High blood pressure during pregnancy can be a major concern because it can lead to preeclampsia, a potentially dangerous condition. A recent study found that even very low levels of lead exposure—levels way below the standards set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC)—increased blood pressure in pregnant women.
The researchers did not expect to find an effect from such low levels of lead. The results suggest that pregnant women may be as sensitive to lead toxicity as young children. The best way to reduce lead exposure is to avoid it, but because lead can be stored in bone, even prior exposure could result in low levels of lead circulating in the body.
Over the years regulations on acceptable lead levels have lowered, but more lead restrictions are needed. For women it would be wise to support the body’s toxin elimination before getting pregnant. I recommend a total body herbal cleanse that supports the body’s seven channels of elimination (colon, liver, lungs, lymph, kidneys, skin and blood).