Sara McGinnis, pregnant with her second child, experienced unusual symptoms like swelling, fatigue, and dizziness. Her husband, Bradley McGinnis, revealed she reported these symptoms to her doctor and nurses, even visiting the ER, only to be told, “It’s summertime and you’re pregnant.” This response still haunts him.
Two days later, Sara suffered a massive stroke and seizure en route to the hospital due to a severe headache. Sara, from Kalispell, never met her son, Owen, who was delivered by emergency surgery and shares her oval eyes and thick dark hair. Tragically, she passed away the day after his birth.
Sara had eclampsia, a severe pregnancy complication caused by persistent high blood pressure. Eclampsia can lead to organ damage and is a significant cause of maternal mortality.
Sara’s death in 2018 highlights a growing issue. More pregnant individuals are now diagnosed with high blood pressure, potentially saving lives. Studies indicate that new cases and chronic hypertension in pregnancy have doubled since 2007, attributed partly to increased testing.
The overall maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is also rising, with high blood pressure being a leading cause. In response, medical experts are implementing changes. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists lowered the threshold for treating high blood pressure in pregnancy in 2022.
Since adopting federal patient safety guidelines, Montana hospitals have improved timely care for pregnant patients. In 2022, just over half of hospitals met these standards, which increased to more than two-thirds last year, according to Annie Glover, a senior research scientist.
High blood pressure can harm organs and lead to severe complications like heart attacks. Risks include being overweight or older, with Black and Indigenous people at higher risk.
Natalie Cameron of Northwestern University notes pregnancy can reveal pre-existing health risks. However, even women without typical risk factors are developing high blood pressure. More research is needed.
Mary Collins of Helena developed preeclampsia halfway through her pregnancy despite maintaining an active lifestyle. Diagnosed after reporting symptoms, her daughter, Rory, was born two months early and spent 45 days in the NICU. Both are still recovering.
Preeclampsia treatment usually involves delivering the baby. Medication can prevent seizures and speed up fetal growth. Rarely, preeclampsia develops postpartum, requiring further research.
Consistent monitoring is crucial, says Wanda Nicholson of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, as blood pressure can change rapidly.
Emma Trotter experienced high blood pressure after childbirth twice but was initially advised against emergency care. Monitoring improved when she moved to Missoula.
More monitoring can address complex maternal health issues, according to Stephanie Leonard of Stanford University. Blood pressure is measurable and treatable.
Efforts to improve monitoring include federal initiatives dating back to 2015, with recent funding increases to expand these practices. Carole Johnson, head of the Health Resources and Services Administration, emphasizes the importance of listening to women’s concerns.
The Montana Perinatal Quality Collaborative trains hospitals on high blood pressure protocols. Bozeman Health now ensures timely treatment and educates patients on warning signs.
Nurse Katlin Tonkin, who lost her son to severe preeclampsia, trains providers on best practices, emphasizing the importance of timely care.
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