Preeclampsia is high blood pressure that develops in pregnant women after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Before the pregnancy, the woman had normal blood pressure. A preeclampsia diagnosis requires two findings:
–A systolic blood pressure (the top number) over 140 or a diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) over 90.
–Excessive amount of protein in the urine.
Unfortunately, the only known cure for preeclampsia is giving birth. So women who are at high risk for preeclampsia (like the obese and anemic) should try to prevent their chances of developing it. Taking supplements is one way to minimize these chances.
Low dose aspirin
Low dose aspirin is affordable and helps prevent many adverse health conditions, including preeclampsia. In 2010, the British NHS recommended women take a low dose aspirin of 75mg daily (81mg in the United States) starting in the 12th week of pregnancy to cut the risk of developing preeclampsia. Warning: women who are prone to stomach problems, asthma, or bleeding troubles should speak to their doctors before taking low dose aspirin.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium supplements may help prevent preeclampsia in high risk women. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, taking 2000mg of calcium a day may lower the risk of developing preeclampsia in these women.
As for Vitamin D supplements to help prevent preeclampsia, evidence is not clear on whether it works alone or in combination with another supplement. Some studies have shown women with low levels of Vitamin D are at higher risk for developing preeclampsia. In addition, Vitamin D does help the body absorb calcium. So the combination of Vitamin D and calcium is recommended.
Magnesium
There are some studies which show magnesium supplements work to help prevent preeclampsia. But magnesium has a more important purpose. This electrolyte helps regulate your central nervous system and if your levels are too low, you are at risk for seizures. If a women already has preeclampsia and it progresses (a condition called eclampsia), seizures can occur. So taking 200mg of magnesium 2-3 times a day is well worth it.
Fish oil/Omega-3 fatty acids
The Mayo Clinic did not find any definitive studies that prove taking fish oils or omega-3 fatty acids help prevent preeclampsia. But it does say these supplements can help lower blood pressure. The trouble is preeclampsia occurs in women whose blood pressure was normal before pregnancy. So speak to your doctor to see if taking fish oil supplements would have any benefit during your pregnancy.
Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Center, Preeclampsia, last reviewed March 2010
UK Daily Mail online, Aspirin during pregnancy could prevent pre-eclampsia in thousands of women, says NHS, August 25, 2010.
The Mayo Clinic,Omega-s fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid , last updated August 2011.
Murray, Sharron Smith and McKinney, Emily Sloan, (2006) Foundations of Maternal-Newborn and Women’s Health Nursing (5thed), Saunders-Elsevier, Maryland Heights, Missouri, pp 632-634