Michelle Duggar Baby Update: Was Premature Birth Caused by Gallstones or Pre-Eclampsia?

Before giving birth to the latest Duggar addition, baby number 19, Michelle Duggar experienced some medical issues. She was reported to have both gallbladder problems and pre-eclampsia, which caused blood pressure problems. Although pre-eclampsia was noted by some sources as being rare, it really isn't that rare. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation , at least 5 to 8 percent of all pregnant women have pre-eclampsia. I had it myself during a pregnancy. I 've also suffered from gallstones and had to have gallbladder surgery. Pregnancy is a risk factor for gallstones. With so many pregnancies, it could be surprising that Michelle Duggar didn't have severe issues before delivering Duggar baby number 19.

Michelle Duggar baby update - Was the Infant Born Because of Gallstones or Pre-Eclampsia?

Both were probably contributing factors because the gallstone attacks raised the risk of contractions. Pre-eclampsia, however, can be hard to control, even with medication and dietary changes. When my blood pressure rose and I got headaches during my pregnancy, I was monitored daily. Even so, there was always the chance that a severe rise in blood pressure would have meant I'd have a premature delivery. Luckily, that didn't happen.

Michelle Duggar wasn't so lucky. However, both Michelle and her daughter, weighing (1 pound, 6 ounces at birth) are doing well. The baby was born very prematurely but all looks fine for now.

Michelle Duggar Situation - What all Pregnant Women Should Know

Even with regular prenatal care, pre-eclampsia (and a much more severe condition, eclampsia) can arise suddenly. Pregnant women need to be on the lookout for warming signs of this condition and possible risk factors. I had the typical symptoms and caught it before my doctor did, perhaps preventing eclampsia, a condition which can be severe enough to cause mothers and/or their babies to die. Typical symptoms of pre-eclampsia include headaches, swelling, changes in vision, a rise in blood pressure and protein in the urine. Unless controlled, high blood pressure can lead to convulsions and death.

After my pregnancy, I also suffered from gallstones but women can have gallstones during pregnancy and manage to deliver healthy, full term babies. Gallbladder symptoms can mimic labor contractions, however, so it can be confusing to know whether a gallbladder attack is occurring. In my case, an ultrasound revealed the gallstones and inflammation. Typical gallbladder pain occurs on the upper right side of the abdomen and can spread to the right shoulder blade. However, it can also feel like a heart attack and the pain can be quite severe. Nausea, vomiting and fever may be present. If a gallstone become stuck in the tube between liver, pancreas and gallbladder, this is a medical emergency, putting the liver and pancreas at risk (not just the gallbladder).

Michelle Duggar Video Update

Before the baby was born, Michelle Duggar gave a video update for fans wanting to know how mother and baby were doing. They expressed their gratitude to everyone, as well as God, for things going so well. Both Michelle and her husband, Jim Bob, spoke calmly and happily about their experience thus far. Of course, plenty of viewers have been judgmental about the number of children the Duggars have had and there is speculation about whether a 42 year old woman with 18 children is at more risk of medical complications going into that 19th pregnancy.

However, if Michelle Duggar's baby updates can make more women aware of pre-eclampsia and gallbladder risks during pregnancy, lives could be saved. As for the Duggars, will they continue to have more children or decide that the medical risks aren't worth it?

Sources

Michelle Duggar: Feeling Much Better and Baby Sounds Good, NBC, Chicago, Dec. 9 here
Preeclampsia Foundation: here
Video: Michelle Duggar Thanks Fans From Hospital, video here