The condition called preeclampsia will affect a portion of pregnant women. Some cases are resolved without complication, while others are severe and even fatal if not properly treated. If you or someone you know intends to have kids, this is essential reading. Here is a look at preeclampsia and the research-backed considerations for the top supplements to help prevent it.
Preeclampsia Complications and Prevention
Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs in roughly 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide. It is characterized by hypertension (high blood pressure), proteinuria (excessive protein in urine, indicative of kidney dysfunction), and also other signs of organ damage; These include upper abdominal pain, vision changes, and severe headache. Cases typically develop after 20 weeks, often necessitating early delivery of the baby. There are various physiological risk factors for preeclampsia, but it is believed that the hypertension that defines preeclampsia usually results from inadequate blood vessel formation within the placenta early on during pregnancy.
Preeclampsia is a serious condition that must be seen and treated by the medical professionals observing your pregnancy; Left untreated, preeclampsia can be severe and fatal to either mother or child. It is standard for women to be prescribed medication to reduce hypertension and also prevent seizures. In any severe case, a hospital stay to monitor these risks and treat them is necessary in order to prevent more significant complications.
3 Supplements for Averting Preeclampsia During Pregnancy
Measures for the prevention of preeclampsia during pregnancy are feasible and very much merited for many women. These include medical appointments to monitor blood pressure and urine condition, listening for symptoms, lifestyle measures (including pursuing a healthy weight and diet during pregnancy), and strategic supplementation.
Calcium has been studied for its potential to prevent preeclampsia, and its effectiveness has been confirmed. Supplementing with calcium regularly during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia, especially in women at high risk for the condition for specific reasons. Women most likely to benefit include those with a previous history of preeclampsia in a prior pregnancy, and women who historically have a low calcium intake, which is fairly common in the United States. Taking the recommended daily dose of calcium while pregnant supports the body and helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure disorders, especially preeclampsia. Calcium should be taken alongside a nutritious diet.
Vitamin D: Deficiency in this crucial vitamin has been linked to the development of preeclampsia (and other fetal disorders, as well). Taking vitamin D has the ability to support your body’s ability to regulate blood pressure. Vitamin D is very helpful, in part, because it also fosters the body’s ability to utilize calcium. Research shows that taking 1,000 Iu of vitamin D3 daily, alongside calcium, is an excellent combination for a pregnant woman who is mindfully equipping herself to avoid preeclampsia.
Folic acid, a form of vitamin B9, has been utilized and recommended for the prevention of preeclampsia, on account of studies and a meta-analysis completed in 2018. This amalgamation of 12 studies supports taking folic acid to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, and research has been ongoing since then. This is perhaps the ideal form of vitamin B9 since folate (a more common form of B9) is less bioavailable compared to folic acid. Folic acid is previously known to be helpful to pregnant women, because it also helps to reduce risk of neural tube defects.
Whether you or a woman you care about has a history of preeclampsia or could be at risk for this condition, take stock of how helpful these three specific supplements could be for pthe revention of this condition. A woman who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant should always consult her healthcare provider before taking an applicable supplement for their health needs.