Effect of self-care before and during pregnancy to prevention and control preeclampsia in high-risk women

Abstract

Our aims to examine the factors influencing self-care for the prevention and control of preeclampsia in high-risk women. The current study is a review where the researcher browsed the available databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, Google Scholar, Medscape, and relevant research published between 1980 and 2016 were studied. To search for articles, relevant Medical Subject Heading keywords were first determined (Self-care, preeclampsia, prevention.) A total of 350 related articles were first selected, and the findings of 70 were used to compile the present article. The results of the study were classified under two general categories, including (1). Counseling and screening strategies and (2) self-care strategies for the prevention and control of preeclampsia in high-risk women. Screening women at risk for preeclampsia include measures such as measuring their blood pressure, checking for signs of depression, testing for thrombosis, taking a history of preeclampsia, providing preconception counseling about the appropriate age, time of pregnancy, and encouraging weight loss in obese women. This review showed a positive relationship between knowledge about self-care for preeclampsia and its control. The factors influencing preeclampsia self-care include making lifestyle changes, having a healthy diet, learning stress management, performing exercise and physical activities, taking antioxidants, dietary supplements, and calcium and adherence to aspirin and heparin regimens. There is a positive relationship between preconception counseling, screening women at risk for preeclampsia, self-care for the prevention, and control of preeclampsia. (1) Tweetable abstract self-care in high-risk women is strongly associated with prevention and control of preeclampsia.