To help prevent preeclampsia, several strategies can be adopted before and during pregnancy:
- Manage Blood Pressure: Control high blood pressure through regular exercise, reducing stress, limiting alcohol, cutting back on caffeine, losing excess weight, and getting enough sleep. Regular prenatal visits will monitor blood pressure closely
- Control Diabetes: If you have diabetes or prediabetes, work with your doctor to manage blood sugar levels through medication, diet, and exercise to reduce risk
- Maintain Kidney Health: Take care of your kidneys by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
- Healthy Weight and Nutrition: Aim to lose excess weight before pregnancy if overweight, and during pregnancy, monitor weight gain carefully. Follow a healthy diet low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fish-similar to a Mediterranean diet, which has been linked to lower risk
- Reduce Sodium and Salt Intake: Limit salt and processed foods to help control blood pressure and reduce water retention
- Stay Hydrated and Avoid Junk Food: Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily and avoid fried and junk foods to support overall health
- Exercise Regularly: Engage in safe, approved physical activity before and during pregnancy to help lower blood pressure and improve overall health
- Consider Supplements: Low-dose aspirin may be recommended for women at high risk. Calcium supplements (around 2,000 mg/day) may reduce risk if dietary calcium is low. Vitamin D supplementation might help if deficient. Some studies suggest folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, and Coenzyme Q10 could be beneficial, but evidence is mixed and should be discussed with a doctor
- Regular Prenatal Care: Attend all prenatal visits for early detection and management of preeclampsia signs, including monitoring blood pressure, urine protein, and fetal growth
While preeclampsia cannot be completely prevented, these measures can significantly reduce the risk and help manage early signs effectively
. In summary, prevention focuses on healthy lifestyle choices, managing existing health conditions, proper nutrition, appropriate supplementation, and consistent medical care throughout pregnancy.
