New research carried out for the charity Tommy's suggests that higher doses of vitamins C and E taken as supplements during pregnancy do
not help lower the risk of developing pre-eclampsia, as previously thought. In fact, the study found that women who were more prone to
pre-eclampsia were put at an increased risk of developing the condition.
What is Pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia affects about ten per cent of all pregnancies in the UK and around ten women each year will die of the condition and as many
as a thousand babies. It is a form of hypertension (high blood pressure) which is brought on by pregnancy. Although doctors do not know
exactly what causes the condition, research and experience has led to improved monitoring of all
women during pregnancy, in order to control and treat pre-eclampsia.
Symptoms include swelling of the feet, hands and sometimes the face, water retention, feeling sick and dizzy, headaches, blurred vision and
high blood pressure.
Throughout pregnancy (and at more frequent intervals towards the end of the pregnancy), a woman will regularly have her blood
pressure and the protein in her urine measured. These are key signs of possible pre-eclampsia and midwifes and doctors are very attuned to
the dangers of the condition.
Treatment is rarely extreme (although in very bad cases there would be a move to deliver the baby by emergency caesarian), and most
women would be advised to rest or prescribed medication to lower their blood pressure, with some possibly being admitted to hospital for
observation.
Should I stop taking Vitamin supplements?
There is no suggestion that multi-vitamins designed specifically for pregnant women are in any way harmful, and nutrients like folic acid are
very important. However, you might want to address your diet and find food sources that enchance your daily intake of all valuable nutrients
rather than purely concentrating on supplements.
The latest research suggests it is those women who have a higher risk of contracting pre-eclampsia in the first place who should avoid
excessive intake of vitamins C and E. Some believe pre-eclampsia might be caused by a genetic disposition. If you have an ongoing condition
that your doctor is worried about she might suggest you are monitored more regularly for pre-eclampsia, or your midwife will discuss the
risks with you at your booking-in or consequent check-ups.
Most women who develop pre-eclampsia go on to have healthy babies so it is not neccesarily a great cause for worry. Regular monitoring is
the key to successful outcomes.
For more information on the condition look at the ThinkBaby article on pre-eclampsia.
For more about the baby charity Tommy's, check out the Tommy's website.
