Preeclampsia is a condition that causes a woman to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy. If it occurs, preeclampsia usually presents after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can be caused by autoimmune disorders, genetics and vitamin deficiency. Symptoms of preeclampsia are headaches, abdominal pain, decreased urine output, nausea and sudden vision changes. There are no known ways to prevent preeclampsia, however, MedlinePlus notes the importance of good prenatal care, which includes taking vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Step 1
Take a prenatal vitamin daily. A prenatal vitamin contains all of the essential vitamins and minerals that are needed during pregnancy. This pill may be a little large, so for some it may be hard to swallow. For this reason, gynecologist Dr. Rahim Haloob suggests cutting the pill in half or putting it in a pill crusher. Mix the crushed pill in a teaspoon of jelly or honey before swallowing.
Step 2
Take the prenatal vitamin on a full stomach. Avoid taking the prenatal vitamin before eating. These vitamins may cause nausea in some women, so to avoid this, take the vitamin after eating and with a glass of milk.
Step 3
Take a multivitamin. If iron-based prenatal vitamins cause you gastrointestinal upsets, you can ask your practitioner if you can switch to a daily multivitamin. These vitamins are very much like the traditional prenatal vitamins, but they may contain lower or higher amounts of certain vitamins. Make sure your vitamin formula contains a sufficient amount of folic acid. A deficiency of folic acid in early pregnancy can cause a birth defect known as spina bifida.
Step 4
Eat healthy, vitamin rich foods. Eat foods such as green leafy vegetables, fruit, nuts, grains and low-fat dairy.
Step 5
Combat dehydration by drinking eight glasses of water a day. Drinking plenty of water also helps mobilize vitamins and minerals through the blood.
References
- MedlinePlus: Preeclampsia
- Dr. Rahim Haloob; Gynecologist; Essex Nuffield Hospital
- MayoClinic.com: Preeclampsia
- Dr. Spock: Prenatal Vitamins
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure
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