Many conditions that cause problems in the second half of pregnancy have their origins much earlier. Recent research has shown that several major pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, can be lessened or prevented by treatment from the first trimester.
Pre-eclampsia is a particularly exciting area of prevention as it is a serious condition that cannot be cured except by birth, has significant risks for both mother and baby, and is now known to be safely reduced by around 60% with a simple daily dose of aspirin (at night).