During pregnancy there are many conditions and possible threats to the mother and baby. Pre-eclampsia is a condition whereby abnormally high blood pressure and other problems develop during pregnancy. There is no definite way to prevent this condition; the only remedy is to deliver the baby.

Psychological stress during pregnancy may lead to pre-eclampsia

Statistics show that around five per cent of women in first-time pregnancies can be affected by pre-eclampsia. In addition, if a woman has suffered from this condition before, she is more likely to experience it again. Having a family history of this condition can also increase the chances.

A new study by researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico was conducted on around 700 pregnant women known to be at high risk of this condition. Earlier research had suggested a possible role for L-Arginine and antioxidants in preeclampsia prevention. The study was based on a randomised study on the supplementation of these nutrients.

The women in the study were divided into two groups – one received daily food bars containing the nutrient vitamins and the other received the same bars without the nutrients. The first group began taking the nutrients 20 weeks into their pregnancy and continued taking them until delivery of the baby.

The results showed that those who took the vitamins were less likely to develop pre-eclampsia compared with those who did not take them. It was also found that the group who took the vitamins were significantly less likely to give birth prematurely than those in the control group.

“This relatively simple and low-cost intervention may have value in reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia and the associated preterm birth,” said the authors of the study.

The L-Arginine supplement is an amino acid and is essential for the production of nitric oxide, which is important for a healthy pregnancy. In fact, low levels of nitric oxide and L-Arginine have been independently linked to pre-eclampsia.

The use of antioxidants is based on evidence that oxidative stress is involved in pre-eclampsia. However, it seems from other studies that antioxidant vitamins alone cannot reduce the risk of the condition. It may be that they work best in synergy with other nutrients such as L-Arginine.

There are other ways to reduce the risk such as avoiding trans-fats in your diet. These are found in foods such as margarine, cakes, biscuits and fried foods. One study showed that diets high in trans-fatty acids are associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia.

Reducing stress is reducing risk. Psychological stress during pregnancy may lead to pre-eclampsia. This is common sense, but when it has been proved to contribute towards this condition it is vital to find time to introduce relaxa-tion techniques such as yoga, meditation or even tai chi.

Exposure to lead, even at low levels, is associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Finally, restricting weight gain can have detrimental effects during pregnancy.

Other supplements tested in studies include calcium, which has been proved beneficial by leading to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. So it is important for pregnant women to ensure that there is an adequate calcium content in their diet.

Zinc deficiency has been found in some women with the condition, but it is not clear if zinc supplements can protect against the problem. Two trials have given conflicting results, as these may depend on each particular woman’s state of health before they become pregnant.

For example, if they were already zinc deficient they would benefit from supplementation but if they already had an adequate level of zinc in their body as they may have been supplementing with zinc before pregnancy, then extra supplementation will not have an effect on preeclampsia.

Magnesium is another trace element that may be important for a healthy pregnancy. It levels in women with the condition were found to be significantly lower than in healthy pregnant women, suggesting that magnesium deficiency might be involved in the development of the condition.

It is unclear whether supplements can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia; however, one study found that magnesium sulphate can halve the risk of eclampsia (the final phase) which can arise when pre-eclampsia is left untreated.

Studies have looked at other supplements including Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids and lycopene (which is found in tomatoes). They all reinforce the importance of ensuring a really healthy diet, and if necessary, supplement with relevant vitamins and minerals.

Although there are many studies and findings showing the benefits of various supplements, it is clear that not getting enough will lead to development of the condition.

There is not a ‘one pill suits all’ approach for everyone. It is all about eating well, getting the full range of nutrients both pre-pregnancy, during and after pregnancy by tailoring a diet and supplements to your needs as an individual person.

kathryn@maltanet.net