This study aims to identify whether a woman's diet during pregnancy is linked to her risk of developing preeclampsia. Preeclampsia affects 3-10% of pregnancies and can cause health problems for both mother and baby. This study will use food frequency questionnaires completed by 1,000 women both before and during pregnancy to analyze any connections between dietary factors and preeclampsia risk. The researchers hope to identify specific foods or nutrients that may increase preeclampsia risk so dietary advice can be given to help reduce rates of maternal and neonatal complications.

1. IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN THE DIET OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND THE RISK OF DEVELOPING PREECLAMPSIA?

2. AIMS No specific aetiology has been discovered for preeclampsia. This study aims to identify whether there is a link between overall diet and the risk of developing preeclampsia

3. WHAT IS PREECLAMPSIA? Affects between 3% and 10% of pregnant women hypertension (≥ 140/90 mmHg) with proteinuria (≥ 1+ on urine dipstick) after 20 weeks of gestation

4. WHAT ARE THE DANGERS? Perinatal Mortality Intrauterine growth restriction of the fetus Preterm labour In the developed world there is a fivefold increase of perinatal mortality of infants born to preeclamptic mothers Maternal Death One of the leading causes Responsible for 10-15% of maternal deaths in the developed world Responsible for 20-80% of maternal deaths in the developing world

5. RISKS OF PREECLAMPSIA There are defined independent risks for preeclampsia hypertension obesity diabetes DIET?

6. METHODOLOGY This will be a descriptive quantitative study to identify whether there is a link between the diet and nutritional supplements of pregnant women (prior to and throughout their pregnancy) and the occurrence of preeclampsia.

7. METHODS Sample – 1,000 women from a variety of maternity settings Inclusion criteria – women that fit the definition of pre-eclampsia Exclusion criteria – women who have pre-determined risk factors to pre-eclampsia Instrument – food frequency questionnaire Data collection – education by research assistants 4 weeks after birth

8. EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS

9. DATA ANALYSIS Questionnaire to be coded to enable data analysis Interpretation – to include frequency distribution Multivariate pattern analysis Cluster analysis

10. EXPECTED OUTCOMES This study may bring to light food groups that are risk factors for preeclampsia Subsequent risk could be reduced by implementing valid and researched nutritional advice based on this research This in turn could reduce neonatal and maternal mortality rates

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