There are no proven ways to avoid preeclampsia, but obesity is a controllable risk factor. Women who may benefit from reducing their body weight before pregnancy should discuss with their physician ways of lowering their risk, including exercise and diet.

Health experts generally recommend for women to make efforts to protect or improve their health prior to becoming pregnant, which in turn may help prevent some complications during pregnancy. Women who plan their pregnancies tend to take care of themselves as though they were pregnant. Planning a pregnancy also allows women to treat or control any conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes, seizures, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders) that may threaten the health of the fetus’ before their pregnancy.

In addition, women who regularly take multivitamins three months prior to conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy may reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia, according to a new study.

Physicians and researchers are continuing to study the possible benefits of exercise, good nutrition, low-dose aspirin, calcium and antioxidants. Although some obstetrician-gynecologists (ObGyns) recommend low doses of aspirin and increasing calcium intake, more research is necessary to verify the preventive benefits of these and all other prevention methods. Most recently, two separate studies found no evidence that taking large doses of the antioxidant vitamins C and E during pregnancy helps prevent preeclampsia. 

Pregnant women may benefit the most from obtaining early and continuing prenatal care. Regular prenatal care allows for early diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia.