The Role of Diet in Preventing Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

ypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), or high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy, can lead to varying complications up to and after delivery, as well as increased lifelong risk of cardiovascular disease.Early diagnosis and management are critical for both mother and baby.Having been through 3 pregnancies, I knew how important overall diet was for my health and the health of my newborn.However, at the time I was not aware of evidence connecting diet and HDP specifically, or what possible early interventions could be taken to reduce the risk.Though I did not develop HDP during my own pregnancies, this is critical information that all pregnant people should know given that HDP remains one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide.