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DESCRIPTION
Preeclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy) is a serious disturbance in blood pressure, kidney function and the central nervous system that may occur from the 20th week of pregnancy until seven days after delivery. Eclampsia is an extension of the preeclampsia process. This is one of the most serious and most easily prevented complications of pregnancy. The symptoms usually appear after the 30th week of pregnancy. Modern medical science does not know the cause of preeclampsia, but many practitioners and midwives have noticed a very strong connection between deficiencies in the mother's diet and the occurrence of preeclampsia to say that it is the result of malnutrition during pregnancy.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Mild preeclampsia (mild PIH):
- Protein in the urine.
- Significant blood-pressure rise, even if still in the normal range.
- Puffiness (edema) in the face, hands and feet that is worse in the morning.
- Excessive weight gain (more than a pound a week during the last trimester).
Severe preeclampsia (severe PIH):
- Continued blood pressure rise.
- Continued swelling and puffiness.
- Blurred vision.
- Headache.
- Irritability.
- Abdominal pain.
Eclampsia:
- Worsening of above symptoms.
- Muscle twitching.
- Seizures.
- Coma.
CAUSES
Modern medical science does not recognize a cause, believing it to be caused by a substance or toxin produced by the placenta. However, this condition is easily prevented or controlled in its early stages by good maternal nutrition and nutritional supplements and therapies recommended by your midwife or health care provider. Below are two highly recommended books about toxemia of pregnancy prevention and nutritional information.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Poor nutrition during pregnancy. For helpful nutritional information see Nutrition Information & Guidelines to help set up a dietary plan for pregnancy.
Diabetes Mellitus.
Pre-pregnancy high blood pressure (hypertension).
Chronic kidney disease.
Obesity.
First pregnancy.
Preeclampsia during one pregnancy does not mean it will recur with subsequent pregnancies, but it does increase the risk of recurrence. Be sure to review your nutritional requirements for pregnancy.
Multiple gestation (twins). Nutritional requirements increase with a multiple gestation.
Family history of preeclampsia or eclampsia.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
TO PREVENT PREECLAMPSIA:
Obtain good prenatal care from your midwife or health care provider. Choose one that knows about nutritional requirements during pregnancy.
Eat a normal, well-balanced diet during pregnancy. Take natural prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements, if suggested by your midwife. Eat 60 to 90 grams of protein daily. Protein is needed to form the growing fetus, uterus, and placenta. Insufficient protein in a pregnancy diet may place a pregnant woman at risk for developing preeclampsia.
Eat salt to taste. Extra salt is required during pregnancy to help with the expanding blood volume that is needed to support the pregnancy. Without adequate salt, preeclampsia may result.
Eat foods high in calcium. 1000 grams of calcium should be taken in your diet daily as a minimum requirement.
Take in adequate calories. The minimum calorie requirement for pregnancy is 2400 calories a day. Make these calories count with good nutritious foods and a well balanced diet.
Drink a tea of red raspberry leaves, nettle and dandelion leaves throughout pregnancy to tone and nourish the body and the liver.
MOONDRAGON'S PREGNANCY TEA
2 parts Red Raspberry Leaf
1 Part Nettle Leaf
1 Part Alfalfa Leaf
1 Part Peppermint Leaf
This is a good basic pregnancy tea that not only provides many essential nutrients and uterine tonic support, but it also is a good base for adding other needed herbal remedies that may be needed for individual health issues. It is a great tea, hot or cold. Tinctures and extracts can be added to the tea.
Don't use medications of any kind, including non-prescription drugs, without consulting with your midwife.
TO REMEDY PREECLAMPSIA:
Increase the levels of potassium in your body. Potassium relieves and stabilizes some symptoms of preeclampsia (high blood pressure & edema). It supports and vitalizes the stressed organs and systems (kidneys, liver, and nervous system) allowing them to function properly. Some natural foods containing high levels of potassium are potato peels and bananas. Mint, Chicory and Dandelion leaves are also extremely high in potassium. These may be added to the pregnancy tea of Red Raspberry Leaves, Nettle and Alfalfa.
To help balance the sodium/potassium levels in your body, raw beet juice, up to 4 ounces a day, and is one of the fastest and most effective ways to increase available calcium in the body. If you don't have a juicer, grate one raw beet and one raw apple together for a snack. This is delicious and effective.
- Electrolyte Concentrate, Elete, Trace Minerals, 4 fl. oz. - ELETE is a perfectly balanced pure electrolyte concentrate that contains important electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and sulfate. Many sports drinks contain only potassium and sodium. ELETE not only contains these important electrolytes, but contains magnesium, an essential electrolyte that naturally relaxes muscles to prevent cramping.
Take 100 mg of vitamin B-6 daily along with a high potency vitamin B complex supplement. This will restore the normal balance of sodium and potassium in your body fluids and promote better function of your liver and nervous system.
To assist in obtaining proper protein and mineral levels, add up to 3 tablespoons of powdered spirulina or Chorella seaweed to your daily diet.
- Spirulina Powder, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 1 lb.
- Spirulina Natural, 500 mg, 180 Tabs
- Spirulina, 100% Organic, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 120 VCaps
EXPECTED OUTCOME
If diagnosed and treated throughout the pregnancy, the problem usually disappears without complications within 7 days after delivery. Severe PIH and hypertensive disease continues to be a significant contributor to maternal mortality. Cesarean delivery may need to be done in severe cases to prevent maternal and fetal loss. If premature labor occurs, the newborn's survival chances depend on its maturity. Fetal death is common. It is much better to prevent this disturbance with good nutritional habits than to remedy it once it occurs.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Stroke.
Increased risk of high blood pressure unrelated to pregnancy after age 30.
Seizures.
Pulmonary edema.
Kidney failure.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Diagnostic tests may include laboratory studies, 24 hour urine study (to check the protein levels), and others to rule out complications.
Treatment will depend on severity of the signs and symptoms, and the maturity of the fetus. Home care for mild symptoms with careful dietary counseling and monitoring, hospital care if the condition deteriorates, and early delivery if the situation is severe. Eclampsia, because of seizure activity, is more likely to require hospital care and rapid delivery (often cesarean section).
If you are at home, weigh yourself daily and keep a record. Use a home test to check for protein in the urine (instructions will be provided). Follow carefully the nutritional guidelines your midwife has suggested and drink or take any nutritional supplements that may be recommended.
MEDICATION
Antihypertensive drugs, if needed to lower blood pressure, are generally only used in acute situations, unless you have been on hypertension therapy prior to pregnancy.
Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures. High dose magnesium is the most widely accepted anticonvulsant used.
ACTIVITY
Rest often, this is important in controlling preeclampsia.
Rest on your left side to help circulation.
DIET
You may be given a special pregnancy diet by your midwife with many helpful suggestions for nutrition and supplementation as a preventive. Eat sufficient protein, salt to taste, adequate calcium and calories. Eat a well balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, vegetable proteins, nuts, whole grains, etc.
MoonDragon's Nutrition Information: Pregnancy Diet
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or your family member has symptoms of preeclampsia at any stage of pregnancy.
The following occur during treatment:
- Severe headache or vision disturbance.
- Weight gain of 3 or more pounds in 24 hours.
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Cramping abdominal pain.
- Excessive irritability.
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