Understanding Preeclampsia : A Doula’s Guide for Expecting Parents
Preeclampsia is one of those terms that can sound a little scary during pregnancy. Maybe your cousin had it, or a friend mentioned it at their baby shower. You’ve heard it’s serious—but what exactly is it, and how can you protect yourself?
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is one of the top three pregnancy complications, alongside gestational diabetes and placenta previa. Preeclampsia affects 5-8% of pregnancies, and it’s often called "the disease of theories" because it doesn’t have one clear cause. But at its core, it’s about high blood pressure beyond 20-weeks of pregnancy .
Symptoms can show up at different stages during pregnancy — sometimes even after the baby arrives, which is known as postpartum preeclampsia. Because of the potential risks to both you and your baby, it’s something that should be taken seriously and closely monitored.
What Happens in the Body?
Pregnancy is truly a biological marvel; it’s a beautiful partnership between you and your baby. Your body supports your little one with oxygen and nutrients, and in return, your baby helps shape a healthy pregnancy environment.
In preeclampsia, maternal stress and inflammation may affect how the placenta forms or functions. Type 1 (early-onset) and Type 2 ( late-onset) preeclampsia both involve some form of placental dysfunction that can cause issues with blood flow to baby, which may lead to complications like poor fetal growth or, in severe cases, stillbirth.
Risk Factors to Know
Some factors that may increase your risk of developing preeclampsia include:
A previous diagnosis of preeclampsia
Carrying more than one baby
Diabetes or high blood pressure
Pregnancy lasting beyond 42 weeks
A history of stillbirth
Regular prenatal checkups help catch early signs—especially blood pressure changes. If your readings are consistently high, your provider may run additional tests to confirm what’s going on.
Can You Prevent It?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent preeclampsia, there are some things that can help reduce your risk:
Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Staying active (as approved by your provider)
Taking low-dose aspirin or calcium supplements, if recommended
Attending all prenatal visits and tracking your blood pressure, you can often do this with an at home blood pressure cuff
If preeclampsia is diagnosed, treatment will depend on how far along you are and how severe the condition is. It could involve medication, more frequent monitoring, or delivering the baby earlier than planned.
Final Thoughts from your Doula
Hearing the word “preeclampsia” can bring up fear—but knowledge is power. With good prenatal care, early screening, and supportive professionals by your side, many families navigate this condition safely and smoothly.
As your doula, I’m here to help you feel informed, empowered, and cared for every step of the way. For more information on how I can support you, visit Doula Services. Let’s work together to ensure a smooth and healthy pregnancy experience!