Medicines and products for pre-eclampsia

Medicines for pre-eclampsia are prescribed and monitored by an obstetrician. Do not start or stop any medicine on your own.

To lower the risk (for women at high risk)

• Low-dose aspirin: often advised from about 12 weeks, until delivery, for women with risk factors. Take only if your doctor prescribes it.
• Calcium supplements: sometimes advised where dietary intake is low

To control blood pressure

• Medicines considered safe in pregnancy, such as labetalol, nifedipine or methyldopa
• Some blood pressure medicines, including ACE inhibitors and ARBs, must not be used in pregnancy

To prevent seizures

• Magnesium sulphate: given in hospital for severe pre-eclampsia, to prevent or treat seizures. It is monitored closely.

To help the baby

• Steroid injections: given if early delivery is expected, to help the baby's lungs mature

Delivery

Delivery is the only cure. Timing depends on severity, gestation and the baby's condition. It may be induced labour or a caesarean.

After birth

Blood pressure medicines may continue for days to weeks. Most are compatible with breastfeeding, as advised by your doctor.

Cautions

• Do not use herbs, home remedies or unregulated supplements in place of treatment
• Avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen after delivery unless advised, as they can raise blood pressure
• Report side effects and never stop treatment abruptly

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Herbal products have no proven role and some can be unsafe in pregnancy. Do not use them in place of monitoring or medicines.

Remember

Medicines control blood pressure and protect against seizures. Delivery is the only cure.