Replied by Tavora (Brooklyn, NY) on 06/22/2009
I'm no doctor but pre-eclampsia is often attributed to nutritional deficiencies. What's your friend's diet like? The common deficiencies are potassium, protein, B6/B2, essential fatty acids and minerals such as calcium and magnesium. I don't know how far long your she is but she should consider taking a high quality pre-natal vitamin. Stress vitamins (ie B-vitamins) are so essential. I would also suggest drinking green smoothies (preferably one quart/day). They are easy to make and is a simple way of getting in "live" nutrients w/o having to chew the actual greens or fruit. Plus, its good for the baby. (Google "green smoothie recipes" on the Net - there are tons.)
Here's an easy beginner recipe:
2 cups of kale or spinach
1 mango
1 banana
2 cups of spring or distilled water (I use spring)
Optional: 1 tsp of bee pollen
Place in a high-speed blender and mix until smooth. Many blessings to you and your friend!Replied by Jo (New Caney, TX) on 06/22/2009
I got pre-eclampsia right when I started going into my first labor. I had double-vision on the way to the hospital and became very swollen throughout labor. It was not pleasant at all (muscle relaxer and catheter). Since my first delivery did not go as I had planned, I did alot of research before my second child was born to prevent a repeat. I found a calcium, magnesium liquid supplement in the health-food section of local grocery store. I took 1 TBS every night. It helped me sleep better and helped me keep up with my 2 & 1/2 yo. A month before my due date, I got that swollen feeling again, felt my heartbeat as my ears pulsed. I took 2 TBS before we left for the hospital. By the time I was checked at the maturnity ward, I was fine; my blood pressure had returned to normal. I was sent home a few hours later. That pregnancy ended with a much better labor (even though that baby was even bigger than the first - 10# 2oz then 10# 14oz, both vaginally). I continued the cal/mag during breastfeeding the first year and I had no back and joint pain like I did with the first baby. I also ate alot of spinach salads during the 2nd pregnancy. I hope this info will help your friend.Replied by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 06/22/2009
Hello Mariah,
Anyone with preeclampsia is considered a high risk pregnancy and should definitely be under a doctors care, which I assume your friend is or she wouldn't likely have that diagnosis.
The only suggestion I can add is to stop drinking any carbonated beverages, colas and all. Learn to appreciate water..
If she develops into eclampsia, she will be hospitalized and what they will be giving her in the hospital IV will be magnesium sulfate (commonly known as Epsom Salts) and available from most drug stores, walmarts, etc. Cheapest place here is the Dollar Tree where a 2 lb. box costs $l.00. The old folks dosage was "the amount you can hold on a dime 2 times a day" to control blood pressure. Vitamin B6 is also known as nature's diuretic, but if she is low on B6 she probably needs the other B vitamins also.Replied by T (Maryland, USA) on 06/22/2009
Your friend needs to go to the local social services office and apply for medical assistance. With no job and a pregnancy, she will qualify. She can probably receive more besides from a WIC program. She needs to do this NOW and be seen by a doctor (the medical assistance will take time to process but they can help with the bill later). This is a DANGEROUS condition for her and the baby - don't mess around; get her to a doctor.Replied by Cynthia (Fayetteville, Arkansas) on 09/16/2009
I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsyia myself and was threatened with hospitalization for the last 4 months of pregnancy. The Dr. had me lay on my left side frequently, throughout the day as this relieves pressure from the major artery that runs through my body. (Something about how the internal organs shift when we lay on our left side) I was also instructed to sleep this way at night. We all move during the night, and my remedy for this was to stack pillows behind and in front on my body to keep me from rolling over as much. It worked. I did not have to be hospitalized. However, previous readers are correct. Your friend needs medical care. Take her to a local social service office or to a local hospital and ask them about pre-natal care for her. Reduced or free. If you live in the states, go to a local Health Department, they do pre-natal care and when she is close to delivery they will refer her to a local Dr. who will deliver the baby. If she is unemployed, she will qualify for Pregnancy Medicaid. This program will take care of ALL the cost associated with pregnancy and birth. If none of these option are available, check with local service organizations and churches. All it takes is a phone call. I hope this helps.Replied by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 09/16/2009
Pre-eclampsia is caused by nutritional deficiencies, mainly magnesium. I had pre-eclampsia with my first child, and the doctor did nothing but tear away my cervical membranes (he did it without warning, without telling me what he was going to do, and with no anesthesia, not even a local...I bet THAT was good for my blood pressure...NOT!!) to bring on labor and tell me to lay down and keep my feet up. He never recommended magnesium or anything like that.Replied by April (Quakertown, Pa) on 06/24/2013
I whole-heartly agree with Kathy- magnesium is what brought my blood pressure back down to normal and cured my middle of the night charlie horses during my pregnancy. I am currently 7 months pregnant and make it a point to have 3 squares of 100% cacao baking chocolate with 1/4 tsp raw honey spread on top. I have one square with each meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). My blood pressure went from 140/90 back down to 115/65 ( or there abouts). I highly recommend this!!!
