Ep. 419: Placental Testing for preeclampsia with Hannah Mayoral

Some birth stories don’t go the way anyone expects, and Hannah’s is one that every expectant parent deserves to hear.

In this episode of The Birth Lounge, Hannah joins us to share her experience of developing preeclampsia and giving birth at 28 weeks, despite having what looked like a completely normal pregnancy. She walks us through the early signs that were easy to miss, the moment everything shifted, and what it was like to suddenly find herself navigating a NICU stay she never saw coming.

Together, we talk about why preeclampsia can feel so shocking, how often it’s missed or caught late, and why first trimester placental screening has the potential to change outcomes. Hannah shares what she wishes she had known sooner, what helped her advocate within the medical system, and how early detection could have altered her experience.

This conversation also offers practical, heartfelt support for NICU parents and the people who love them. Hannah shares what actually helped during her NICU journey, how relationships can shift under that kind of stress, and what meaningful support really looks like when a baby arrives early.

We also explore emerging tools like the Encompass test, the role of baby aspirin, and how global practices around placental screening differ from what’s commonly offered in the U.S. This episode isn’t about fear, it’s about awareness, advocacy, and the belief that parents deserve better information earlier.

If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or supporting someone through a high-risk experience, this episode will leave you feeling more informed, more empowered, and less alone.

Guest Bio:

Hannah is a NICU mom turned maternal health advocate. After developing severe preeclampsia at 28 weeks, she delivered her daughter three months early to save both of their lives. Now, Hannah shares what she wishes she had known so other parents don’t have to be blindsided by a diagnosis they were never truly prepared for.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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BIRTH EDUCATION:

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way

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LINKS/RESOURCES:

If the NICU has touched your story, our NICU Support & Survival playlist on YouTube is there to hold space with honest conversations and supportive guidance.

These are the NICU outfits from Luxie Charm Hannah mentioned!

Learn more about why first trimester preeclampsia screening matters. This short video from Labcorp breaks down the importance of early, blood-based screening across pregnancy and how earlier insight can change outcomes for families: https://womenshealth.labcorp.com/preeclampsia-risk-assessment-across-all-trimesters-using-blood-based-biochemical-markers

Support making early screening the standard of care: Hannah has started a petition advocating for first trimester preeclampsia risk screening to be included in routine prenatal care in the U.S., helping protect parents before they’re ever blindsided: https://www.change.org/p/make-first-trimester-risk-screening-part-of-standard-prenatal-care-in-the-u-s