[Sodium intake during pregnancy].

Abstract

International studies have yielded contradictory results on efficacy of a sodium-restricted diet during pregnancy in preventing and curing hypertension of pregnancy. In the Netherlands three studies have been performed to investigate the value of dietary sodium restriction in pregnancy; they concerned epidemiology, prevention and treatment. Midwives often prescribed this dietary intervention. Urinary sodium excretion was not related to blood pressure changes in pregnancy. Dietary sodium restriction from the third month of pregnancy onwards did not reduce the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Maternal side effects were a decreased intake of nutrients, decreased maternal weight gain, lowered plasma volume and stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. A dietary sodium restriction in women with early symptoms of pregnancy-induced hypertension showed no therapeutic effect on blood pressure. There is no place for dietary sodium restriction in the prevention or treatment of hypertension in pregnancy.

• Authors: F M Delemarre, A Franx, M Knuist, E A Steegers
• Journal: Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd) Vol. 143 Issue 43 Pg. 2132-7 (Oct 23 1999) ISSN: 0028-2162 [Print] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: Natriumgebruik tijdens de zwangerschap.
• PMID: 10568324 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Sodium, Dietary

Topics

• Adult
• Blood Pressure (drug effects)
• Diet, Sodium-Restricted
• Female
• Humans
• Hypertension (diet therapy, metabolism, prevention & control)
• Netherlands
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular (diet therapy, metabolism, prevention & control)
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Sodium, Dietary (administration & dosage, blood, metabolism, urine)