Ep. 420: Innovative Testing to Improve Preeclampsia Diagnosis with Dr. Dallas Reed

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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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