Preeclampsia Prevention, Warning Signs, and Treatment during Pregnancy & Postpartum

Fourth Trimester Podcast Episode 151: Preeclampsia Prevention, Warning Signs, and Treatment during Pregnancy & Postpartum

Preeclampsia affects around 1 in 10 pregnancies, and increasingly we are learning new ways to lower the risks. Here’s how.

In this episode, we are joined by OBGYN and maternal health leader Dr. Amanda P. Williams to talk about what every parent and perinatal professional should know about preeclampsia prevention, warning signs and treatment. Yep, this episode is all about safer pregnancies and healthier babies.

You’ll learn who’s at higher risk, why low-dose aspirin and a home blood pressure cuff can be lifesaving, the postpartum warning signs that should never be ignored, and how doulas, partners, and families can advocate when it matters most – we even include scripts so you will know exactly what to say. Enjoy!

“Low-dose aspirin is a simple, over-the-counter pill that can literally save lives by lowering the risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth.”
— Amanda P. Williams, MD, MPH, FACOG

Full Show Notes

1. What preeclampsia is and who’s at risk — 00:13:30
2. Doctor’s personal preeclampsia story and lessons — 00:02:32
3. Symptoms, diagnosis criteria, and severity signs — 00:13:30
4. Home blood pressure cuffs and monitoring tips — 00:14:37
5. Hypertensive disorders: chronic, gestational, preeclampsia — 00:16:11
6. Postpartum risks, stroke/seizure warnings, timelines — 00:25:41
7. Treatment: meds, magnesium, breastfeeding safety — 00:38:49
8. Prevention: low-dose aspirin and risk factors — 00:40:43
9. Rural care gaps and building support plans — 00:32:05
10. Long-term health impacts for parents and babies — 00:42:20

Selected links

Connect with Dr Amanda P Williams LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Stanford Medicine

Preeclampsia Prevention Guide for Parents from March of Dimes | Guide for Clinical Teams by CMQCC

Essential at-home tools for pregnancy & postpartum Blood Pressure Cuff | AWHONN Post-Birth Warning Signs one-pager to hang on the fridge

Learn more California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) | The State of Postpartum Maternal Health with Dr Amanda P Williams | Data-Driven Parenting With Dr Amanda P Williams

Our favorite Fourth Trimester Books The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother | Becoming the Parent You Want to Be: A Sourcebook of Strategies for the First Five Years | Growing Together: Doula Wisdom & Holistic Practices for Pregnancy, Birth & Early Motherhood | Thriving Postpartum: Embracing the Indigenous Wisdom of La Cuarentena

Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection

Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

The content provided in this article(s) is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Neither Sarah Trott nor Fourth Trimester Media Group LLC are liable for claims arising from the use of or reliance on information contained in this article.