Ascension patient benefits from Florida’s first postpartum wristband initiative with care for eclampsia

Just four weeks after welcoming her newborn baby at Ascension Sacred Heart Maternity and Women’s Health in Pensacola, Florida, Selina Carnley found herself back at the hospital, struggling with debilitating headaches. 

Recognizing the urgency of her situation, the medical team promptly admitted her for monitoring, alarmed by her dangerously high blood pressure that could lead to life-threatening seizures. After a thorough examination, Selina received a diagnosis of postpartum eclampsia—a rare but critical condition that serves as an important reminder of the serious health risks that can arise after childbirth.

Understand symptoms for postpartum eclampsia

Selina’s preeclampsia would later turn into postpartum eclampsia that lead her back to

the OB-ER. The emergency care team recognized her pregnancy history from her previous visit. They quickly identified her alarmingly high blood pressure, a critical indicator of a potential seizure. 

Postpartum eclampsia, though rare, is a serious condition that can arise in women shortly after giving birth. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms, including high blood pressure, seizures, headaches, vision changes and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, seeking medical attention immediately is the step towards reclaiming your health and well-being.

Personalized care throughout pregnancy and postpartum 

Selina expressed her heartfelt gratitude for her care team that supported her throughout her journey. "I want to thank my OB-ER nurse," she said. "Betsy McQueen not only saved my life but never left my side while holding my newborn. I am forever grateful to her for everything she did." 

Selina faced numerous challenges with an uncertain outcome—a position no mother wants to find herself in. However, it was comforting to know she was surrounded by the care and support she truly needed. "From now on, I wouldn't choose any other hospital for my pregnancies or deliveries!" Selina exclaimed. The commitment of the staff made a significant difference in her experience.

Florida program for postpartum care

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola and Emerald Coast participate in the state’s first postpartum wristband initiative. This new program provides mothers with a silver rubber wristband, which they can voluntarily wear for up to a year after giving birth. The wristband helps prioritize these mothers as patients and highlights their medical history if they seek care through EMS, emergency rooms, or other medical facilities.

“This campaign is all about empowering our postpartum patients to speak up when they feel like something is off,” said Niki Dey, Director of Women’s Services at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola. “Postpartum women have not been fully recognized for how unique they are as patients, and this is just the first step in a coordinated effort as we begin shifting that perception and approach to their medical care.”

The postpartum period poses significant risks for women, making them particularly vulnerable to serious complications like sepsis, preeclampsia, postpartum depression, and strokes. It is crucial to recognize that health challenges during this time are not only common but can also have lasting effects. Awareness and support are essential to safeguarding the well-being of new mothers during this critical phase.

"In the first year after giving birth, women can have life-threatening health issues that they may attribute to the normal early stages of motherhood," said Erica Bottom, Family Birth Place Manger at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. "With this program, we want to educate women on warning signs and have them quickly identified when they seek medical care."

Emergency care for high-risk pregnancies

The OB Emergency Care Center at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola is fully equipped with obstetricians available 24/7 to handle all pregnancy emergencies. Our collaborative approach, along with our on-site Level III NICU, ensures that you and your baby receive comprehensive care together. Learn more about personalized care for high-risk pregnancy, labor, and delivery.