urine, with high (above normal) blood pressure. I didnt go with hubby this time as he was working and he thought that I will not be admitted. So, Kak Jaja (My dad's secretary or so we call Kak Long-Long) prepared the admission for me. The doc said that he is admitting me just to treat my protein and also monitor my blood pressure. Hubby has told me that the doc suspected that I might have 'pre-eclampsia'.

"Pre-eclampsia is a medical condition where hypertension arises in pregnancy (pregnancy-induced hypertension) in association with significant amounts of protein in the urine. Pre-eclampsia may develop from 20 weeks gestation (it is considered early onset before 32 weeks, which is associated with increased morbidity) and its progress differs among patients; most cases are diagnosed pre-term. While blood pressure elevation is the most visible sign of the disease, it involves generalized damage to the maternal endothelium and kidneys and liver, with the release of vasopressive factors only secondary to the original damage.Apart from abortion, Caesarian section, or induction of labor, and therefore delivery of the placenta, there is no known cure. It may also occur up to six weeks post-partum. It is the most common of the dangerous pregnancy complications; it may affect both the mother and the fetus. " (wikipedia)

That night I was in the hospital, accompanied by Hubby and the nurses came to check on my bP every 2 hours. I was surprised that my bP rose drastically throughout the night and the nurses had to inform my doc. The next morning again I had to test my urine and the result showed that my protein level was at the maximum level. The doc told me that I have go for c-section immediately so avoid any complications. Just imagine, when I thought that I have another 6 weeks to go, now I have to make a decision on whether I want it in a day or two. There was a mixed feelings and I was in the doc's room alone, without hubby, Kak Jaja or my family. The problem was that my baby that time was just 1.8kg and in her 34 weeks. At this point, I had to choose whether to wait for my baby to grow a bit bigger in my womb, which may result to some damages in my other organs or to proceed with the c-section and deliver my pre-mature baby. Dr Musa, the paediatric who will be handling my case advised me to proceed with the operation as my womb is no longer a safe place for my baby. So, we've decided to proceed with the operation on the next day...

This will be the first c-section in my family and I am the first who was diagnosed with pre-elcampsia....