Pumpkin flowers could save mothers from pre-eclampsia

The deep yellow or orange flowers which are quite often ignored could actually keep pre-eclampsia at bay.

Pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication that usually manifests with high blood pressure is according to Ministry of health responsible for an estimated 22% of all maternal deaths in Uganda.

Maternal health expert, Moses Kiriggwajjo explained that a meal with pumpkin flowers either as a main sauce or side dish is essential in providing expectant mothers with the required magnesium sulphate.

The deep yellow or orange flowers are beneficial when steamed or mixed in groundnuts sauce and can be eaten with any food to your taste.

"Some of these conditions can be prevented with our naturally and locally available foods. An expectant mother can choose to eat pumpkin flowers at every meal hence reducing the chances of high blood pressure," he says.

One of the significant manifestations of pre-eclampsia is high blood pressure. This shots up in a very short time and if not managed quickly, it can be fatal.

Magnesium is one of the key nutrients in pumpkin flowers and it helps relax the nerves hence enhancing blood flow.

The mineral can also be found in such foods as green leafy vegetables such as spinach because of the chlorophyll. The chlorophyll is packed with high levels of magnesium. The other foods are the pumpkin and its seeds and almonds.

The country loses about 16 women every year to pregnancy related complications.

Track your blood pressure

Know your blood pressure prior to pregnancy. It's one of the basic tests that must be carried out on any visit to a health facility.

 You can purchase your own blood pressure monitor. They usually come with guidelines for use but your service provider can help you on how to use it. 

Keep a record of your blood pressure to track any changes.

It is recommended that you take the reading while seated with the cuff positioned on the left arm at the level of the heart.