Study: Plant-Based Diets Could Reduce Risk of Hypertensive Disorders During Pregnancy

A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests that adhering to a plant-based diet before and during pregnancy may reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The research, conducted over nearly two decades with 11,459 women and 16,780 pregnancies, found that women in the top 20% of adherence to plant-based diets had a significantly lower risk of experiencing these disorders compared to those in the lowest 20%.

The study also found that body mass index (BMI) played a significant role in explaining the relationship between diet and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, with weight control potentially being a key factor in reducing the risk of these conditions. The findings suggest that adopting a plant-based diet may have a protective effect against pregnancy-related health issues and could potentially have long-term health benefits for women.