Preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy is the biggest risk factor for developing preeclampsia.^[2] Use of assisted reproduction technology (e.g., in vitro fertilization) is also a risk factor; however, this may be confounded by advanced maternal age because older parents are more likely to use assisted reproduction technology. Some additional risk factors for preeclampsia are similar to the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as pregestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and a BMI over 30.

The signs of pregnancy are broken up into three categories: presumptive, probable, and positive signs.

• Presumptive signs, which means that an individual is possibly pregnant, include amenorrhea (absence of menses) nausea/vomiting, fatigue, increased urinary frequency, and breast changes.

• Probable signs, which means that an individual is more than likely pregnant, include abdominal enlargement, Braxton-Hicks contractions (also known as false labor), cervical changes, and a positive urine pregnancy test.

• Positive signs, which confirm pregnancy, include detection of a fetal heartbeat, fetal movement felt by a healthcare provider, and visualization of the fetus through ultrasound imaging.

Yes. Dietary sodium and potassium intake can modulate blood pressure, even in pregnant individuals. In one study,^[11] blood pressure was highest among women with high sodium intake and low potassium intake and lowest among women with low sodium intake and high potassium intake. Additionally, in another study, pregnant women who experienced preeclampsia had lower levels of serum potassium.^[12]

What foods should I include in my diet when pregnant?

Consider adding in Eggs into the diet for their Choline content. Choline has been shown to benefit unborn children through maternal consumption^[13], and can either be supplemented or consumed through foods.

Fish is also a food to seek out, particularly for the Fish Oil content which is associated with increased offspring intelligence in several animal models^[14][15][16]. Caution should be taken when considering mercury though, as it is a contaminant in some foods and fish oil products and is negatively associated (bad) for brain development.

What foods should I exclude from my diet when pregnant?

Attempt to exclude predatory fish such as shark, or long living fish and species such as albacore tuna, due to their higher mercury content.

Seek shorter living and non-predatory fish such as sardines, mackeral, and herring for the Fish Oil content and lesser mercury content. These select fish are also high in fat content and thus the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids (whereas leaner fish, like tilapia or tuna, have less overall omega-3s).

What supplements should I consider when pregnant?

If not already prescribed by a Medical professional, one should consider taking a Folate supplement to reduce the risk of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)^[17].

There have also been many benefits associated with an increased Choline intake, which can be supplemented or consumed through animal products (mostly through eggs). It should be noted that these have only been seen with Choline, and the similar compound DMAE is actually harmful.

Ginger, usually either in pills or made at home from ground up root (in the form of tea) is demonstrated effective in reducing morning sickness; mostly nausea but sometimes vomiting frequency as well. It has been shown safe for up to 14 weeks usage in pregnant women, so it should be considered to be used as needed during pregnancy.

What supplements should I avoid when pregnant?

There are many supplements out there that are 'teratogenic', which is a term used to indicate a compound that is able to disrupt growth and development. For unborn children, they can potentially cause birth defects.

The most well known teratogen is Thalidomide, which is no longer available. Not all teratogens are potent, and there is a chance that ingestion of a compound known to be teratogenic may not actually harm a fetus. For cautionary reasons, it is advised that women expecting a baby do not take or otherwise discontinue usage of any compounds linked to teratogenicity. These compounds include:

• DMAE
• Excessive Alcohol intake^[18]
• Lithium, at certain dosages^[19][20]

Some other compounds are 'Abortifacients' and cause contractions of the wall of the uterus. In worst case scenarios, they may cause premature birth and should also be avoided unless otherwise recommended by a Medical Professional, these include:

• Fenugreek
• Juniper Chinensis

The exact reasons are not known, but it is likely to be the result of several processes. The leading explanations are hemodilution^[3] due to the increase in blood volume during pregnancy, decreased exposure to the sun, and the fetal demand for vitamin D, because it is an essential nutrient.

Omega-3 fats are particularly important from the third trimester through the first 18 months of life for development of the brain, retina, and central nervous system. During this time period, the developing fetus accumulates 50 to 70 milligrams of DHA per day,^[4] and this process continues to occur through 18 months of age.^[5] This is why most studies initiate supplementation during the third trimester. It is generally recommended that fish oil fats are supplemented from the onset of pregnancy,^[6] so there’s no need to omit supplementation outside of the third trimester.

Ginger has long been used as a natural folk remedy for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, but its exact mechanism of action remains unclear. It has been hypothesized that bioactive compounds in ginger^[7] potentially ameliorate nausea and vomiting by acting as an antagonist to 5-HT₃ receptors that are involved in the process of transmitting signals to the brain via the vagus nerve, which can cause nausea. Another theory is that ginger affects and promotes gastrointestinal motility, which could reduce nausea by preventing acid reflux and vomiting. These ideas are summarized in Figure 3. Other ideas include ginger’s antioxidants or anti-inflammatory effects, ginger effects on signals within the vestibular system, or ginger’s reduction of vasopressin, which consequently reduces nausea and vomiting. Again, studies in humans have varied widely in methodology, and the mechanism of action remains undetermined.

The mechanism for how vitamin B₆ alleviates nausea is also largely unknown,^[8] although it has been suspected since the 1940s that B₆ functions as an antiemetic.^[9][9] Currently, vitamin B6 is considered a viable treatment for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and it is sometimes combined^[10] with the drug doxylamine.