Finding emotional support for preeclampsia care

At 26 weeks pregnant, Samantha went to a routine prenatal appointment in Crestview, Florida that quickly turned into an extended stay at the hospital. While she felt exhausted and nauseated with a severe headache, the care team also noted that her blood pressure was high. Her care team acted quickly, sending her to the nearest emergency department for evaluation and monitoring, before she was transferred to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola.

Once she was admitted to the ER, she was sent to the Perinatal Specialty Unit (PSU) at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola and diagnosed with severe preeclampsia. The uncertainty surrounding her and her baby’s health made the experience challenging because Samantha lives with bipolar disorder. 

When a pregnancy needs emergency care, it’s in those moments, families need clear answers and steady support they can feel. The PSU provides high-risk pregnancy care for mothers who require inpatient monitoring, serving families across Northwest Florida.

Managing bipolar disorder in the PSU

When pregnancy complications arise, many mothers can feel afraid, overwhelmed, depressed or numb. Hormonal changes, interrupted sleep, physical recovery and long hospital stays can add a level of isolation that is hard to put into words.

Samantha didn’t expect her diagnosis to lead to a two month stay in the hospital. In managing her mental health she says some days just hearing her baby’s heartbeat helped her get through the day. With her family miles away and her husband balancing work and caring for their children, she shared that “those first few weeks were very, very difficult on me mentally.”

Samantha shared that living with bipolar disorder shaped the emotional weight of those early weeks. While in the PSU, she said she received support through psychiatry check ins and medication adjustments. She said that the care team’s calm presence helped her feel less alone during a very difficult time. Because of the clear communication and emotional support from her care team, Samantha felt like they helped carry her through a long hospitalization and a NICU journey. 

Small moments of encouragement made a huge difference, helping Samantha find comfort in the simple connection. One day, a nurse left a handwritten note on her table reminding her she was “stronger than you think” and that “the world needs you” 

“It may seem like a small thing, but the Tuesday art class gave me hope,” Samantha shared. Reflecting on her care, she added, “They didn’t make me feel embarrassed. They met me where I was at.” 

She also connected with Spiritual Care during her stay. She remembers a chaplain visiting often, listening without rushing, and giving her space to process what she was experiencing. “She allowed me to share my story, think out loud, and accept what was going on,” Samantha said.

Support throughout during and after delivery

As delivery drew closer, her baby remained breech until the day of delivery. The care teams agreed that a cesarean section was the safest choice for both Samantha and the baby. 

After delivery, her baby spent three weeks in the NICU. Samantha shared that the NICU felt overwhelming at first, but clear communication helped her take it one day at a time. She also said AngelEye, a secure camera at her baby’s bedside, helped her feel connected by letting her see her baby even when she had to step away to rest or recover. Samantha hopes other mothers facing bedrest, high risk pregnancy, an unexpected delivery, or a NICU stay know that support is available to them. She noted, “You are allowed to feel what you feel, and you do not have to carry it alone.”

Reflecting on the journey, Samantha shared the words she would tell the woman she was at the beginning, “You’re stronger than you think.”

Ascension Sacred Heart offers postpartum support when you need it the most. The postpartum period after your delivery can bring a wide range of emotions. Many mothers experience the baby blues in the first few weeks, which may include a range of feelings like mood swings, depression or being overwhelmed. If symptoms feel intense, last longer than two weeks, or begin to interfere with sleep, bonding or daily life, it may be a sign to reach out for extra support.

If you are worried about harming yourself or your baby, call 911 or 988 immediately. There is the 24/7 National Maternal Mental Health Hotline you can call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262 ) to talk to someone during your pregnancy and postpartum journey.