Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with excitement, curiosity, and, let’s be honest, its fair share of worries. Growing a tiny human is no small task, so it’s only natural to have concerns along the way. One topic that often raises alarm is preeclampsia, a potentially serious pregnancy complication. Marked by dangerously high blood pressure, left untreated preeclampsia can pose significant risks to both mother and baby. Amid all of the advice and internet searches, one question seems to surface repeatedly: Can stress trigger preeclampsia?

Let’s unpack this topic together, bust some myths, and provide you with helpful, practical information to navigate pregnancy with confidence and peace of mind.

What is preeclampsia, anyway?

Before we dive into the stress connection, let’s take a moment to understand what preeclampsia actually is. This condition typically develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and affects about 8% of pregnancies. Characterized by high blood pressure, preeclampsia can strike even pregnancies that appear “healthy.”

Preeclampsia doesn’t always show clear symptoms, which is why regular prenatal check-ups and knowing your risk early on are so crucial. Severe headaches, vision changes, swelling in the hands or face, and upper abdominal pain could all signal preeclampsia. However, some women experience no symptoms at all, or the symptoms can be mistaken for normal pregnancy discomforts. Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to complications for both mom and baby, including poor fetal growth, preterm birth, NICU or prolonged hospital stays, and, in rare cases, life-threatening issues like eclampsia.

Can you develop preeclampsia from stress?

Here’s the big question: does stress cause preeclampsia? The simple answer is no — at least, not directly. While stress can feel like a powerful force, research hasn’t found any evidence that it directly causes preeclampsia. So, if you’re blaming yourself for feeling anxious or overwhelmed during pregnancy, let go of that guilt.

That said, stress isn’t completely off the hook. While it’s not a direct cause, high levels of stress can influence behaviors that may increase your risk of complications during pregnancy. Stress might lead you to skip meals, neglect self-care, sleep poorly, or avoid prenatal appointments — all of which can affect your overall health and potentially set the stage for problems down the line.

Debunking common preeclampsia myths

Now let’s clear the air about some other myths surrounding preeclampsia:

20% OFF

Binto Reset Probiotic | Pre and Probiotic

Discount Code: rescripted20

$27.00

Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods

$18.99

20% OFF

Six Gldn Gua Sha Rose Quartz Facial Massager

Discount Code: RESCRIPTED20

$21.00

15% OFF

Thorne Stress Test

Discount Code: Discount Automatically Applied at Checkout

$149.00

Myth: Preeclampsia only happens in first pregnancies.

Fact: While it’s more common in first pregnancies, preeclampsia can occur in any pregnancy. Even if you’ve had a healthy pregnancy before, it’s still important to stay vigilant.

Myth: Preeclampsia always causes obvious symptoms.

Fact: Many women don’t experience noticeable symptoms, which is why regular monitoring of blood pressure and urine tests during prenatal appointments is so essential.

Myth: Reducing salt intake prevents preeclampsia.

Fact: While a healthy diet is important, there’s no conclusive evidence that cutting back on salt prevents preeclampsia. Balanced nutrition matters more than strict sodium restrictions.

Myth: Preeclampsia only affects the mother.

Fact: Preeclampsia can impact both mom and baby. For the baby, it may lead to preterm birth, low birth weight, and other fetal health risks. For mom, complications can include long-term cardiovascular issues. In fact, women who have had preeclampsia have three to four times the risk of high blood pressure and double the risk for heart disease and stroke. 

What are the risk factors for preeclampsia?

Even though stress doesn’t directly cause preeclampsia, some factors can increase your risk of developing it. These include:

• First-time pregnancy

• Carrying multiples: Twins, triplets, or more

• Chronic conditions: Such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease

But it’s important to remember that having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop preeclampsia. In fact, the healthier you are, the harder it is to predict without using an objective, early screening test. This unpredictable nature means that moms who are least “at risk” are often the most surprised and unprepared for a preeclampsia diagnosis. So, work closely with your healthcare team to better understand your risk and create an action plan.

Tips for a healthier pregnancy

While no one can guarantee a completely risk-free pregnancy, there are plenty of steps you can take to reduce risks and promote overall well-being:

• Attend all prenatal appointments: These visits allow your doctor or midwife to monitor your blood pressure and other vital signs.

• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Stay hydrated and follow any specific dietary recommendations from your doctor.

• Exercise (with your doctor’s approval): Gentle activities like walking, yoga, or swimming can keep you healthy.

• Manage chronic conditions: If you have pre-existing health issues, work with your healthcare team to keep them under control.

• Know the warning signs: Be aware of symptoms like severe headaches, vision changes, swelling, or upper abdominal pain, and report them promptly.

• Practice stress management: While stress doesn’t directly cause preeclampsia, reducing stress can contribute to overall health. Techniques like deep breathing, prenatal yoga, or talking to a counselor can help.

The role of early risk assessment

When it comes to preeclampsia, early screening is key. This is where innovative tools like the Encompass test can make a difference — a simple blood test that assesses your risk of developing preeclampsia earlier in pregnancy. Armed with this information, you and your doctor can take proactive steps to monitor your health and reduce risks.

Think of it not as a cause for alarm but as a way to empower yourself with knowledge. Understanding your risk of preeclampsia sooner rather than later gives you the opportunity to prepare for and stay ahead of any potential complications. 

While stress alone doesn’t cause preeclampsia, taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is still crucial. If you’re before 22 weeks of pregnancy, consider joining the waitlist for the Encompass test today. By staying in the know and working closely with your healthcare provider, you’re taking some of the most important steps toward a healthier, happy pregnancy (and baby). Remember: you’ve got this! 

Kristyn Hodgdon is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Rescripted.

From first period to last period, be the expert in you.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter