‘My headache turned out to be a deadly condition which nearly killed me’

Ceri Richardson, from Whitchurch, Cardiff, initially believed her headache was merely a result of the noise at her older son’s sports day. However, as the headache persisted, she began experiencing a sharp pain in her rib.

Concerned, Ceri decided to seek medical attention at the maternity unit of the University Hospital of Wales.

Upon examination, midwives discovered the 34-year-old was suffering from pre-eclampsia, a condition known to cause a sudden increase in blood pressure and pose a significant threat to both the mother and baby.

Additionally, Ceri had also experienced a placental abruption, a serious complication where the placenta detaches from the inner wall of the uterus.

Reflecting on her experience, Ceri described the initial terror she felt, but also expressed her gratitude for the exceptional care she received from the hospital staff.

She said: “It was terrifying at the time, but I cannot fault the staff for the way they managed to calm me down.

“One of the midwives in particular was so kind and caring – she looked after me so well. The anaesthetists were amazing too. They talked through everything that was happening to me and we even discussed baby names which really put me at ease.”

To ensure the safety of both Ceri and her unborn child, the medical team made the decision to perform an emergency Caesarean section.

Ceri’s son, Benji Richardson, arrived in the early hours of Thursday, July 6, weighing 4lb 7oz.

Due to his premature arrival at just 35 weeks’ gestation, Benji required additional breathing support and was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). There, he received treatment for jaundice under a special light and was intubated to assist with his breathing.

Ceri explained that her son’s lungs were not fully developed, despite receiving steroids prior to the birth. However, after a week in NICU, Benji’s breathing tube was removed, and although he still requires assistance with feeding, he is making progress.

After her scary experience, Ceri wants to highlight the lack of awareness surrounding the signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia. Early indicators include high blood pressure and protein in the urine, but other symptoms may include sudden swelling of the face, hands, and feet, headaches, vomiting, pain below the ribs, and vision problems.

Ceri admitted she initially attributed her headache to the noise at her son’s sports day and the rib pain to the baby’s positioning. She never suspected high blood pressure or the possibility of pre-eclampsia. 

Ceri said: “I didn’t put two and two together that it could be high blood pressure as it had been so low throughout my pregnancy and it didn’t cross my mind that I might be experiencing pre-eclampsia. After the birth the doctor said to me that I’d been really lucky because I was bleeding so much that I could have lost my life – and Benji could have lost his too.”

Following her Caesarean section, Ceri required two blood transfusions. Fortunately, Benji has now been discharged from intensive care and was able to go home on July 18.

Ceri expressed her profound gratitude to the hospital staff, describing them as “angels” and “deserve so much praise”. She said: “No words I say will ever be enough.”

If you notice any signs of pre-eclampsia it is crucial to seek immediate medical advice by contacting your maternity unit, GP surgery, or NHS 111.

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