Hi. My name is Brandy Martinez-Rogers and I am 22. I live in Tangent, OR USA with my Husband, Nathan Rogers, age 23 and son, Nicholas Aaron (born 8-17-99) Also 3 cats and 1 gecko!

Bp ran a "little high" from 14 weeks. At 32 weeks, was put on partial bedrest. At 34 weeks, I was put on complete bedrest at home. At 38 weeks, labor was induced over a looong weekend (!) and my son was born Aug 17th of this year at 38 weeks, 5 days. Labor was rough on both Nicky and myself, he spent the first night in the special nursery under observation, but turned out healthy as a horse! Actually, he weighed 8lbs, 8oz, which was quite a surprise since he'd been running on the small side during my many ultrasounds. (I also had placenta previa, which was "downgraded" to a marginal previa by 30 weeks, thereby allowing a vaginal delivery)

I spend my time with my husband and son (of course!), volunteering as a court appointed special advocate (CASA) for abused children, scrapbooking and rubber stamping, my Winnie the pooh collection, avid reader, college student, and my job at a group home for developmentally disabled adults.

Throughout my twice complicated pregnancy, my doctor was quick to brush off any concerns I voiced. I learned (with the help of you wonderful people) that as the patient, I am the one in charge of myself and my health! Next time, I will certainly speak up more and be sure that all my concerns are addressed! My son and I escaped our ordeal relatively unscathed, but we were lucky. Considering my ob's attitude, it's a wonder things weren't much worse. Never again!

Nov. '99