We are ending 2025 and entering our third trimester. I recalled sharing how the first trimester was a breeze for me, and the second trimester was about unending hunger and feeling those tiny kicks and stretches.
My family and I had good plans for the holiday period, and it was a hotel staycation with good food and good company, but God has better ones.
It started with a light spotting when I peed the moment I woke up last December 26. Though I was not feeling any pain, it’s my first time having any spotting, which is why we informed our OBGYN already. She advised us to go to the emergency room (ER) to have it checked. When we got to the ER, the initial assessment already showed my sky-rocketing blood pressure despite having no headaches or other worrisome symptoms of pre-eclampsia. I think it added to my elevated blood pressure the thought of the upcoming New Year, and yet we were in the hospital. I praise God for my husband, who is always present and my shoulder to cry on when things get rough. I was undeniably scared for both my life and our baby’s life. We do not want to deliver pre-term. During triage at Pasig Doctors Medical Center (PDMC), my BP was already 190. Even I couldn’t believe it.
Our OBGYN referred us to a perinatologist in The Medical City (TMC), as my condition is under a high-risk pregnancy. PDMC tried to manage my condition as far as they could and gave me magnesium sulfate, for anti-seizure and to help the baby’s brain development. When I was transferred to TMC, I was placed under further observation in the Pre-Labor Room and finally transferred to the Maternity Intensive Care Unit (MICU). I was on two IV drips, one for anti-seizure and the other for hypertension. I was also on a catheter, for the first time in my life. They were also monitoring both my high blood pressure and the baby’s heart rate and movements. All in all, I was attached to several machines for 2 days in the MICU.
Everything was explained to us, all the risks and the treatment plan they have for us. It’s just that sometimes I am in disbelief about why these things are happening, and my headspace was about not spending the new year in the hospital, mainly because of the expenses we may incur.
For two days in the MICU, they administered two dosages of steroids, 24-hour intervals, to help the baby’s lungs mature, just in case another pregnancy scare might happen, and they may need to deliver pre-term in the future. However, the irony was that due to the steroids, my blood sugar would then spike. Now they need to manage BOTH high blood pressure and high blood sugar. As long as we can manage both, no need to deliver the baby pre-term.
Two nights in the MICU, then transferred to a regular room. I was no longer on a catheter or IV drips, but I was on different oral medications for my high blood pressure and finally on insulin to manage my blood sugar levels. After every meal, I would also have a Non-Stress Test (NST) to monitor the baby’s heartbeat and activity. It was quite difficult for me to build a routine while I was there. Few people knew about our situation, and I only told my boss when I was transferred to the regular room. Despite the anxieties I was having, I was trying to be positive that I won’t be needed to stay in the hospital much longer. I really wanted to go home, even with a doctor’s order of complete bed rest, I would be willing to comply. I was bargaining with the Lord. But no. It’s not how it works.
Despite knowing God’s plans will always be better, my heart was grumbling. And I notice that when my heart grumbles, my blood pressure shoots up again. My heart can no longer hide its intent during this time. I am blessed to have a husband who builds his confidence in the Lord. Though I know he was just trying to keep everything inside, he was still a better person for me. My husband continued to reassure me about the finances, to help me stop worrying and focus on getting better. On day 4, I was no longer pushy about going home, but I had all surrendered to the Lord. And on the same day, one of my two heplocks was removed, and I was finally allowed to walk. Still on the strict monitoring and new routine, we continued with day 5. Day 5 would mean a day before New Year’s Eve. All I could ever think about was my baby, and I are both safe, far from harm, and we shall continue the pregnancy, praying to go full term for the next three months.
On day 5, we were allowed to go home. For the finances? My husband and I have a joint account where we pool our money for the baby, the future, and emergencies like this. God will always use every situation as a learning moment, showing you that all you need is Him — and Him alone. Our total hospital bill was almost the exact amount in that account, except for the other expenses in PDMC and the prescribed medications. God knew I was worried about the hospital bill, and He never failed to be faithful. My husband said we still have a couple of hundred left in the account, but it technically wiped out our savings. I was grateful for how God continued to guide and protect us. TMC expenses are no joke. With the level of care they provide, I understand where the charges are coming from. God left me in awe, yet again, in allowing us to settle our hospital bill without any problems.
Thinking back on what happened, God still makes a way for everything. He still wanted to protect both the baby and me. He knew I did not feel the worrisome symptoms of pre-eclampsia, and I was not even worried about my blood sugar. He knew I would just brush it off. And God knew I would never ignore any spotting.
God’s timing is unbelievably perfect — not a second late, not a second ahead. Always perfect. I know God has always been consistent in showing His glory, but as a human, I keep forgetting how powerful and bigger my Lord is. I never wanted to overstep with God, but my heart sometimes doubts. I need to work on my heart on its doubts and worries. I was also reminded how powerful prayer is. The very few people who knew about our situation relentlessly prayed for us. I felt all their love and support while we were in the hospital. I was avoiding oversharing on the details while in the hospital because it made me weepy and feel sorry for myself thinking about New Year’s; I was so shallow, okay? Lol. But the entire experience gave a hard nudge on the reality that age and family history have a huge impact on one’s pregnancy. I used to shrug it off until I experienced it firsthand.
At present, I have to work on my new routine, setting multiple alarms and trying to remember my medication schedules. I might have to take a week or two off work as I build new habits and attend follow-up check-ups with both my OBGYN and Endocrinologist.
Please continue to pray for the baby and me as we journey through our third trimester with extra caution and with the hope of continuing to full term without any other complications.
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