Zoe Bernhard

I joined the movement to create positive change for moms and babies everywhere, especially those most at risk. 

In April of 2024, I had an emergency C-Section at 31 weeks pregnant, and my daughter was 2 pounds 3.9 ounces. My symptoms were ignored and deemed as “normal pregnancy symptoms” for two weeks leading up to this day. After being in the worst pain I’ve ever had for far too long, my husband and I went to the doctor and told them something had to be wrong. They sent me to the hospital due to high blood pressure to have some labs done. After they finally ran tests, they diagnosed me with HELLP Syndrome. My liver enzymes were triple the level they should have been and that was causing all of my pain. I had low platelets, protein in my urine, high blood pressure reaching 180/108, and swelling in my entire body. They also found that my daughter was Intra-Uterine Growth Restricted (IUGR), that we had oligohydramnios (amniotic fluid leaking), and I had a two-vessel cord which was not providing enough nutrients and blood flow to my daughter. They said we both could die within 24-hours if we did not deliver the baby as soon as possible from my placenta tearing. I ended up having an emergency C-Section that day and my daughter went straight to the NICU. 

I want to advocate for those with HELLP Syndrome or experiencing similar symptoms, and make sure that doctors have the resources and awareness to run tests more frequently. I never had high blood pressure until the day I had my daughter, but I did have other signs that were ignored and seen as “typical pregnancy symptoms”. They were not. Their negligence could have costed us both our lives. 

I also would like to advocate for all NICU babies, families, nurses, doctors, etc. Going back and forth to the NICU for two-months, while very difficult, was also such a positive experience. We are eternally grateful for our NICU team and the amazing care our daughter got. 

With preterm birth and maternal death rates continuing to rise, I’m committed to raising funds so that every family gets the best possible start. But I need your help. 

Please visit my fundraising page to make a donation. Together we’ll be part of a movement to ensure that every mom and baby is healthy in the US.