May is both Women's Health Month and Preeclampsia Awareness Month - so it felt like the perfect time to dig into a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention.

Let's talk about preeclampsia.

What is it?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that develops after 20 weeks of gestation and can also occur in the postpartum period. It's characterized by persistent high blood pressure and, often, protein in the urine, signs that the body is under significant stress.

In the United States, preeclampsia now affects roughly 1 in 12 pregnancies, about 8%, which is double the rate seen in 2008. That number is still climbing, which makes awareness more important than ever.

If left unmanaged, preeclampsia can progress to serious complications, including HELLP syndrome (a condition involving breakdown of red blood cells, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets), kidney or liver damage, fluid in the lungs, seizures, and vision changes. It is a condition that requires prompt medical attention.

What causes it?

The honest answer: we don't fully know. Research points to problems with how the placenta's blood vessels develop in early pregnancy, which can affect blood flow and trigger a cascade of effects throughout the body. There also appears to be a paternal genetic component that may influence risk. It's one of those frustrating areas of medicine where the science is still catching up.

Know the warning signs

One of the most powerful things you can do is recognize when something feels off. Common signs of preeclampsia include:

• Severe or persistent headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting (new onset, especially later in pregnancy)
• Blurred vision or visual changes
• Rapid weight gain (more than 5 lbs in a week)
• Significant swelling of the hands or face
• Upper abdominal or stomach pain
• Right shoulder pain (this can be referred pain from the liver)

If you experience any of these, especially in combination, contact your provider right away. Don't wait and see.

Can you prevent it?

There's no guaranteed prevention strategy, but there are meaningful steps you can take to support a healthier pregnancy overall. Here's what the current evidence supports:

• Stay well hydrated: blood volume increases significantly during pregnancy; hydration matters
• Take a quality prenatal vitamin: starting before conception if possible
• Move your body: meeting or exceeding pregnancy-safe exercise guidelines has broad benefits (150 minutes of cardio activity per week + 2 strength training sessions)
• Prioritize sleep: quantity and quality both count
• Eat mostly whole foods: a diet lower in processed foods supports vascular and inflammatory health
• Talk to your provider about low-dose aspirin: ACOG recommends 81 mg/day for those at high risk, ideally started before 16 weeks of gestation. This is something to discuss with your OB or midwife if you have risk factors like a prior history of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease. ACOG​

The postpartum piece - don't overlook this

Here's something many people don't realize: preeclampsia doesn't always resolve the moment the baby arrives. Blood pressure can remain elevated, and preeclampsia can even develop for the first time, up to six weeks after delivery. Keep monitoring how you feel and stay in contact with your provider during those early postpartum weeks.

There's also a longer-term picture worth knowing about. Research consistently shows that women who experience preeclampsia are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, chronic hypertension, and stroke in the years following pregnancy. Studies have found significantly higher blood pressure as well as higher rates of insulin resistance in women two years after a preeclamptic pregnancy, pointing to an ongoing cardiovascular risk that warrants regular monitoring.

If you've had preeclampsia, this isn't meant to be scary, it's meant to be empowering. Knowing your history means you can be proactive: prioritizing movement, sleep, stress management, and regular cardiovascular check-ins can make a real difference over time.

Resources

For more information, visit preeclampsia.org - it's an excellent, evidence-based resource for patients and families.

Pregnancy and postpartum recovery are not one-size-fits-all experiences, and you deserve care that actually treats you as a whole person. If you're preparing for birth, recovering postpartum, or navigating a complicated pregnancy history, I'm here to support you. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions.

Women deserve more. Full stop.
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With peace and love,

Dr. Ellyn Halley, DC, Doula, Coach
​Doc Halley Solutions​

Follow me on Instagram + TikTok for more content - ellynhalley.dc

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**Disclaimer: The content in this email is not intended to be medical advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.