Kids Health Notes

Of pre-eclampsia, vitamins and folic acid

by Grace on January 27th, 2008

Two recent findings posted in Science Daily look at the effectiveness of pregnancy supplementation in lowering the risk of pre-eclampsia.

A large study from Canada found that folic acid supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia while another  study out of Cochrane showed that taking anti-oxidants such as vitamins C and E does not reduce the risk of the syndrome or other serious pregnancy-related problems.

One of the most common and dangerous complications of pregnancy, pre-eclampsia results in a rapid rise in blood pressure that is associated with protein in the urine. It may develop anytime between 20 weeks gestation up to six weeks postpartum. So an early detection, as well as taking care to lower the chances of getting it are important for both the mom and baby.

These results of course don’t mean vitamins C and E are not necessary for prenatal health. So make sure you get the right doses during pregnancy and after. Folic acid, especially, as it is found to affect more and more aspects of a woman’s health.

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