‹ Back

Preeclampsia

What is it?

    Preeclampsia is a health condition affecting pregnant and postpartum mothers. It usually occurs at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can last up until 6 weeks postpartum. It's characterized by high blood pressure along with protein in the urine. Symptoms include headaches, vision changes, swelling, upper abdominal pain, protein in urine, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, trouble breathing, and a blood pressure that is 140/90 or greater. 

 

Who's at risk/risk factors/causes

Women with hypertension, previous incidences of preeclampsia, obesity, race, socioeconomic status, age, etc. Black women are 60% more likely to have preeclampsia compared to other races. 

It is said that preeclampsia is also caused by dysfunction of the placenta. The placenta usually releases pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. When they are balanced, they ensure proper vascular development and function. In excess, the antiangiogenic factors release in the mother's system, causing vascular dysfunction and constriction. The dysfunction and constriction lead to elevated blood pressures. 

Electrolyte imbalances in preeclampsia may also be a contributing factor. The following electrolyte imbalances may be present: low sodium, low potassium, low magnesium, and low calcium.

 

Electrolytes

• Magnesium maintains vascular tone and elasticity. Magnesium and zinc protect against free radical damage. Pregnancy and breastfeeding increase the need for magnesium within the body. Low magnesium may lead to seizures, numbness in extremities, irregular heartbeat, confusion, muscle spasms, and/or weakness. 
• Low sodium can cause seizures in the mother and baby along with jaundice in the baby. Sodium is responsible for regulating fluid balance, transmitting nerve impulses, and maintaining muscle and nerve function. Sodium is also crucial for blood pressure and blood volume control and aids in nutrient absorption.
• Low potassium can cause muscle weakness, cramping, constipation, and irregular heartbeats. Potassium is vital for nerve signals, muscle contractions, and regulating fluid balance. 
• Low calcium can cause muscle cramps, tingling in fingers and toes, and irregular heart murmurs. Calcium maintains strong bones and teeth and is essential for muscle contraction, nerve signal transmission, blood clotting, and regulating a normal heart rate.

 

...I am not an herbalist; consult with your provider BEFORE consuming these products. Do your own research...

 

What can you do to help prevent or reduce your chances of preeclampsia?

• It is important to start preventative measures early in pregnancy to decrease your chances of developing preeclampsia.
• Herbs that decrease the antiangiogenic factors from the placenta are green tea, turmeric, ginger, and garlic.

Lemon balm, red raspberry leaf, nettle, dandelion, choline, and magnesium 300 mg

• Lemon balm helps relieve irritability, insomnia, and anxiety and may also lower blood pressure.
• Red raspberry leaf promotes uterine health during pregnancy. 
• Dandelion, which is rich in calcium and iron, helps relieve edema and nourish the liver. The liver is one of the organs that is responsible for medication absorption. During preeclampsia liver enzymes increase and are responsible for HELLP syndrome. A serious complication of preeclampsia that can cause liver rupture or failure. 
• Nettle is high in potassium, calcium, and iron.
• Choline supports the health of the placenta, which may help prevent preeclampsia and preterm birth.

Dash Diet

• Studies show that consuming a DASH diet had approximately a 35-45% chance at reducing preeclampsia. A DASH diet consists of foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy/no dairy. Excessive dairy consumption increases your chances of preeclampsia. If you do not consume dairy, replace your calcium intake by taking prenatals along with supplements like herbs or dietary supplements. A DASH diet is high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. This benefits a woman due to a decrease in all or some of these electrolytes during preeclampsia. Limit or avoid foods that have added sugars and saturated fats, like sodas, candy, full-fat dairy, palm, and coconut oil. Instead, focus on foods like fish, turkey, nuts, legumes, brown rice, oatmeal, and olive oil.