Preeclampsia prevention is most certainly on the minds of women during pregnancy. There are a number of factors that increase your risk for preeclampsia, but there are a few preeclampsia prevention tips to consider as well.
The most important tip any women can take to heart before, during, and after pregnancy is talk to a doctor. If getting pregnant is on your mind, or if you are pregnant, discuss concerns, risk factors, and preeclampsia prevention with a doctor as soon as possible.
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition women face, especially if they are at higher risk. This serious condition causes abnormal placenta development, high blood pressure, and high protein levels.
Preeclampsia normally occurs about or after the 20-week period during pregnancy. Previously known as toxemia, preeclampsia can be a big negative for any pregnancy, making preeclampsia prevention essential for pregnant women and those thinking of becoming pregnant.
Vital Preeclampsia Prevention Statistics for Pregnancy
Knowing more about preeclampsia is the first preeclampsia prevention step after talking to a doctor. The statistics can be startling for many women in the early stages of pregnancy.
Preeclampsia and eclampsia worldwide stats you need to know:
- More than 500,000 women die each year from pregnancy problems.
- Undetected preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia.
- Eclampsia is one of the top causes of baby and mother death.
- A preeclampsia pregnancy is diagnosed in approximately eight percent of all pregnancies.
- Preeclampsia caused 18 percent of maternal deaths in the U.S.
- 15 percent of premature births are caused by preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia Prevention Risk Factors
The next step in preeclampsia prevention is all about knowing key risk factors associated with the condition. Research on risk factors is still needed, but doctors and researchers have narrowed down the following risk factors to look for.
- Having multiple pregnancies
- High blood pressure, hypertension, before becoming pregnant
- Diabetes
- Becoming pregnant in your teens or past the age of 40
- Being obese or having primigravidity
- Kidney issues or kidney disease
Understand these risk factors and discuss them with a doctor as soon as you know you’re pregnant. This will allow you and your doctor to develop a positive pregnancy plan.
Preeclampsia Prevention Tips for a Safer Pregnancy
Despite chronic health issues like diabetes, kidney disease, or hypertension, there are a few simple preeclampsia prevention tips all women should think about before and during pregnancy.
1. Ensure You Keep Health and Weight a Priority
Prior to pregnancy, your doctor may be very clear about keeping your health, and especially your weight a priority. Preeclampsia prevention is certainly associated with a healthy weight and lowering high blood pressure.
Keep your body mass index (BMI) within the 19 to 25 normal ranges. Below 30 is good too, but keep your diet consistent to maintain that healthy pre-pregnant figure. You may find the expertise of a nutritionist helpful as well.
2. Fitness is Important Preeclampsia Prevention Tactic
Fitness is key to any healthy woman, especially before and during pregnancy. Now that doesn’t mean train for a marathon or join a Crossfit box. Again, discuss any exercise routine with a doctor to ensure it fits your unique womanly needs.
However, studies have shown that exercise during pregnancy reduces inflammation and helps maintain that healthy weight discussed above. Fitness can also help reduce that baby bump stress too, lowering your infertility risk. This makes fitness a great preeclampsia prevention tactic.
3. Eat Healthy to Keep High Blood Pressure in Check
Fitness and maintaining a healthy weight all revolve around a healthy diet. Eating right not only gives your body the nutrients your body craves, but also serves as a positive preeclampsia prevention tip.
Eat vitamin and mineral rich foods packed with antioxidants. Potassium is a great high blood pressure fighter. Don’t leave out those leafy greens either, making them part of two meals a day.
Skipping processed food, getting daily exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are all powerful preeclampsia prevention tips women simply can’t ignore. If you have more questions about preeclampsia or pregnancy issues, connect with a doctor and get the answers you need and deserve.
