Red Light Therapy: A Breakthrough for Pre-Eclampsia
Today, we're exploring an important topic for expectant mothers, especially those at risk of pre-eclampsia. Let's talk about how red light therapy might just be a game-changer for moms and babies.
What is Pre-Eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that usually happens after 20 weeks of gestation. It’s characterized by high blood pressure and often protein in the urine. This condition can affect various organs and, in severe cases, can be dangerous for both you and your baby. But with proper monitoring and care, most women and their babies do just fine.
Symptoms to Watch For
Pre-eclampsia can sometimes be tricky to spot because it might not cause obvious symptoms initially. However, here are some signs to keep an eye on:
Swelling: Sudden swelling of the hands, feet, or face.
Headaches: Severe headaches that don’t go away with usual treatments.
Vision Changes: Blurred vision, seeing spots, or light sensitivity.
Upper Abdominal Pain: Pain just under the ribs on the right side.
Nausea or Vomiting: Especially if it’s sudden and severe.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider right away.
Who is at Increased Risk?
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Here’s a rundown of who might be more susceptible:
First-Time Moms: It’s more common in first pregnancies.
History of Pre-Eclampsia: If you had pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy, the risk is higher.
Family History: If your mom or sisters had pre-eclampsia, your chances might be higher.
Multiple Pregnancies: Carrying twins, triplets, or more can increase the risk.
Age: Women under 20 or over 40 are at higher risk.
Existing Health Conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, gestational diabetes, kidney disease, and certain autoimmune disorders can increase risk.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can elevate the risk.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Pregnancies achieved through IVF may have a higher risk of pre-eclampsia.
Tips for Reducing Your Odds of Developing Pre-Eclampsia
While you can’t control all risk factors, here are some tips that might help reduce your risk:
Regular Prenatal Visits: Keep up with your prenatal appointments for regular monitoring.
Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits and vegetables.
Stay Active: Light to moderate exercise, as recommended by your healthcare provider, can be beneficial.
Know Your Family History: Inform your healthcare provider about any family history of pre-eclampsia.
Red Light May Help Your Placenta Work More Effectively
The Study: Red Light to the Rescue Researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin explored how red light therapy, specifically at a wavelength of 670 nm (for only 40 seconds), can improve placental health in cases of late-onset pre-eclampsia in samples from placentas of women who had pre-eclampsia. Here’s what they found:
Improved Placental Environment:
Red light therapy reduced harmful oxidative stress markers in the placental extracellular matrix (ECM). This is crucial because a healthier ECM means better support for the growing baby.
Boosted Trophoblast Function:
Trophoblasts are cells that form the outer layer of the placenta and are vital for nutrient and oxygen exchange between mom and baby. The therapy improved their behavior, enhancing their ability to migrate and function properly.
Increased Nitric Oxide (NO):
NO is essential for blood vessel health. It acts as a vasodilator widening blood vessels sending rich oxygenated blood and nutrients to your baby. Red Light Therapy increased NO availability, which helps in maintaining proper blood flow to the placenta.
Exposure to light reduced cell death and helped the cells involved in placental development move properly again, similar to how they behave in a healthy placenta. How amazing is that! Additionally, shining 670 nm light restored important growth factors to normal levels. This research suggests that using 670 nm light can help repair the damaged environment in the placenta caused by late-onset preeclampsia.
There is currently no research on using photobiomodulation during the first trimester which is when the placenta ‘invades’ the uterine wall and the spiral arteries begin to develop - so we don’t yet know when is the best time to use red light therapy. It’s important to note that this study was on samples from full term placentas not on pregnant women.
Current opinion advises not to place the light over the bump. So what’s the answer? Red light has a systemic effect on the whole body, meaning it’s possible to use the same wavelength on your back instead of your bump. Coincidentally this is the same wavelength (670 nm) shown in recent studies to reduce blood glucose levels (15 minutes). Potentially red light therapy could be a preventative tool for Gestational Diabetes, Pre-Eclampsia and other metabolic disorders of pregnancy.
If you are at risk of pre-eclampsia, this therapy could offer a non-invasive way to improve placental health and reduce complications. It's quick, easy, and no side effects. Talk to your provider about this research and the lack of harm demonstrated in clinical trials when PBM is used in medicine.
