Expectant mothers should watch their diet and stay away from food with high fat content, as Medical News Today reports that this may trigger preeclampsia.

In a recent study published in the journal Neural Regeneration Research, researchers fed several pregnant mice a high-fat diet for 20 days. After the trial, the mice began to manifest preeclampsia symptoms such as primary hypertension and proteinuria (excess proteins in the urine).

Although this is a common disorder, the study warns that severe preeclampsia may develop into eclampsia, causing seizures, coma, and even death. It may also restrict blood flow to your unborn baby.

Experts from WebMD recommend that you get as many nutrients as you can and to stay away from fatty or sweet foods. However, it’s still important to consult the doctor before making any sudden changes to your diet.

(Photo by cookbookman17 via Flickr Creative Commons)