Understanding Preeclampsia: Awareness, Education, and Support for Safer Pregnancies

Infographic listing common symptoms of preeclampsia during pregnancy, including high blood pressure, severe headaches, vision changes, and more.

May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most serious pregnancy complications. Preeclampsia affects 5–8% of pregnancies and, if left untreated, can lead to serious—even life-threatening—complications for both mom and baby. Education is key to early detection and prevention.

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a condition that typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy, marked by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system—most often the liver or kidneys. It can also develop after childbirth, known as postpartum preeclampsia.

While the exact cause is still unknown, we do know that certain risk factors can increase the chances of developing it.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Some moms with preeclampsia may not notice symptoms right away. That’s why routine prenatal care is so important. Still, it’s essential to be aware of possible warning signs:

  • High blood pressure (140/90 or higher)

  • Swelling in the face or hands

  • Sudden weight gain

  • Persistent or severe headaches (Especially if they don’t go away with usual remedies)

  • Changes in vision (blurry vision, seeing spots, sensitivity to light)

  • Pain in the upper right abdomen (under the ribs, usually on the right side)

  • Nausea or vomiting in the second half of pregnancy

  • Shortness of breath

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your care provider immediately.

Who is More at Risk?

Although preeclampsia can affect anyone, certain factors may increase the risk:

  • First-time pregnancy

  • History of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy

  • Multiple gestation (twins, triplets, etc.)

  • Pre-existing conditions (chronic hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease)

  • Autoimmune disorders

  • Being over 35 or under 20

  • Obesity

Why Awareness Matters

Early detection and management of preeclampsia can save lives. Preeclampsia Awareness Month empowers pregnant women, birth partners, and care providers with essential information that can lead to earlier diagnosis, better monitoring, and timely treatment.

At Hypnobabies, we believe that information is power, and feeling calm, confident, and supported in pregnancy includes understanding all possible paths your journey might take—including high-risk situations. Knowing what to watch for and advocating for your health are powerful tools.

Holistic Support and Mind-Body Wellness

Although preeclampsia is a medical condition, holistic wellness practices—like those taught in Hypnobabies—can still play a role. Reducing stress, improving sleep, and supporting emotional well-being all contribute to an overall healthier pregnancy. Our hypnosis tracks are designed to help birthing moms feel more peaceful, informed, and in tune with their bodies.

Resources and Support

If you or someone you love is navigating preeclampsia or recovering from it postpartum, there are many wonderful organizations that can help. Consider visiting:

🩺 Educational Resources

  • Preeclampsia Foundation – Patient Education Materials
    Offers multilingual brochures, posters, and magnets covering signs, symptoms, postpartum risks, and heart health after preeclampsia.Preeclampsia Foundation

  • NICHD – Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Resources
    Provides comprehensive information on diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing research related to preeclampsia.NICHD

  • March of Dimes – Preeclampsia Overview
    Features a clear summary of symptoms, risks, and prevention strategies for preeclampsia.March of Dimes

  • Your local prenatal support group or doula network

  • Trusted childbirth educators and care providers who can offer guidance tailored to your needs

 

💬 Support & Community

  • Preeclampsia Foundation – Get Support
    Connects individuals with survivor stories, expert Q&A, and emotional support resources.

  • Preeclampsia Registry
    Allows women to contribute to research by sharing their experiences with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

AND …🌸 Sweet pregnant friends… you deserve a more comfortable, empowering birth experience — and Hypnobabies Hypnobirthing can help make that your reality. 💗To support you on this beautiful journey, we’re gifting you 25% OFF all of our hypnobirthing courses, tracks, and hypnosis sets at Hypnobabies Academy. 🎁 Just use code myhypnobirth25-off at checkout

✨Because you and your baby deserve the most peaceful start possible. 💕