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A Mediterranean diet during pregnancy would reduce the risk of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy disease, by 22%. But what is pre-eclampsia? And how to follow a Mediterranean diet? Explanations.
After twenty years of research, American scientists have found a way to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, one of the major causes of maternal and fetal mortality. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA), pregnant women who follow a Mediterranean diet (fruits, vegetables, raw vegetables, oilseeds) have a 22% lower risk of developing pre-eclampsia.
Preeclampsia: what is it?
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy disease that combines high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. It results from a dysfunction of the placenta, which ensures the exchanges between the fetus and the mother, as well as the hormonal regulation of the pregnancy. In pre-eclampsia, the placenta functions normally for the first few weeks.
Then its development becomes abnormal after the 20th week of amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). This placentation defect is linked to poor vascularization (all the blood vessels allowing irrigation) of the placenta. And it is during the second part of pregnancy that the growth of the future baby requires considerable blood flow.
The lack of efficiency of the placenta has many effects on the fetus and the pregnant woman. It leads to a disturbance in the growth of the child and a release of numerous placental debris and fetal cells into the maternal blood. The mother experiences the production of inflammatory molecules, abnormal blood clotting and high blood pressure. Pre-eclampsia therefore puts pregnant women and their babies at risk.
In most cases, follow-up can prevent serious complications. But in one out of 10 cases, a severe form occurs. Pre-eclampsia is therefore a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. It affects 5% of pregnancies. Some celebrities, like Kim Kardashian or Beyoncé, have had pre-eclampsia.
Faced with this danger, identifying modifiable prevention factors is a priority. Following a Mediterranean diet has a role to play in preventing this complication.
The Mediterranean Diet
Many health professionals have favored the Mediterranean diet for several years. It would reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, dementia… In addition, it would promote weight loss and the reduction of blood pressure. But what is it made of?
The Mediterranean diet involves eating lots of fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, as well as nuts and seeds. Olive oil is the main source of fat, while dairy products, eggs, fish and meat should only be consumed in small or medium quantities.
Follow your pregnancy week by week
A conclusive study: 22% risk reduction
Researchers studied the eating habits of 8,507 pregnant women over two decades. They examined the data of these expectant mothers who gave birth in Boston Medical Centerwhich deals primarily with low-income and ethnic minority populations, between 1998 and 2016.
The women, who were 25 on average, completed a questionnaire one to three days after giving birth about what they ate during their pregnancy. Then, the researchers assigned them a score according to the degree of alignment of their eating habits with a Mediterranean-type diet.
The results showed that 848 (10%) of the women developed pre-eclampsia. But those who followed a Mediterranean-type diet during pregnancy were 22% less likely to suffer from this condition.
Eating healthy foods is especially important during pregnancy as it affects future cardiovascular health and the health of the baby. A varied and balanced diet therefore has a real impact on the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus, and would reduce many complications.