Elevated liver enzymes and high blood pressure can occur during pregnancy in a condition called the HELLP syndrome, although the overwhelming majority of pregnant women do not develop this medical disorder. While the treatment is to deliver as...
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, in a mother-to-be can affect her unborn baby in many ways. A woman is considered to have hypertension if her blood pressure is 140/90 or higher; a reading of 180/110 or higher is considered severe....
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...
Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) is diagnosed when an expectant woman has a blood pressure reading of 140/90 or above, two or more times during pregnancy. Blood pressure can rise during pregnancy for a number of reasons such as diabetes,...
Any medication that is taken during pregnancy can affect the health of the baby. While some antihypertensive medications used to lower blood pressure are considered safe, others can increase the risk of illness or death of the baby. The FDA...
Hypertensive crisis refers to marked increase in blood pressure that may cause a stroke. Extremely high blood pressure, characterized by a systolic (top number) measurement of 180 millimeters of mercury and a diastolic (bottom number) pressure of...
The American Pregnancy Association lists ascorbic acid as one of the 13 crucial nutrients for pregnant women. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, provides antioxidant protection against illness, as well as protection against birth defects and...
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...
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...
Magnesium, the fourth most plentiful element in your body, is involved in more than 300 different chemical reactions, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. For example, it helps with muscle and nerve function, steadies your heart rate,...
Calcium and magnesium help maintain healthy, strong bones and assist in muscle and nerve activities. These two minerals help the muscles to relax or contract. Calcium is involved in blood clotting -- protecting you from losing too much blood,...
Pregnancy brings with it the promise of a new life and the notion of eating what ever you want for the next nine months, but it can also cause toxemia. Toxemia is high blood pressure due to pregnancy. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are other names...
Magnesium is an essential mineral that your body needs to produce energy, synthesize nucleic acids and proteins and support the structure of bones, cell membranes and chromosomes. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe magnesium for the...
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...
Having high levels of uric acid is typically associated with gout, a form of arthritis. Yet it can also be an important sign during pregnancy. A high uric acid level puts you at risk for both gestational hypertension and diabetes. You may also be...
During your pregnancy you may experience some minor discomforts as your body changes and grows. Normal discomforts can include heartburn, backaches, feeling tired or ligamental pain in the abdomen. However, other signs can signal more...
Being overweight can interfere with your ability to sustain a healthy pregnancy. The health risks for you and your baby increase as excess pounds are added. For example, you may experience high blood pressure, diabetes and complications with...
During pregnancy, some liver enzymes are normally elevated as part of the physiologic changes of pregnancy, while others are not. Abnormal liver enzyme elevations occur in 5 percent of pregnancies, according to J. Eileen May in "Mayo Clinic...
Magnesium chloride is a supplemental form of the mineral magnesium, which you rely on for the maintenance of several important body functions. Your doctor may recommend use of this supplement if you have a magnesium deficiency or if you experience...
Your body needs magnesium, a mineral found in some foods. Some proponents claim that magnesium chloride, a magnesium supplement, is more bioavailable than other forms. The supplement treats magnesium deficiency and reduces risk of some diseases....
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when a person experience a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher. During pregnancy, high blood pressure represents a danger to the mother and baby. Gestational hypertension, the...
Losing weight is a concern for many Americans in the 21st century. As of 2008, approximately two-thirds of the adults in the United States weigh more than they should, notes the National Institutes of Health, and about one-third of American...
Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg is considered high and known as hypertension. During pregnancy, high blood pressure can affect mother and fetus. Gestational hypertension may cause damage to the mother's kidneys and a baby with low birth weight or...
Headaches are one of the most commonly reported symptoms among pregnant women. There are a number of likely causes. Some are quite serious, but most pose little threat to the mother or child. If you are pregnant, always keep your doctor apprised...
Magnesium helps the function of your body’s organs, including the heart, muscles and kidneys and helps to keep teeth and bones strong. This naturally occurring mineral also activates enzymes, aids in energy and protein production, and...
The American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP) defines toxemia, which is more commonly known as preeclampsia, as a condition characterized by development of maternal high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine after the 20th...
High blood pressure and edema, which is excess fluid in the tissues, is a common complication during and soon after pregnancy. Many changes occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. Changing characteristics of the hormones, heart, blood vessels,...
Eclampsia is a medical condition that occurs during pregnancy and can be life-threatening to both mother and fetus. The occurrence of true eclampsia is relatively rare, as most cases are identified and treated in the earlier stages, known as...
While no one ever wants high blood pressure, it can cause an entirely different list of potential problems if you're pregnant. High blood pressure can lead to preeclampsia and later to eclampsia if not addressed and taken care of immediately....
Preeclampsia eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that is associated with hypertension. Get expert tips and advice on preventing, diagnosing, and treating preeclampsia eclampsia in this video.
