Preeclampsia (Holistic)
About This Condition
- Get routine checkups
Visit your prenatal provider regularly to prevent and control preeclampsia
- Consider calcium
Reduce your risks by taking 1,200 to1,500 mg a day of this essential nutrient
- Don’t skip the salt
Use normal amounts of salt and drink more water to maintain normal circulation
About This Condition
Preeclampsia is defined as the combination of high blood pressure (hypertension), swelling (edema), and protein in the urine (albuminuria, proteinuria) developing after the 20th week of pregnancy.1 Preeclampsia ranges in severity from mild to severe; the mild form is sometimes called proteinuric pregnancy-induced hypertension2 or proteinuric gestational hypertension.3
Women with even mild preeclampsia must be monitored carefully by a healthcare professional. Hospitalization may be necessary to enable close observation.4
The cause of preeclampsia is unknown, although several factors have been shown to contribute.5, 6 Preeclampsia is more common in women during their first pregnancy,7 as well as in women who are obese,8, 9 who have diabetes,10 or who have gestational hypertension.11, 12, 13 Women who have had preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy are also at increased risk.14 Preeclampsia has also been associated with calcium deficiencies,15antioxidant deficiencies,16, 17, 18 older maternal age,19 and job stress.20, 21, 22
Symptoms
Symptoms, which typically appear after the 20th week of pregnancy, include swelling of the face and hands, visual disturbances, headache, and high blood pressure. In severe preeclampsia, symptoms are more pronounced. Jaundice may also be present. Severe preeclampsia may lead to seizures (eclampsia) and may cause death to both mother and fetus if left untreated.23 Like eclampsia, severe preeclampsia is a medical emergency requiring hospitalization.24, 25
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Regular prenatal care is essential for the prevention and early detection of preeclampsia.
Job stress (lack of control over work pace and the timing and frequency of breaks) may be detrimental, and reducing job stress may be beneficial in the prevention of preeclampsia.26 In a preliminary study, women exposed to high job stress were found to be at greater risk of developing preeclampsia and, to a lesser extent, gestational hypertension than were women exposed to low job stress. In this study, evaluation of job stress was based on scores assessing on-the-job psychological demand and decision-making latitude. High stress was defined as high psychological demand with low decision latitude, and low stress was defined as low-demand, high-latitude.27
For women with preeclampsia, obstetricians and midwives often recommend bed rest and lying on the left side; this position helps reduce edema and lower blood pressure by increasing urinary output.28However, a review of clinical trials concluded that bed rest can significantly worsen pregnancy-induced hypertension.29 Women with preeclampsia should discuss the pros and cons of bed rest with their doctors.
The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.
| Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|
| Don’t skip the salt | Use normal amounts of salt and drink more water to maintain normal circulation. Unlike other conditions that cause high blood pressure, salt restriction and use of diuretics can worsen preeclampsia by reducing blood flow to the kidneys and placenta. In preeclampsia, unrestricted use of salt and an increased consumption of water are needed to maintain normal blood volume and circulation to the placenta. |
| Avoid trans fats | Diets high in trans fatty acids appear to increase preeclampsia risk, so avoiding margarine and deep-fried foods may decrease your risk. Data from one preliminary study suggest diets high in trans fatty acids are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Trans fatty acids are found in foods that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, such as margarine. Foods that have been deep-fried (e.g., French fries) are also rich sources of trans fatty acids. |
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
| Supplement | Why |
|---|---|
3 Stars Calcium 1,200 to 1,500 mg daily | An analysis of double-blind trials found calcium supplementation to be highly effective in preventing preeclampsia. Calcium deficiency has been associated with preeclampsia. In numerous controlled trials, oral calcium supplementation has been studied as a possible preventive measure. While most trials have found a significant reduction in the incidence of preeclampsia with calcium supplementation, One study reported that calcium supplementation reduced both the severity of preeclampsia and the mortality rate in the infants. An analysis of double-blind trials46 found calcium supplementation to be highly effective in preventing preeclampsia. However, a large and well-designed double-blind trial and a critical analysis of six double-blind trials concluded that calcium supplementation did not reduce the risk of preeclampsia in healthy women at low risk for preeclampsia. For healthy, high-risk (in other words, calcium deficient) women, however, the data show a clear and statistically significant beneficial effect of calcium supplementation in reducing the risk of preeclampsia. The National Institutes of Health recommends an intake of 1,200 to 1,500 mg of elemental calcium daily during normal pregnancy. In women at risk of preeclampsia, most trials showing reduced incidence have used 2,000 mg of supplemental calcium per day. Nonetheless, many doctors continue to suggest amounts no higher than 1,500 mg per day. |
2 Stars Arginine Refer to label instructions | In one study in which pregnant women at an increased risk of developing preeclampsia received either arginine or a placebo, the arginine group had a significantly lower incidence of preeclampsia compared with the placebo group. In a double-blind study, 100 pregnant women at increased risk of developing preeclampsia received 3 grams of arginine once a day or a placebo, starting in the 20th week of gestation and continuing until delivery. The incidence of preeclampsia was significantly lower by 74% in the arginine group than in the placebo group (6.1% vs. 23.4%). |
2 Stars Coenzyme Q10 200 mg per day | In a double-blind study at women who were at high risk of developing preeclampsia, supplementing with coenzyme Q10 reduced the incidence of preeclampsia by 44%. Pregnant women with preeclampsia have significantly lower plasma coenzyme Q10 levels, when compared with women with healthy pregnancies. In a double-blind study at women who were at high risk of developing preeclampsia, supplementing with coenzyme Q10 reduced the incidence of preeclampsia by 44%. The amount used was 200 mg per day; treatment was begun during the twentieth week of pregnancy and continued until delivery. |
2 Stars Folic Acid 5 mg daily | Supplementing with folic acid and vitamin B6 may lower homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine damages the lining of blood vessels and can lead to preeclamptic symptoms. Women with preeclampsia have been shown to have elevated blood levels of homocysteine. Research indicates elevated homocysteine occurs prior to the onset of preeclampsia. Elevated homocysteine damages the lining of blood vessels, which can lead to the preeclamptic signs of elevated blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine. In one preliminary trial, women with a previous pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia and high homocysteine supplemented with 5 mg of folic acid and 250 mg of vitamin B6 per day, successfully lowering homocysteine levels. In another trial studying the effect of vitamin B6 on preeclampsia incidence, supplementation with 5 mg of vitamin B6 twice per day significantly reduced the incidence of preeclampsia. Women in that study were not, however, evaluated for homocysteine levels. In fact, no studies have yet determined whether lowering elevated homocysteine reduces the incidence or severity of preeclampsia. Nevertheless, despite a lack of proof that elevated homocysteine levels cause preeclampsia, many doctors believe that pregnant women with elevated homocysteine should attempt to reduce those levels to normal. |
1 Star Fish Oil Refer to label instructions | Fish oil supplementation may lower the incidence of preeclampsia. Fish oil supplementation has been proposed to lower the incidence of preeclampsia. However, controlled clinical trials suggest that fish oil does not reduce symptoms or protect against preeclampsia. |
1 Star Magnesium Refer to label instructions | Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia in high-risk women in one trial. Magnesium deficiency has been implicated as a possible cause of preeclampsia. Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia in high-risk women in one trial, but not in another double-blind trial. |
1 Star Vitamin B2 Refer to label instructions | Women who are deficient in vitamin B2 (riboflavin) are more likely to develop preeclampsia than women with normal levels. Supplementation may correct a deficiency. Women who are deficient in vitamin B2 (riboflavin) are more likely to develop preeclampsia than women with normal vitamin B2 levels. These results were observed in a developing country, where vitamin B2 deficiencies are more common than in the United States. Nevertheless, insufficient vitamin B2 may contribute to the abnormalities underlying the disease process. |
1 Star Vitamin B6 Refer to label instructions | Supplementing with vitamin B6 and folic acid may lower homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine damages the lining of blood vessels and can lead to the preeclamptic symptoms. Women with preeclampsia have been shown to have elevated blood levels of homocysteine. Research indicates elevated homocysteine occurs prior to the onset of preeclampsia. Elevated homocysteine damages the lining of blood vessels, which can lead to the preeclamptic signs of elevated blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine. In one preliminary trial, women with a previous pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia and high homocysteine supplemented with 5 mg of folic acid and 250 mg of vitamin B6 per day, successfully lowering homocysteine levels. In another trial studying the effect of vitamin B6 on preeclampsia incidence, supplementation with 5 mg of vitamin B6 twice per day significantly reduced the incidence of preeclampsia. Women in that study were not, however, evaluated for homocysteine levels. In fact, no studies have yet determined whether lowering elevated homocysteine reduces the incidence or severity of preeclampsia. Nevertheless, despite a lack of proof that elevated homocysteine levels cause preeclampsia, many doctors believe that pregnant women with elevated homocysteine should attempt to reduce those levels to normal. |
1. Myatt L, Miodovnik M. Prediction of preeclampsia. Semin Perinatol 1999;23:45-57.
2. Smith GN, Walker M, Tessier JL, Millar KG. Increased incidence of preeclampsia in women conceiving by intrauterine insemination with donor versus partner sperm for treatment of primary infertility. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;177:455-8.
3. Rey E, LeLorier J, Burgess E, et al. Report of the Canadian Hypertension Society Consensus Conference: 3. Pharmacologic treatment of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. CMAJ 1997;157:1245-54.
4. Rath W Z. Treatment of hypertensive diseases in pregnancy—general recommendations and long-term oral therapy. Geburtshilfe Neonatol 1997;201:240-6 [in German].
5. Myatt L, Miodovnik M. Prediction of preeclampsia. Semin Perinatol 1999;23:45-57.
6. Sibai BM. Prevention of preeclampsia: A big disappointment. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:1275-8 [review].
7. Mounier-Vehier C, Equine O, Valat-Rigot AS, et al. Hypertensive syndromes in pregnancy. Physiopathology, definition and fetomaternal complications. Presse Med 1999;28:880-5 [in French].
8. Mounier-Vehier C, Equine O, Valat-Rigot AS, et al. Hypertensive syndromes in pregnancy. Physiopathology, definition and fetomaternal complications. Presse Med 1999;28:880-5 [in French].
9. Sibai BM, Ewell M, Levine RJ, et al. Risk factors associated with preeclampsia in healthy nulliparous women. The Calcium for Preeclampsia Prevention (CPEP) Study Group. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;177:1003-10.
10. Persson B, Hanson U. Neonatal morbidities in gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care 1998;Suppl 2:B79-84.
11. Saudan P, Brown MA, Buddle ML, Jones M. Does gestational hypertension become pre-eclampsia? Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1998;105:1177-84.
12. Myatt L, Miodovnik M. Prediction of preeclampsia. Semin Perinatol 1999;23:45-57.
13. Sibai BM, Ewell M, Levine RJ, et al. Risk factors associated with preeclampsia in healthy nulliparous women. The Calcium for Preeclampsia Prevention (CPEP) Study Group. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;177:1003-10.
14. Myatt L, Miodovnik M. Prediction of preeclampsia. Semin Perinatol 1999;23:45-57.
15. Hojo M, August P. Calcium Metabolism in Preeclampsia: Supplementation may help. Medscape Womens Health 1997;2:5.
16. Mikhail MS, Anyaegbunam A, Garfinkel D, et al. Preeclampsia and antioxidant nutrients: decreased plasma levels of reduced ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol and beta carotene in women with preeclampsia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1994;171:150-7.
17. Gulmezoglu AM, Hofmeyr GJ, Oosthuisen MM. Antioxidants in the treatment of severe pre-eclampsia: an explanatory randomised controlled trial. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1997;104:689-96.
18. Valsecchi L, Fausto A, Grazioli V. Severe preeclampsia and antioxidant nutrients. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1995;173:673 [letter].
19. Bianco A, Stone J, Lynch L, et al. Pregnancy outcome at age 40 and older. Obstet Gynecol 1996;87:917-22.
20. Marcoux S, Berube S, Brisson C, Mondor M. Job strain and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Epidemiology 1999;10:376-82.
21. Wergeland E, Strand K. Work pace control and pregnancy health in a population-based sample of employed women in Norway. Scand J Work Environ Health 1998;24:206-12.
22. Mounier-Vehier C, Equine O, Valat-Rigot AS, et al. Hypertensive syndromes in pregnancy. Physiopathology, definition and fetomaternal complications. Presse Med 1999;28:880-5 [in French].
23. Rath W Z. Treatment of hypertensive diseases in pregnancy—general recommendations and long-term oral therapy. Geburtshilfe Neonatol 1997;201:240-6 [in German].
24. Rey E, LeLorier J, Burgess E, et al. Report of the Canadian Hypertension Society Consensus Conference: 3. Pharmacologic treatment of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. CMAJ 1997;157:1245-54.
25. Sibai BM, Frangieh AY. Management of severe preeclampsia. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 1996;8(2):110-3.
26. Wergeland E, Strand K. Work pace control and pregnancy health in a population-based sample of employed women in Norway. Scand J Work Environ Health 1998;24:206-12.
27. Marcoux S, Berube S, Brisson C, Mondor M. Job strain and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Epidemiology 1999;10:376-82.
28. Katz VL, Ryder RM, Cefalo RC, et al. A comparison of bed rest and immersion for treating the edema of pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 1990;75:147-51.
29. Allen C, Glasziou P, Del Mar C. Bed rest: a potentially harmful treatment needing more careful evaluation. Lancet 1999;354:1229-33 [review].
Last Review: 06-08-2015
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