As a pediatric and neonatal nurse, Jennifer Krassinger has worked closely with families in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) since 1999, helping them understand their infants’ medical conditions from a clinical perspective and teaching them how to take care of a critically ill child both in and out of the hospital. 

With all the side effects that accompany pregnancy, many mothers-to-be tend to blame stereotypical symptoms, like lower back pain, sudden weight gain and leg swelling, on the hot weather or one too many jalapeno burgers.

Yet, depending on their severity, these warning signs can signal preeclampsia, a condition in which the expectant mother’s blood pressure rises to dangerous levels, potentially leading to a variety of other life-threatening conditions. The disorder often comes out of the blue, and the only cure is to deliver the child, often weeks before his or her scheduled due date.

Jennifer Killion (pictured) of Overland, for instance, was just 19 weeks into her first pregnancy when her blood pressure raced to 220/110, and her kidneys and liver began diving into organ failure.

“My family was told to prepare for the worst, as my doctors did not know if I would survive,” she explained by email.

Each milestone that a baby hits in his development is cause for celebration. For thousands of children born prematurely, who spend the first few weeks – even months – of their lives in the NICU, every smile, every step, every word is more than a milestone, it’s a miracle.

At 15 months old, Robbie of Fairview Heights couldn’t crawl or even roll over. Nine months later, this active little boy who was born 14 weeks premature is walking and playing with the rest of his friends.

Those around Robbie are amazed by his development. According to his mother, Trish Cox, “As his physical therapist said, ‘This isn't normal.’ For once, not being normal was a good thing!”