In this Birth Story Friday, Megan shares her experiences of having two pregnancies with preeclampsia. During her first birth, Megan discovered she had severe preeclampsia at her 37 week check up, and underwent a Cesarean birth after an induction led to complications for her baby. She felt uninformed and out of control during her first birth, leading her to educate herself further for her second birth. Despite developing preeclampsia again in her second pregnancy, this time it was less severe, and after an induction at 35 weeks she was able to have a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). In addition to sharing her birth stories, Megan also discusses her postpartum experiences, including dealing with postpartum anxiety and depression.

00:00 Introduction 

01:48 Megan's First Pregnancy and Birth Experience

11:16 Reflections on First Birth and Preparations for Second Pregnancy

13:01 Second Pregnancy and Birth Preparation

19:27 The Unexpected Diagnosis: Preeclampsia

19:54 The Hospital Experience: Tests and Treatments

21:00 The Unexpected Turn: Scheduling a C-Section

21:31 The Power of Advocacy: Negotiating for More Time

22:04 The Induction Process: Balloons, Pitocin, and Progress

29:40 A Successful VBAC

31:49 The Postpartum Experience: Comparing Two Births

34:52 Reflections and Advice

37:46 Understanding Preeclampsia

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