Increasing fiber in your diet can reduce your risk for preeclampsia, according to a study published in the latest online issue American Journal of Hypertension. Preeclampsia is a vascular disorder that occurs during pregnancy. Although it is sometimes used synonymously with pregnancy-induced hypertension, medical experts know that there is a difference between the two. Preeclampsia can result in potentially life-threatening complications including preterm labor, hemorrhage, and liver and kidney problems.

About 5% of all pregnancies can result in preeclampsia. Risk factors for this pregnancy complication are obesity, poor nutrition (e.g. diet lacking in fruit, vegetables and other source of antioxidants, and family history of type 2 diabetes or hypertension.

The research studied the dietary habits of 1538 pregnant women in Washington State. The results showed that those women with the highest fiber intake during early have 70% reduced risk for preeclampsia. These women had lower triglyceride levels and high HDL-cholesterol levels, indicating good cardiovascular health.

The main sources of dietary fiber are whole grain cereals, fruit, vegetables, and certain nuts.

In another breakthrough, researchers at the University of Texas-Houston Medical School were able to induce preeclampsia in mice. In addition, they were able to block the development of preeclampsia using certain drugs on the mice. It is hoped that a cure for this disorder will soon be available.

Here is another study indicating that physical exercise during pregnancy is a good idea. New research results indicate that stretching may be a better strategy than walking in preventing preeclampsia – at least in women who were not physically active prior to pregnancy and who had a previous history of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a condition wherein a pregnant woman’s blood pressure dramatically increases several times within a short period of time, causing hypertension, swelling, and kidney damage. According to FamilyDoctor.org, preeclampsia commonly occurs

• during first pregnancy
• in multiple pregnancies
• during the second half of a pregnancy
• in women with family history of preeclampsia
• in pregnant women under twenty and over 40
• in women with hypertension or kidney problems before pregnancy
• in women who lead a sedentary lifestyle before pregnancy.

The cause of preeclampsia is not known. However, it presents a serious risk to the mother and to the baby, making it one of “the leading causes of maternal and fetal illness and death worldwide”

While carrying my twins, I had the first 2 risk factors on the list. My blood pressure was closely monitored and I was extremely thankful that I did not develop this dangerous pregnancy complication.

The current study followed up 79 women who had previously experienced preeclampsia and had a sedentary lifestyle. These women were split into 2 groups. One group did a 40-minute moderate intensity walk 5 times a week. The other group did slow, non-aerobic stretching exercises following a 40-minute video 5 times a week.

The results of the study show that 15% of the walking group developed pregnancy-induced hypertension while on 5% of the stretching group had it.

While walking showed some beneficial effects on maternal health in general, it seems that stretching had a more protective effect against preeclampsia in this group of women.

The researchers speculate that stretching may induce more production of transferrin, “a plasma protein that transports iron through the blood and protects against oxidative stress on the body, and that helps guard against preeclampsia.”

However, in all cases, any form of physical exercise regime during pregnancy should only be performed after consultation with your obstetrician.

During my first pregnancy I generally abstained from chocolate because I had heard about the possible dangers of caffeine consumption while pregnant. After all, chocolate has a bit of caffeine, doesn’t it? I wanted to be as careful as possible.

When my second pregnancy came along I was a little more relaxed about the whole thing. I indulged in chocolate occasionally, but still stayed away from caffeinated drinks. I don’t know if it had any effect on my son, but I guarantee you I was a happier lady.

Now a study has been released that makes the claim that chocolate might actually reduce complications during pregnancy.

Hallelujah! Finally some good news.

I’ve heard about the merits behind moderate dark chocolate consumption, but never associated with pregnancy. Now it sounds like eating dark chocolate during pregnancy can actually lower the odds of preeclampsia.

Let me get this straight: I get to eat dark chocolate and avoid preeclampsia? Sounds good to me!

The study concentrated on dark chocolate, so if you’re a fan of milk chocolate then you might not derive the same benefits as people like me who could seriously eat dark chocolate all day long. Still, I’m always happy to hear about anything the justifies my love of chocolate.

As with anything else, though, my guess is that moderation is key with this. Don’t take this news as permission to eat dark chocolate instead of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

If you need any more justification for indulging in some chocolate during pregnancy, don’t forget that some researchers suggest that chocolate during pregnancy can result in a happier baby.

Just as I’ve always thought…chocolate is awesome.