How can you decrease your risk of preeclampsia or high blood pressure during pregnancy?

What causes high blood pressure, especially during pregnancy, is complex. Although there are some overt risk factors, the reasons why one person gets preeclampsia rather than another person is poorly understood.

it was once theorized that preeclampsia was from toxins in the blood. It was referred to as “toxemia”. The current theory on why preeclampsia happens has to do blood vessels in the placenta, which are not functioning optimally.

The rate of people with preeclampsia during pregnancy has gone up in recent years. (And yes, the link between Covid and hypertension is currently being studied.)

So if you have high blood pressure during pregnancy, you are not alone. And it cannot be emphasized enough:  

IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.

The demands of growing a human being, and our body’s response to that demand is very complex and difficult to control. 

Some things to consider:

⬆️ Any blood pressure where the top number (systolic) is above 140 or the bottom number (diastolic) is above 90 is considered elevated.

🩺 Hypertension during pregnancy is usually categorized as chronic, gestational, preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome. Depending on how severe it is, the management may differ.

🏥 There is absolutely a time and for induction of labor in any of these scenarios. As the “cure” to prevent further complications is usually to have a baby! But if your blood pressures are borderline and you are looking to keep them stable, here are some things to consider:

🪑 make sure when your blood pressure is that both feed are on the ground, your legs are not crossed, and you aren’t talking. Make sure also that you weren’t just running to your appointment. You can ask to have your blood pressure taken at the end of the appointment too!

💊 talk to your care team about baby aspirin for prevention 

🏠 it may be helpful to get your own blood pressure cuff (often times it’s covered by insurance. Just make sure not to get wrist cuff and have it calibrated by your provider) so you know what your “at home” baseline is.

🍗 low protein intake (<65 g/day) has been associated with increased risk for preeclampsia. Add protein where you can. The amino acid glycine is particularly helpful in keeping blood pressure stable. If you are omnivorous, consider a collagen supplement to get both extra protein as well as glycine.

🥤 consider electrolytes in your water once daily. Optimal blood pressure is supported by proper electrolyte balance

🍳 consider supplementation with choline if you aren’t already. 400mg daily, unless eating 3 eggs daily (eggs have the highest choline source by far). Choline reduces inflammation of the placenta and theoretically can reduce risk of hypertensive related diseases of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

🍭 minimize simple carbs and sugar. There is a direct link between glucose dysregulation and hypertension.

☮️ and of course, your vital signs can be affected by stress. I will do a whole other post on stress reduction considerations!

Not medical advice, simply information to discuss with your care team.