I just came across Kitten's
article on pre-eclampsia here, so I thought i would add some further information I found useful that was hard to come by when I needed it.
I had severe pre-eclampsia with my first pregnancy which led to my son being delivered at 37weeks
by emergency caesarian (he was also in distress). He was 2.4kg (about 5lb 7oz).
I had high blood pressure (which lasted beyond delivery), headaches, visual disturbances and also severe abdominal pain (under the bottom ribs). It felt like heartburn but so bad I would be throwing up. I didn't swell up at all until after the delivery and yet that was the only symptom I was aware to look out for, so that is not really a good sign to watch for.
With my second pregnancy I was keen to avoid the same situation. I wanted a healthy pregnancy, but I also wanted a natural delivery and the chances of that if I had pre-eclampsia were lower (either at risk of a caesarian or an induction). My obstetrician told me to take low dose aspirin from 12weeks to 36weeks, which I did. But I also wanted more information about what the condition is, how it works and how to avoid it.
Medically, the only advice I could find on 'treatment' was constant monitoring, blood pressure medication, drugs to speed up maturation of baby’s lungs in preparation for premature birth, bed rest to increase blood flow to the placenta and reduce stress (often in hospital), avoidance of salt to reduce blood pressure (though my ob advised this was unnecessary), and giving birth (usually by early induction or caesarean).
The only way to prevent pre-eclampsia seemed to be stress reduction, moderate activity and aspirin.
However through the
Birthrites website I came across some fabulous
home birth ladies, who in turn put me onto some great birthing
books. The advice I found in these seemed to suggest that diet could assist in prevention.
So, here are some tips I learnt:
- take a Fish Oil supplement that is tested safe for heavy metal content
- eat a High protein diet of 75 to 100 grams daily, more if you already have pre-eclampsia*
- drink Plenty of water (don’t cut out salt, but don’t overload on it either)
- take Calcium and Magnesium supplements (in the form of tablets or pregnancy herbs & teas)
- do Moderate exercise
- Avoid toxic substances that tax the liver and kidneys (caffeine, pollution from smokers or high traffic, strong chemicals and scents in the home, refined foods such as white sugar/flour/salt, processed foods, and take NO drugs at all.)
- Water immersion is also supposed to help lower blood pressure
In fact,
Ina May's mums follow a high protein vegetarian diet and she has very little occurrence of pre-eclampsia at all.
I followed these guidelines (mostly) although largely because I wanted a healthy pregnancy as much as anything. I also did a Calm Birth course which encouraged daily meditation and relaxation, so this reduced my 'stress'.
My 2nd baby was delivered naturally at 40weeks weighing 3.3kg. The only sign of pre-eclampsia was while I was in labour. I am not sure which elements worked but I was glad I had tried the above measures. So, just because you have had it once does not mean it will happen again!
* Please note that if you plan to increase protein in your diet, it is advised to increase protein intake of foods like beans, legumes, whole grains and ensure that you continue to consume plenty of dark leafy greens, vegetables, fruit and water. Meat, eggs and dairy products produce acidic conditions in your body so eat them in moderation or limited amounts.
(March 2007) (
