Episode Description
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
Preeclampsia is one of those pregnancy conditions that gets mentioned often, explained poorly, and frequently dismissed until it suddenly isn’t. In this episode, HeHe sits down with Dr. Dallas Reed to pull back the curtain on what preeclampsia actually is, how it shows up, and what expectant parents deserve to understand long before things feel urgent.
Together, they break down the basics in a way that’s clear and human, including how common preeclampsia really is, what symptoms to take seriously, and how to make sense of blood pressure readings and pregnancy-related hypertension diagnoses. Dr. Reed explains the differences between severe and non-severe preeclampsia, what monitoring can look like before and after 37 weeks, and why postpartum preeclampsia deserves more attention than it often gets.
The conversation also explores prevention and management, including lifestyle considerations, aspirin use, and how care plans may differ depending on risk level, gestational age, and whether someone is being monitored inpatient or outpatient.
A major focus of the episode is the future of personalized maternal care, including a deep dive into the Encompass test. This new RNA-based blood test, available between 18 and 22 weeks, helps identify pregnancies at higher risk for preeclampsia and pairs that insight with an evidence-based action plan and virtual support. Dr. Reed shares how this type of testing may change the way providers and families approach monitoring, communication, and early intervention, including potential benefits for out-of-hospital birth settings.
This episode is grounded, evidence-based, and empowering, offering expectant parents tools, language, and understanding so they can participate confidently in their care rather than feeling blindsided by it.
Mirvie will be accepting insurance soon so check with your providers! You can also use code HeHe for $300 off!
Learn more at https://encompasstest.com/get-the-test
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Preeclampsia
00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:39 Features of The Birth Lounge App
03:00 Pregnancy and Postpartum Articles
04:54 Introduction to Today's Episode
07:47 Discussion with Dr. Dallas Reed
08:35 Understanding Preeclampsia
10:46 Symptoms and Diagnosis
18:56 Managing Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
22:37 Risk Factors and Prevention
31:59 Strategies to Prevent Preeclampsia
32:29 Healthy Lifestyle Recommendations
33:37 Monitoring and Follow-Up
35:05 Risks and Complications of Preeclampsia
37:05 Postpartum Preeclampsia
39:20 Managing Preeclampsia Before 37 Weeks
41:20 Inpatient Care and Medications
46:22 Understanding the Encompass Test
53:06 Benefits of the Encompass Test for Home Births
58:19 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Dr. Dallas Reed, practicing OBGYN, medical geneticist and advisor to Mirvie, a company delivering data-driven solutions for predictive and preventive care in pregnancy. Mirvie recently launched Encompass, which is the first RNA-based blood test to predict preeclampsia risk, combined with an evidence-based preventive action plan and virtual assistant to guide individualized support and care.
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