World Preeclampsia Day 2019: Reduce your risk of this hypertensive pregnancy disorder

On this World Preeclampsia Day, we tell you about lifestyle measures that will bring down your risk of this gestational complication.

Editorial Team | Published: May 22, 2019 12:17 pm

On this World Preeclampsia Day, we tell you all about lifestyle changes that can help cut your risk of hypertensive pregnancy disorder. © Shutterstock

According to a 2017 study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal, following a sedentary lifestyle can significantly up your risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a condition that can cause a surge in your blood pressure levels along with high levels of protein in urine. As per the estimates of a 2018 report by theInternational Journal of Women’s Health, the worldwide incidence of preeclampsia was 2.16 per cent that year and the numbers are increasing every year. One of the main reasons behind the increase is the lack of awareness about preeclampsia. In order to spread the word about this pregnancy complication and other hypertensive pregnancy disorders, World Preeclampsia Day is celebrated worldwide every year on 22nd May. Observance of this day is part of a Population Council project named Ending Eclampsia which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Population Council is an international non-profit organisation that works in the field of biomedicine, social science, and public health research. World Preeclampsia Day was first celebrated in 2017.

WHAT IS PREECLAMPSIA?

As mentioned already, it is a condition where a pregnant female experiences high blood pressure, increased levels of protein in the urine and irregular growth of placenta, an organ attached to the walls of your uterus to provide oxygen and nutrients to your baby in the womb. This condition generally develops around the last trimester or post 20 weeks of your conception. Preeclampsia is pregnancy-induced hypertension that results in the clamping down of small blood vessels and constriction of the bigger ones. It can damage organs like kidney, brain and liver. If you don’t address it on time, you may end up facing a more severe form of preeclampsia. It is known as eclampsia, which manifests itself with an additional symptom: Seizure. If these conditions are not properly managed, they may result in low birth weight of your newborn and even premature delivery.

Sudden weight gain, discomfort in the abdominal region, severe headaches, frequent feeling of dizziness, vision problems are some of the signs indicative of preeclampsia. Spot them early on to start treatment on time. The diagnostic tests include measurement of blood pressure, urine testing, frequent weight measurements, eye check-up, liver and kidney function test, or blood clotting test. The line of treatment depends on various factors: Severity of the condition, medical history, current health condition, tolerance for specific medications, so on and so forth. Generally, complete bed rest is suggested along with anti-hypertensive medications.

SMALL TWEAKS FOR BIG RESULTS

We all agree that prevention is better than cure. While doctors say that you can’t really prevent preeclampsia, you can decrease your chance of developing this condition for sure.In a study published in the journal Drugs, the researchers noted that out of all the26,941 participants (pregnant women) 10 per cent fell in the high-risk group for preeclampsia. When these participants were asked to take aspirin from the 11th or 14th week to the 36th week of their gestational period, there was a significant decline in the occurrence of this condition. While aspirin could be a way to lower your risk of preeclampsia, several studies suggest that small lifestyle modifications can be effective too. On this World Preeclampsia Day, we tell you all about these changes and how they help.

Maintain a healthy BMI

Your BMI should be between 18.5 to 25 or under 30 to lower your risk of preeclampsia. © Shutterstock

Being overweight makes you vulnerable to a number of health complications and preeclampsia is one among them. Maintaining an ideal body mass index (BMI) is the prerequisite to good health and a healthy pregnancy too. Ideally, your BMI should be between 18.5 to 25 or under 30 to lower your risk of preeclampsia. This matrix determines whether you have a healthy body weight or not. In a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension, the researchers revealed that high BMI significantly increases your risk of preeclampsia of all severities. The study authors further mentioned that women with short body stature and high BMI are more likely to develop severe preeclampsia.

Exercise regularly

Do light exercises to cut your risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy. © Shutterstock

Regular workouts are recommended worldwide by doctors to keep a number of diseases at bay. But do you know that you can cut your risk of preeclampsia by increasing the frequency of your exercise during pregnancy? However, the exercises need to be low in intensity. According to a study conducted at the University of North Carolina, light stretching exercises during pregnancy can help you reduce your risk of developing this hypertensive disorder, even if you are not a regular exerciser. However, get a go-ahead from your obstetrician before starting the exercises and perform them under a trained fitness expert.

Eat mindfully

Be extra cautious about what you are eating before and during pregnancy to avoid complications. © Shutterstock

If you have a history of hypertension or other heart-related problems, then you need to be extra cautious about what you are eating before and during pregnancy to avoid complications and ensure safe delivery. Usually, when you are planning to get pregnant, your doctor will advise you to gorge on foods rich in antioxidants and minerals to prepare your body for gestation. Foods rich in potassium–bananas, avocados and sweet potatoes, leafy greens–will help you maintain stable blood pressure levels. Avoid processed foods that are high in salt, sugar, and harmful additives.

Avoid dehydration

During pregnancy, stay away from alcoholic drinks and caffeinated beverages because they act as diuretics which can cause excess urination leading to dehydration. Dehydration could be one the leading factors that can increase your chance of preeclampsia. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Including hydrating fruits in your snacks will also help. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, another risk factor for preeclampsia. So make sure that along with keeping yourself hydrated, you need to rest your body well. Take small nap breaks as and when you can and make sure that you snooze for 8 hours a day.

Visit your doctor frequently

Keep visiting to monitor your blood pressure levels at regular intervals if you have been diagnosed with preeclampsia. © Shutterstock

Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor if you experience the symptoms of preeclampsia. Keep monitoring your blood pressure levels at regular intervals if you have been diagnosed with this condition. Regular check up will prevent the blood pressure levels from reaching an uncontrollable level.

Published: May 22, 2019 12:17 pm

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