Preeclampsia Prevention

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Preeclampsia Prevention in Pregnancy

Studies Suggest Limitations of Vitamin E and C Therapy

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In the past some research suggested supplementation with vitamins C and E may help reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia in pregnancy. A new study however, suggests that taking larger than normal doses of vitamins E and C will not help reduce preeclampsia risk in women. An early study of roughly 2,000 women suggested that use of vitamins C and E also did not reduce a woman's risk of developing preeclampsia, according to researchers from the University of Adelaide and Women's and Children's Hospital in Australia.

That said, there is no real harm taking modest amounts of vitamin C and E during pregnancy.

Preeclampsia Prevention and Treatment
Roughly five percent of women will develop preeclampsia during pregnancy. Signs of this potentially life threatening condition include:

• High blood pressure
• Protein in the urine
• Swelling in the hands and face
• Blurry vision or loss of peripheral vision

Most women are more at risk for developing preeclampsia during their first pregnancy than in subsequent pregnancies. Other risk factors for preeclampsia include:

• Having preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
• Carrying twins or more
• Being overweight or diagnosed with diabetes
• History of high blood pressure
• History of autoimmune disorders
• History of kidney disease

The results of this most recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine did not include women pregnant with more than one fetus or those with chronic health conditions. All women taking part in the study were first time mothers. This suggests more research is necessary to assess whether antioxidant therapy may still be worthwhile for second or third time mothers at risk for preeclampsia.

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The study found little statistically significant difference between groups of women administered 400 milligrams of vitamin E and 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily during the second trimester on.

Despite the results of the study, questions still remain about the efficacy of antioxidant therapy and other treatments to help prevent preeclampsia. This study for example was conducted on a limited population of women in Australia. The participants for this research study were at low risk for preeclampsia. It is possible women more at risk may benefit from moderately increasing their intake of various antioxidants.

As of now, the jury is still out on whether antioxidant therapy may benefit women at risk for preeclampsia. Given this information, it makes sense that pregnant women should still take a multivitamin and mineral supplement designed for pregnancy that contains enough antioxidants. A diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fruits and grains will also provide women the nutrition they need to sustain a healthy pregnancy.

If you are considering supplementation during pregnancy, be sure you consult with your health care provider. Together you can decide the best course of action given your personal medical history and health status.