Pregnancy is often filled with joy and anticipation, but for two Atlanta women, it came with an unexpected and dangerous twist — preeclampsia.
This serious condition affects 5% to 8% of pregnancies and is marked by high blood pressure and other organ complications. During pregnancy, it can threaten both mother and baby, leading to premature delivery, stillbirth, stroke, heart failure or even death. While many believe it ends after delivery, research shows the risks can linger for years. Women who have had preeclampsia are more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol at a younger age — increasing their risk of heart attack, stroke and early cardiovascular death.
E’Laina’s story
Cumming resident E’Laina Craven was diagnosed with preeclampsia in her third trimester in March 2024.
“My pregnancy was mostly uncomplicated until I had to be rushed to the hospital several times for high blood pressure,” she said. “I was 35, had a certain BMI, race and a high-stress job — all of which contributed to my diagnosis.”
After giving birth, E’Laina spent a week in the high-risk maternity unit, receiving aggressive blood pressure management and IV magnesium to prevent seizures — a dangerous complication known as eclampsia.
Esther’s story
For Atlanta resident Esther Udoji, the warning signs appeared after delivery. She had given birth to her third child at age 40, with no issues during pregnancy. But just days after going home in July 2024, she tested her blood pressure and found it was “astronomically high.”
“I went in and out of the doctor’s office for days before I was admitted for postpartum preeclampsia,” Esther recalled. “My liver enzymes were slightly elevated, so they treated me with IV blood pressure medication and a magnesium drip.”
A lifeline for heart health
Both women are now patients at the Northside Hospital Heart Institute Maternal Heart Health Clinic, one of the first programs in North America designed to help women with pregnancy-related complications reduce their long-term cardiovascular risks.
Under the care of Dr. Lee Padove and his team, E’Laina and Esther are making lifestyle changes — including diet, exercise and stress management — while being closely monitored by a cardiologist. They take daily blood pressure readings from home and receive tailored guidance to prevent heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
“I had no history of high blood pressure before pregnancy,” E’Laina said. “Thanks to the clinic, my numbers are starting to improve.”
“Postpartum preeclampsia is harder to treat because doctors don’t know exactly what causes it,” Esther added. “The team has helped me find new ways to manage stress so I can keep my blood pressure low.”
Today, both women are steadily improving — and determined to raise awareness.
“Preeclampsia can be scary and even fatal,” E’Laina said. “I’m grateful to the team at Northside for helping me come out the other side. I hope my story helps other mothers live long, healthy lives.”
Learn more about the Cardio-Obstetrics Program at Northside Hospital Heart Institute.
