Mom-to-be had 2 signs of rare complication: "Everything kept getting worse"

Candice Davis, expecting her first child, experienced a series of alarming symptoms in late June 2025. Initially feeling nauseous, her upper abdominal pain grew more severe. Concerned but hesitant, she consulted her OB-GYN friend, Dr. Susan Passarella, who advised her to seek immediate medical attention. Upon arrival at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, Davis' blood pressure was found to be elevated, and her liver enzymes had skyrocketed. Doctors decided to keep her overnight, anticipating the need for a cesarean section.

Within hours, Davis' condition rapidly deteriorated. Her pain intensified, and her blood pressure continued to soar. Her liver function deteriorated drastically. By this time, it was clear that she had developed HELLP syndrome, a rare complication of pregnancy related to preeclampsia. HELLP syndrome is exceptionally rare, affecting only about 0.01% to 0.06% of pregnancies.

Despite the grim prognosis, Davis' son was safely delivered via C-section. However, his actions inadvertently caused a 17-centimeter injury to his mother's liver, leading to uncontrollable bleeding. The emergency team acted swiftly, preparing for a potential liver bleed and using sterile materials to stabilize Davis. However, the bleeding persisted, and she became too unstable for further surgical intervention.

For 24 hours, Davis' vital signs remained precarious. Her blood pressure was still elevated, and her son, Camden, was brought to her side in the intensive care unit. A significant turning point occurred when Camden, after being placed on her chest, triggered a drop in Davis' blood pressure. This moment of hope was followed by complications including blood clots in her left hand, necessitating the amputation of several fingers.

Davis underwent six surgeries and extensive therapy to adjust to her new reality. She learned to perform daily tasks with adaptive devices, like a prosthetic thumb, and relearned how to care for her newborn. Despite the challenges, Davis has made remarkable progress, regaining the ability to independently manage her son's care. Her resilience and determination to lead a fulfilling life have inspired those around her, reinforcing the importance of listening to one's body during pregnancy and seeking timely medical attention if something seems amiss.