EP. 38: Preeclampsia Isn't Random (What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Your Nervous System)

In this episode of Motherhood Aligned and Assigned, Dr. Serena Coffman and Dr. Veronica Schiltz expose what most doctors aren't discussing: the nervous system's role in preeclampsia. They explain the gas pedal (sympathetic) vs. brake pedal (parasympathetic) analogy—in pregnancy, you NEED the brake pedal working because your blood volume increases 30-50% and your body needs to adapt in massive ways. When chronic stress keeps you stuck on the gas pedal, blood vessels stay constricted, stress hormones stay elevated, and conditions like preeclampsia emerge. Research shows maternal stress can increase the risk up to 20 times. Dr. Serena's midwife said it's "random," but the data says otherwise. Discover what dysautonomia actually means, why you can't cognitive therapy your way out of fight or flight, the warning signs most moms miss (terrible sleep and heartburn before you're even showing), and why the moms who say "I'm fine" are often the most stressed (freeze/fawn response). You have more control than you think.Timestamps:00:25 Why Preeclampsia Is Rising00:47 Gas and Brake Analogy01:30 Pregnancy Needs Adaptation02:24 Dysautonomia Explained03:21 Stress Hormones and Vessels04:40 Is It Really Random05:49 Chiropractic and Stored Stress07:15 Mindset vs Subconscious Stress09:54 Hidden Stress Signs in Pregnancy10:32 Different Stress Responses12:02 Find Nervous System Care12:49 Empowering Worried Moms Resources Mentioned:PX Docs Directory Connect with Veronica:WebsiteInstagramFacebook Connect with Serena:WebsiteInstagramFacebook