Preeclampsia is a condition which only occurs in pregnancy and postpartum. High blood pressure and protein in the urine develop after 20 weeks. Other terms for the condition are hypertension and toxemia. Preeclampsia and other hypertension disorders are the leading cause of mother and infant illnesses and death. Although there is no exact cause, researchers may have found a way to better prevent it.
Some signs and important symptoms to watch out for include; headaches, abdominal pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, seeing flashing spots or auras, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, confusion or heightened state of anxiety. Most women with preeclampsia will deliver a perfectly healthy baby and make a full recovery.
Although there is no direct cause for preeclampsia, it is thought to be linked to L-arginine deficiency. L-arginine helps blood flow during pregnancy. Experts have turned to antioxidant vitamins to help protect against the condition.
Women who were at high risk of preeclampsia were given daily food bars containing L-arginine and antioxidant vitamins, some were given bars that only contained vitamins and the others were given a placebo bar. The women with the L-arginine and vitamins had the lowest number of preeclampsia.
Although still under research, this could be a cost effective and simple intervention. This could prevent any health risks to the mother and prevent pre-term births.