#36 – Can You Prevent Preeclampsia? A Deep Dive into Root Causes and Prevention Beyond Aspirin

Can you prevent preeclampsia? In this deep dive, we look at the root causes, proposed mechanisms, and holistic support strategies for one of the most serious complications of pregnancy. We are learning more about what may contribute to preeclampsia, including placental development, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endothelial health, genetics, nutrient status, paternal factors, the microbiome, environmental toxins, and long-term cardiovascular risk.Aspirin is one of the most recommended prevention tools, and in this episode we get into why it is used, what it actually does, and where its benefits seem strongest. But it turns out, there may be a lot more to the prevention conversation.In this episode, we cover:What preeclampsia is and how it is diagnosedThe two-stage model of preeclampsia: abnormal placental development and maternal vascular dysfunctionOxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, platelet activation, and endothelial healthGenetic factors: MTHFR, homocysteine, methylation issuesEpigenetics: how lifestyle may influence gene expression in pregnancyEnvironmental toxins, including BPA, phthalates, PFAS, heavy metals, air pollution, and placental healthThe paternal factor: semen exposure, paternal antigens, sperm health, obesity, and immune toleranceGut, vaginal, oral, and urinary microbiome researchCOVID infection, COVID vaccination data, and preeclampsia riskWhy preeclampsia is linked to future cardiovascular diseaseWhat the evidence actually says about baby aspirinSupplements that may help with prevention: Calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, lycopene, omega-3s, CoQ10, NAC, and moreNutrition: the DASH diet, Mediterranean diet, fiber, probiotics, and food-first nutrition strategiesExercise in pregnancy and what we know about hypertensive disordersSleep, obstructive sleep apnea, and preeclampsia riskMind-body medicine, stress physiology, mindfulness, yoga, acupuncture, and blood pressure regulationHow to think about prevention without fear, blame, or over-supplementingThe full episode transcript with citations for all studies mentioned can be found at: drmaryellawood.comFor more from me beyond the podcast, come hang out on Between Mind & Body on Substack, where I share full podcast transcripts and deeper companion content, essays, physician-created guides, emerging research, and the questions medicine has not quite answered yet.Substack: Between Mind & BodyInstagram: @drmaryellaLinkedIn: Mary Ella Wood, DO, ABOIMIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribing, sharing it with a friend, or leaving a review helps more than you know.