High uric acid in pregnancy can harm a baby, especially if the mother has high blood pressure because it may be related to preeclampsia, which is a serious complication of pregnancy and can lead to miscarriage.
Usually, uric acid decreases early in pregnancy and increases during the third trimester. However, when uric acid increases in the first trimester or after 22 weeks of gestation, the pregnant woman has a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, especially if she has high blood pressure.
What is pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, greater than 140 x 90 mmHg, presence of proteins in the urine, and fluid retention that causes swelling of the body. It should be treated as soon as possible because when untreated it can progress to eclampsia and cause fetal death, seizures or even coma.
Learn about the symptoms of pre-eclampsia and how the treatment is done in: Pre-eclampsia.
What to do when uric acid is high in pregnancy
When uric acid is high in pregnancy, associated with high blood pressure, the doctor may recommend that the pregnant woman:
- Decrease salt intake in the diet by replacing it with herbs;
- Drink about 2 to 3 liters of water per day;
- Lay to the left side to increase the flow of blood to the uterus and kidneys.
The doctor may also prescribe the use of medicines to control blood pressure and indicate that blood tests and ultrasonography are performed to control the development of pre-eclampsia.
Watch the video and learn which foods help lower uric acid in the blood:
