# @upmchealthbeat on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/ClEJZatti1I
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20935279-upmchealthbeat-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/legacy-do/8c81f29f5a1dc2ed6af9c005359a594c5ecca278e474685f6f8f35fbee8d7da6.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-11-17T14:06:08.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UPMC (@upmchealthbeat) — https://gondola.cc/upmchealthbeat

## Caption

#StoriesFromMagee #WorldPrematurityDay

"My husband Rafael and I were so happy when we found out I was pregnant. My due date was Sept. 12, 2021, and because I don’t like surprises, we learned we were having a girl. We had everything planned — we even picked out her name.

I was managing gestational diabetes throughout my pregnancy, but in my 3rd trimester I was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder that can happen during pregnancy. That was not part of my plan! I learned how to monitor my BP every day and went to see my UPMC ob-gyn, Dr. Emily Curtin, every week at her office in Butler.

My baby shower was in early July, giving me plenty of time to set up the nursery and pack for the hospital. But on the morning of Aug. 9, I checked my blood pressure. It was high and wasn’t going down. Dr. Curtin told me to go to UPMC Magee right away from our home in Butler, Pa., to be checked out. I asked, “It shouldn’t take long, right?”

When my husband and I arrived at UPMC Magee, a team was waiting for me. They immediately did some tests. I was convinced I’d be going back home that day, telling myself, “I have to work tomorrow — the baby’s not due for 4 more weeks.” But the doctors explained the risks and highly recommended that I stay. Thank goodness I listened; the next day they told me I couldn’t leave until I had the baby.

I never would have made it through my delivery without the staff at Magee. They walked me through everything, every step of the way. They helped me stay calm and feel safe and secure. When it was time, they induced labor and assured me that everything was going to be alright.

On Aug. 14 at 4 a.m., Makaela was born! She was about 4 weeks early and weighed 4 lbs, 15.4 oz. She was small and fragile, but healthy. We were very fortunate that she didn’t need to be in the NICU. To this day, I appreciate all the nurses who showed us how to take care of her.

Now, a year later, Makaela is doing great. She weighs about 22 lbs and is very healthy and active. I'm so grateful for the doctors and nurses at Magee. They were seriously the best staff that I’ve ever experienced anywhere. They were on top of it all!" - Karla

## Stats

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- **Likes:** 21
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- **Comments:** 3

## Tags

storiesfrommagee, worldprematurityday

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