Nutrition in case of gestosis

The diet in gestosis does not differ significantly from the dietary recommendations of a pregnancy without complications. You should make sure that you consume enough protein (100g per day through milk, buttermilk, cheese, legumes, nuts). Minerals such as vitamin B1,B2,E (e.g. contained in bread, potatoes, rice, noodles) as well as vitamin C and E absorbed through fruit and vegetables are also important. When eating fish, meat and eggs for protein intake, always pay attention to the correct way and preparation (ATTENTION: Possible risk of infection with bacteria, parasites).A pregnant woman should also drink about 2 to 2.5 liters of fluid per day.

Preeclampsia

About 1 in 20 pregnant women is affected. An increased risk for the development of this disease pattern is posed by, among other things, a first pregnancy and a genetic predisposition. Chronic diseases such as diabetes are also among the risk factors, as they can lead to changes in the blood vessels.

The exact origin is unclear, but the development of the placenta plays a major role. If the blood vessels are not properly formed and the fruit does not get enough blood, the maternal blood pressure rises to compensate and to try to ensure sufficient blood circulation. Nevertheless, premature births (S. preterm birth), lack of development and even death of the fruit occur more frequently.

Edema and bleeding can occur in many places in the mother’s body. Especially oedemas in untypical places like hands and face are a warning sign. In severe cases, neurological symptoms such as impaired vision, headaches, nausea and an increase in reflexes may occur. If the clinical picture worsens, one speaks of:

HELLP syndrome

The HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets) is a life-threatening disease (S. Liver), mainly due to the liver damage with an increase in liver enzymes and a decrease in platelet count (thrombocytes). The pregnant woman suffers from a general feeling of illness, nausea and neurological symptoms (see above). A special warning sign is pain in the right upper abdomen.

Depending on the severity of pre-eclampsia and the time of pregnancy, immediate termination of the pregnancy may be necessary. For this purpose, however, the pregnant woman should be in a physically stable condition to be able to cope with a birth and, if possible, have reached the 37th week of pregnancy to give the fetus (unborn child) enough time to mature. If the process is easier, diet, physical protection and the administration of blood pressure-lowering medication under in-patient control can help.

If the course is more severe, sedatives and magnesium sulfate are prescribed to keep the condition stable and delay birth. In HELLP syndrome, on the other hand, immediate birth initiation is necessary in order not to endanger the mother’s life. You can learn more on our HELLP syndrome page.