The force your blood creates against your arteries is called blood pressure. Hypertension is a medical condition that occurs when blood pressure is high. High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause complications for the mother and the baby, making you at higher risk. During your pregnancy visits, we will monitor your blood pressure and take any needed action to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Gestational Hypertension

Gestational hypertension develops after twenty weeks of pregnancy. There are no symptoms, so pregnant women must be checked regularly by a doctor. Gestational hypertension is not associated with damage to the mother or unborn child. However, women with this condition are at a higher risk for pre-eclampsia and must be carefully monitored.

Chronic Hypertension

Women who have high blood pressure prior to pregnancy are at an increased risk for complications, including preeclampsia during the last trimester. Because high blood pressure often has no symptoms, a woman may not realize that she has chronic hypertension until she is checked at her first prenatal visit. This is one of the many reasons it is vital to visit an obstetrician before you decide to get pregnant.

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a sudden spike in blood pressure during the last trimester of pregnancy, accompanied by kidney or liver damage. Pre-eclampsia symptoms include severe headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, and swelling. Pre-eclampsia can cause organ damage, seizures, and placental separation. If untreated, it can lead to death for both the mother and child.

It is essential to begin prenatal care early and attend all your visits so that our doctors can monitor your blood pressure. If neglected, serious complications can occur. Proper medical care is essential for the mother and baby before, during, and after birth. Contact Women’s Health in West Bloomfield, Michigan for an appointment today.

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Pain levels can become difficult to bear during labor. There are options for pain relief. Whether you are choosing to use medication, or are taking a drug-free approach, below are some choices you have when it comes to labor pain relief.

Medication

Analgesics reduce pain, but you are still able to feel labor while on the medication.

Anesthetics are another medication option; this numbs your whole body or certain parts of your body depending on which medication you choose. Both medications can greatly reduce pain during labor.

Epidural Block: The most common type of pain relief during pregnancy is the epidermal block. During labor, an anesthesiologist will inject the epidural block into your back, and pain relief will follow within 15 minutes.

Spinal Block: A spinal block is usually performed during a C Section, and like the epidural block consists of an injection in the back. Pain relief follow within 15 minutes and usually lasts for 1-2 hours.

Combined Spinal-Epidural (CSE): A CSE injects less medicine than a spinal or epidural block, and can help to quickly relieve pain and lasts much longer than the other block options.

Tranquilizers: Tranquilizers may make you sleepy, but can help to reduce anxiety and lower levels of pain. These usually last from 3-4 hours.

Drug-Free Approaches

Stay Active: Staying active during pregnancy can help you to be stronger and have longer endurance, which will come in critical for those long labor processes.

Lamaze: Lamaze consists of different birth positions, massages, breathing techniques, and other tips that can help to reduce anxiety and lower pain during pregnancy.

The Bradley Method: This method consists of breathing techniques, nutrition, relaxation, and exercise. When you have a moment to relax during labor, these methods may help greatly to reduce anxiety and pain.

There are many ways to help you get through labor more comfortably. Talk with your Women’s Health OB/GYN to see what is best for you.

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