Pre-eclampsia
Earlier this year, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy following an emergency caesarian operation during which I lost so much blood my blood count dropped from 12.5 to 6.7. I had been induced because of pre-eclampsia and want to know what can I now do to bring my health back to normal and reduce the risk of this happening again in a subsequent pregnancy. I am 26 and am generally healthy but do suffer from severe endometriosis.
There is increasing evidence that pre-eclampsia may be caused by underlying nutritional deficiencies. Levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc and fatty acids may be low while levels of copper, lead and cadmium may be too high.
Elizabeth Seasons, a naturopath with a special interest in pre-conception care, says protective measures should include avoiding processed and fast foods, eating a diet rich in calcium from leafy greens, seeds, eggs, fish, seaweeds, yoghurt, goat’s milk, cottage cheese and a variety of nuts (but not peanuts). You might even consider swapping to a vegan diet which has been linked to very low levels of pre-eclampsia and which means you eat no animal products at all.
Seasons recommends you check pre-pregnancy toxicity levels by contacting Foresight - The Association for Pre-Conception Care which can arrange a hair analysis test. The results of this will tell you exactly which vitamins and minerals you need to supplement and you will need to follow this programme for at least four months before trying to have another baby.
*To contact Foresight, send a 31p SAE to Foresight, 28 The Paddock, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1XD. To find a naturopath in your area, send a cheque for £2.50 to The British Naturopathic Association, Goswell House, 2 Goswell Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0JG (01458-840072).