Preeclampsia

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

There's no known way to prevent preeclampsia. Eating less salt or changing your activities during pregnancy doesn't reduce the risk. The best way to take care of yourself — and your baby — is to seek early and regular prenatal care. If preeclampsia is detected early, you and your doctor can work together to prevent complications and make the best choices for you and your baby.

There's some evidence that taking certain vitamins, such as vitamin D, may lower the risk of preeclampsia. Ask your doctor what he or she recommends. Don't take anything during pregnancy without your doctor's approval.

References
  1. Pregnancy. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/issues/preg/preg.htm. Accessed March 3, 2009.
  2. Conde-Agudelo A, et al. Maternal infection and risk of preeclampsia: Systematic review and metaanalysis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;198:7.
  3. Bodnar LM, et al. Maternal vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of preeclampsia. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2007;92:3517.
  4. High blood pressure during pregnancy. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/printableArticles/188_1054.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
  5. Norwitz ER, et al. Management of preeclampsia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 2, 2009.
  6. Leanos-Miranda A, et al. Urinary prolactin as a reliable marker for preeclampsia, its severity, and the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism. 2008;93:2492.
  7. Fact sheets: High blood pressure during pregnancy. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/printableArticles/14332_1222.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
  8. August P, et al. Clinical features, diagnosis and prognosis of preeclampsia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 2, 2009.
  9. Barton JR, et al. Prediction and prevention of recurrent preeclampsia. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2008;112:359.
  10. Bellamy L, et al. Pre-eclampsia and risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer in later life: Systematic review and meta-analysis. British Medical Journal. 2007;335:974.
  11. Facchinetti F, et al. Migraine is a risk factor for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy: a prospective cohort study. Cephalgia: An International Journal of Headache. 2009;29:286.

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April 21, 2009

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