Health
Pregnant women need healthy eating habits and nutritional needs not only for the health of the woman but also for the baby. Research and studies have indicated that a healthy diet is associated with reducing the risk of preeclampsia. Many studies have recommended that women with preeclampsia take an increase of consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and dairy products. Doing this will decrease/reduce the risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia. It is important to keep an eye out on what nutrients you intake and manage your weight to help the development of your baby.
Nutritional advice for women who are pregnant:
Eating at least five servings of different vegetables and two servings of different fruits each day rather than foods high in fat and calories. (Apples, bananas, spinach, carrots, green beans, peaches, etc.)
Reduce your intake of processed foods and avoid drinks containing high levels of saturated fat, sugar, and salt such as cake, cookies, etc.
If you have high blood pressure, limit sodium in your diet. Control the amount of salt in cooking and avoid processed food as it contains more sodium.
Eating protein daily. For example, lentils, beans, seafood, nuts and tofu. Try eating two servings of fish. Fish is also a great source of iron which is important for pregnant women.
Eating calcium rich foods. Many dairy products contain calcium such as yogurt, milk, cheese, etc.
Eating foods with folic acid. Folic acid prevents birth defects and reduces the risk of premature birth. It can be found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, fortified cereal, and dried beans.
Choosing water as your number one drink. AVOID any alcoholic beverages.
Being physically active. It is important to exercise daily, or going for walks as it helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Quit smoking! This is important. Pregnant women should not be smoking whatsoever as it can affect the development of your baby and cause many diseases and heart attacks.
How could Preeclampsia affect a pregnant woman's nutritional needs?
Preeclampsia puts women at increased risk for heart disease as well as stroke and high blood pressure later in life. These eating habits can reduce the high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and blood glucose levels which are major risk factors for heart disease. Eating the particular vitamins and minerals found in your healthy diets can help build your baby's teeth and bones. As mentioned, exercising is important whether you have this condition or not. It helps with reducing the risk of heart diseases, improving your high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure. A study has shown that:
24 women that have had preeclampsia found that a 12-week exercise has helped improve indicators of heart function. Having a healthy weight gain is intended to support the energy cost of breastfeeding.
A woman who is pregnant with preeclampsia and a woman who is pregnant without preeclampsia may have different diets. This is because women with preeclampsia need to make sure that they are getting the right amount of nutrients and vitamins they need in order to reduce the risk of their condition and other health factors that can affect their condition. There's not much difference between the diet of women who have preeclampsia and women who don't. The main difference is that women who have preeclampsia need to make sure that they eat twice as much nutrients and vitamins. It is important for pregnant women to have healthy diets, exercise, and maintain a healthy weight in order to safely deliver their baby. The healthy diet advice given above is what a woman with preeclampsia should follow.
Balance Your Plate!
Learn more about how you can have a healthy diet and nutrient recommendations at: https://www.preeclampsia.org/public/frontend/assets/img/gallery/After%20Preeclampsia%20postpartum%20nutrition%20handout%20to%20Preeclampsia%20foundation%204.3.2018.pdf