Story
This girl does not like running but here we are.
As some of you will know my beautiful little Dove was born prematurely at 33 weeks, 7 weeks early. I went to hospital for what I thought was a routine growth scan, however this quickly turned into the start of one of the hardest periods in my life.
The midwife said that they would be performing and emergency c-section as my placenta was not performing and baby would be here soon. I was in shock and terrified. After two steroid injections to help her lungs develop I was prepped and on the table.
Dove was pulled out and her screams confirmed her lungs were fully formed. Ben and I cried with relief. She was shown to me before being whisked off to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I was sewn up and wheeled into recovery where things started to get worse. I noticed my hands and wrists were swelling and after around 12 hours it was confirmed I had post-natal preeclampsia. I was kept in hospital for 5 days until the doctors were able to get my blood pressure under control.
Dove’s resilience was incredible, although she was born at 33 weeks they thought it was likely she stopped growing at around 28 weeks. Dove was born at 3 pounds and after a little dip she started to put on weight. The staff in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were truly incredible and made what is an unimaginable nightmare easier. After one month in the hospital receiving amazing care Dove was able to come home.
I have decided to run the London Parks Half Marathon for Tommy’s Charity. Tommy’s do crucial research into pregnancy complications and babies born premature or sick. Any support would be hugely appreciated and allow them to continue the amazing work they do to give mothers and babies every chance.
Thank you so much
Hannah xxx