Fish oil is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docoshexaenoic acid, or DHA. These omega-3 fatty acids play a role in brain development, reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure. Since they can't be...
The normal human gestation period is 40 weeks. Delivery of an infant prior to 37 weeks is considered a premature birth. Premature birth places the child at greatly increased risk of death or permanent physical, learning and behavioral...
There are many types of seizures. Most of them disturb the brain and cause changes in behavior. There is, however, one type of seizure that generally affects pregnant women and does not disturb the brain, called eclampsia. Eclampsia occurs when...
Hypertension, or blood pressure that is higher than normal, is a common pregnancy complication. There are several types of hypertension in pregnancy. Hypertension can be chronic--occurring before pregnancy or early in pregnancy. Pregnancy-induced...
L-arginine is a chemical building block known as an amino acid. The "L" in the name refers to the left-handed configuration of the molecule. Amino acids form the molecular foundation of proteins. Arginine in particular also has several specific...
Each phase of your pregnancy can be accompanied by new -- and often uncomfortable -- symptoms. For example, morning sickness often occurs during the first trimester, and swelling can occur particularly in your third trimester. The swelling tends...
Asthma is one of the most common medical conditions that complicates pregnancy. Approximately 8 percent of women develop asthma in their childbearing years, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Well-controlled...
Chloride is a salt compound that is combined with magnesium to facilitate absorption of magnesium supplements. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, the compound mixed with magnesium supplements plays a crucial role in the pill's...
Pregnancy is typically a happy time in a woman's life as she excitedly plans for the arrival of her little one. In the beginning, she may experience some morning sickness, and as the baby grows, her back may ache or she may experience slight...
Pre-eclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and fluid retention can lead to some of the potentially deadliest side effects in pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia, also called pregnancy-induced hypertension or...
Malignant hypertension causes a sudden, severe rise in blood pressure. The diastolic number, which represents the pressure inside the blood vessels at rest, often rises above 120 to 130 mm Hg, as compared to a normal diastolic reading of 80 mm Hg....
Platelets are blood cells that facilitate clotting. When platelet levels drop below the normal level of 150,000 per microliter, a person has thrombocytopenia. Platelets, the smallest blood cell, are actually cell fragments. Platelets clump...
Ascorbic acid powder represents an effective way to take more vitamin C without swallowing pills or pouring syrupy liquids. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, provides antioxidant...
Elevated liver enzymes are the result of inflamed or injured liver cells, which may indicate a temporary condition or a chronic disorder. The most common liver enzymes on blood tests are ALT, or alanine transaminase, and AST, or aspartate...
Magnesium in the form of magnesium sulfate is the most common treatment for severe preeclampsia and eclampsia in the United States. A disorder that develops in the latter part of pregnancy, preeclampsia causes an increase in blood pressure along...
Hypomagnesemia is a condition in which the levels of magnesium in your blood are unusually low. If you have this condition, your doctor may recommend treatment with magnesium sulfate injections to help regulate your magnesium levels. This...
Progesterone is a hormone necessary to regulate female reproductive function. Ovulation, menstruation and healthy pregnancies occur because of the progesterone hormone. Low progesterone levels can be caused by several medical conditions and can...
Pregnancy causes many physical changes in a woman's body including aches and pains. Headaches are often an unwelcome side effect during what is normally a very happy and exciting period in a woman's life. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact...
HELLP syndrome includes a group of symptoms characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and a low platelet count during pregnancy. It is most commonly associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension called pre-eclampsia or eclampsia,...
The one, most important thing you can do for your unborn child is provide a safe and nutritious environment for your baby’s growth. Eating a diet that balances all the food groups ensures your baby has all the nutrients it needs to develop...
Acute renal failure is the sudden loss of the kidneys' ability to process and remove waste products from the blood. Symptoms include a decrease in urine output, swelling of the feet and ankles, elevated blood pressure and difficulty breathing due...
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are required for vital metabolic processes. Amino acids are considered either essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body and must be provided by the diet....
Staying healthy is vital during pregnancy. Vitamin C is touted as one of the keys to good health because of its immune-boosting reputation. While some vitamin C is essential to a healthy pregnancy, too much may lead to problems in both you and...
The term "chronic hypertension" refers to a patient who suffered from high blood pressure before she was pregnant. Her high blood pressure is not a result of the pregnancy and will not go away after the baby is born. Chronic high blood pressure...
Normal blood pressure is essential for the health and well-being of both the mother and baby during pregnancy. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, 6 to 8 percent of pregnant women experience high blood pressure.
Hypertension--better known as high blood pressure--is a condition that may develop before or after conception. While dangerous to anyone, it can cause many complications for expectant mothers, which is why your doctor monitors your blood pressure...
Even the healthiest woman is susceptible to complications during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time when the woman's body undergoes tremendous changes in preparation for the 40-week long maturation of fetus and its subsequent delivery. Being aware of...
Metanx is the brand name of a multivitamin manufactured by Pamlab. Each Mentax tablet contains 25 mg of vitamin B-6, 2.8 mg of folic acid and 2 mg of vitamin B-12. Generally, these vitamins work by increasing the blood flow to your nerves. Mentax...
Epsom salt is essential to the body's ability to replenish potassium and to enzymatic activity. A bitter-tasting, white crystalline salt, it also plays an integral role in the transmission of neurochemicals and acts as a laxative. Epsom salt is...