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Preeclampsia is a very serious pregnancy complication for which the only known cure is delivery of the baby. Although some medication can keep the symptoms at bay, waiting too long to deliver can lead to full blown eclampsia, organ failure and other complications in the mother and baby. Preeclampsia has mortality risk factors for both mother and baby and some women are at higher risk for developing preeclampsia than others.

This guide includes a variety of ways mothers who are at high risk for preeclampsia can lower their risk of developing it.

Important Information About Preeclampsia Prevention

To date, there is no specifically known cause of preeclampsia. Although some studies have been done and risk factors identified, scientists have still not discovered any way to guarantee prevention or safely treat every case of preeclampsia. However studies have shown that certain factors DO decrease the risk of getting preeclampsia and certain woman are at higher risk than others.

If you’re at risk for preeclampsia, it’s important to talk to your doctor before attempting any method of reducing your risks. Together, you can both come up with a plan to lower the chances of having this dangerous pregnancy complication.

Symptoms of Preeclampsia

High blood pressure

Headaches

Feeling tired or “under the weather”

Presence of protein in the urine,

Sudden weight gain

Swelling

Blurred vision

Risk Factors for Preeclampsia

These factors may increase a woman’s risk for pregnancy induced preeclampsia. However it’s also possible to have these risk factors and not develop preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is most common in the first pregnancy – Women with one long-term partner are less at risk than women with new or multiple partners.

History of chronic high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disorder

Multiple gestation

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Previous history of preeclampsia, particularly if onset is before the third trimester

Family history of the disorder (i.e., a mother, sister, grandmother or aunt who had the disorder)

Women with greater than 30% Body Mass Index (BMI).

Under 18 or over 40 years of age

Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus sarcoidosis or MS.

If you’ve had it in previous pregnancies. Generally speaking, the more severe and the earlier you developed preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, the higher risk you have of developing it in future pregnancies.

1. Magnesium

Magnesium, taken in pregnancy, may be linked to lower risks of preeclampsia.

Magnesium rich food include leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, lentils and avocadoes. You can also take a bath in epsom salts, which contain Magnesium, or use an external Magnesium spray. Magnesium Citrate is one of the better options if you plan to supplement instead of add more Magnesium rich foods to your diet.

Magnesium can also reduce the risk of morning sickness and help relieve restless legs, cramps and sciatica.

It’s important not to confuse Magnesium Citrate with Magnesium Sulfate. Magnesium Sulfate is often given to women who have developed preeclampsia and although it can be an effective treatment, it has a range of accompanying risk factors and can cause a range of uncomfortable side effects.

2. Calcium

Calcium can help lower the risk of preeclampsia. The World Health Organisation recommends supplementation of calcium in high risk women, especially in developing countries, to decrease the risk of preeclampsia. However it’s important to remember that some forms of calcium can also lower iron absorption. Here is a great list of 18 surprising foods that naturally contain calcium but aren’t dairy products.

3. B Vitamins

B Vitamins are important for female fertility, menstrual issues and pregnancy. They can reduce the risk of preeclampsia as well as relieve other pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness.

4. Vitamin C & E

Both Vitamin C & E play an important role in pregnancy, including lowering the risk of preeclampsia and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

5. Potassium

Yellow cucumbers and bananas are both sources of potassium. Here is a great potassium broth recipe. Remember that potassium should never be taken supplementally on its own, as it can be very dangerous.

6. Vitamin D

20 minutes of sunlight each day is one of the best things you can do to increase Vitamin D aborption. Fermented cod liver oil is another way that you can supplement Vitamin D in pregnancy.

7. Protein

Adequate protein in your diet may be one of the key factors in decreasing the risk of preeclampsia.

According to this paper and this paper, Spirulina and other types of seaweed based products may theoretically decrease the risk of preeclampsia.

9. Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol is the brand name for a supplement that comes from the bark of a European pine tree. It is thought to be a cell protecting antioxident. The active ingredients it contains can also be found in grape seed, witch hazel and peanut skin. However Pycnogenol can cause complications if used in conjunction with other medication or with previously existing medical conditions, so you should seek medical advice before testing it.

Pycnogenol may reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia by up to 44%, according to one study.

10. Daily Low Dose Aspirin

Studies have indicated that low dose baby aspirin in pregnancy can reduce the risk of preeclampsia. However this is something you should discuss with your medical care provider before trying, as incorrect use of aspirin in pregnancy can cause complications.

11. Increasing Fiber Intake

Having a high fiber diet not only helps your digestive system and lowers the chance of complication in pregnancy, it may also decrease the risk of developing preeclampsia. Read more in this study.

12. Beetroot and Beet Juice

Raw beetroot is a natural source of calcium and also balances the sodium/potassium ratio in your blood. It can also aid in lowering high blood pressure. Add raw beetroot to your salads, or make a juice with it.

13. Staying Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can lower the risks of developing preeclampsia.

14. Exercise

Daily exercise can both lower the risks of preeclampsia as well as many other pregnancy complications. In women who have previously had preeclampsia, studies suggest that daily stretching may be more beneficial than walking.

15. Weight Loss

Women with a high BMI (Body Mass Index) are often at higher risk for developing preeclampsia. If you plan to get pregnant, losing weight before trying to conceive can lower risk factors. If you’re already pregnant, you should talk to your medical care professional or a dietitian before attempting any type of pregnancy diet.

16. The Brewer Diet

The Brewer Diet is a specially designed high nutrtition diet which allegedly completely removed preeclampsia from certain populations of pregnant women who followed it. Some people claim that as no randomised trials were done, the “one diet fits all” component of the Brewer diet has a range of risks. However many mothers have followed this diet successfully and found it greatly decreased pregnancy and birth complications. Make sure you do your own research or talk to a medical professional before following any pregnancy diet.

Read more about the Brewer Diet here.

17. Swimming

Swimming and water immersion daily can help lower blood pressure.

18. See a Dentist

Gum disease and poor dental health can increase the risk of preeclampsia as well as preterm labor. Make sure you care for your teeth, get regular checkups and if you have a cavity, talk to your dentist about treatment – as long as the dentist is aware of your pregnancy, they can take care in the methods used for filling cavities or removing problem teeth. Oil pulling is another safe method to lower the level of bacteria in your mouth.

19. Beware of White Coat Hypertension

Some women experience higher blood pressure when around medical professionals. If you’re anxious or worried at your medical appointments, it may be worth monitoring your blood pressure at home, or with a medical care provider you’re most comfortable with, in a setting where you are less anxious.

20. Sex

Semen may help prevent preeclampsia. Oral sex with the father of the baby may lower the risk of developing preeclampsia. This also links back to the idea that the father may play an influential role in preventing preeclampsia, especially if he is the woman’s only partner. Read this information for further analysis of how this may work.

21. Herbs

There are a range of herbs which may prevent preeclampsia. However you should do your own research and talk to a medical professional before adding herbs to your diet, especially if you’re taking other medications which may not interact well with some natural remedies.

Garlic, passionflower, parsley, raspberry leaf, grape seed extract, skullcap and hawthorn berry are all herbs that may reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia.

Lemon or lime juice with a tsp of Cream of Tartar, once a day for three days. Cream of Tartar is a source of picnoginol.

22. Probiotic

This study suggests that taking probiotics regularly in pregnancy may decrease the risk of a woman having high blood pressure or developing preeclampsia.

Things That Do Not Decrease The Risk of Preeclampsia

According to this study, fish oil has no noticeable effect on lowering the risk of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. According to this study, folate does not noticeably lower the risk of developing gestation diabetes or preeclampsia.