The existence of hypertension may occur before being pregnant but eventually it develops to a pregnancy complication in the long run during pregnancy known as gestational hypertension (GH). The main goal of all health care providers and the whole medical team is to aim to have a pregnant woman deliver a healthy baby without any complications. Unfortunately pregnancy complications may still occur during any period of pregnancy such as antepartum period, intrapartum period, postpartum period, and immediate neonatal period. Close observation and nursing care plans pertaining to GH must be provided for safe pregnancy.
What is gestational hypertension (GH)? GH is usually developed around the 20th week of gestation without the presence of proteinuria. A blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or above is likely to be considered hypertension in pregnancy but the blood pressure turns to normal by six weeks post partum. 5% to 7% of pregnancies have hypertension complications which cause maternal and fetal morbidity when left untreated. (Lindheimer , 2008). The main cause of GH is still unknown but the only cure is by giving birth (post partum period). The risk factors of developing GH in pregnant women are very important to know such as obesity, women aged 35 or more, history (hx) of diabetes mellitus, hx of hypertension, hx of renal disease, adolescent pregnancy, first pregnancy, thrombophilis, multiple gestation, and abnormal placenta. By determining the risk factors of GH the likelihood of severe complications may be avoided and monitored.
The signs and symptoms of GH complications in antepartum period of pregnancy is closely monitored and assessed. There are several classic signs of GH during pregnancy such as ...
... middle of paper ...
...a, kidney failure, and possible convulsions. Magnesium sulfate is still continuing at this time to prevent the convulsion to occur. The mother and baby are monitored for 48 hours postpartum. The baby must be closely monitored as well, keeping the baby safe and warm. Breastfeeding is not recommended until 12 hours because of the administration of the magnesium sulfate. Formula feeding is given to the baby instead.
With the help of the health care team, pregnancy complications can be minimized and controlled significantly. Severe complications can be avoided with the mother’s compliance along with the family and friends support to the care plan given. The nurses should help the mother and family to cope, to stay positive and to stay strong. Trusting and believing that nothing will go wrong can really help with the process of controlling any complications.
Gale Group. (2013, May). Maternal Complications from Placenta Previa. Retrieved May 06, 2013, from Galenet: http://140.234.20.9:8080/EPSessionID=838ee1ba12d4ed675b34eeada9e17bc/EPHost=galenet.galegroup.com/EPPath/servlet/HWRC/hits?docNum=A246374229&index3=KE&index2=KE&index1=FT&tcit=0_1_0_0_0_1&locID=lac73470&rlt=6&text3=&text2=&origSearch=false&text1=maternal+
These women could anticipate delays in normal growth and development for the fetus. The exact cause of post term pregnancy is unknown. The mother experiencing post term pregnancy is at risk for trauma, hemorrhage, infection, and labor abnormalities (Ward et al., 2016, p. 543). Labor induction prior to 42 weeks’ gestation prevents MAS and other complications. A biophysical profile measuring the heart rate, breathing and body movements, tone, and the amniotic fluid volume is used to monitor the fetus for intrapartum fetal stress that could cause passage of meconium. Diabetic woman is at high risk for preeclampsia or eclampsia, infection, hydramnios, postpartum hemorrhage, and cesarean birth (Ward et al., 2016, p. 383). In addition, fetal macrosomia prolongs labor due to shoulder dystocia. The glucose challenge test, and the 3- hour OGTT is used for gestational diabetes screening, done after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Abnormalities of the respiratory system as explained earlier are the most concerning complication of MAS, needing immediate
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder commonly experienced by women in the third trimester of pregnancy. It often presents onset elevated blood pressure, neurological impairments, and persistent headache.
1. Preeclampsia. Women with this condition have high blood pressure during pregnancy, accompanied by water retention and protein in their urine. It can lead to complications including babies with low birth weight. However, if diagnosed and treated early, affected women can deliver normal babies. Treatment includes consuming a healthy, low salt diet and engaging in regular exercsie as recommended.
Estimate frequency of multiple conceptions, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension, Pre-eclempsia, preterm delivery and different modes of delivery in these pregnancies.
The opportunity to bring life into the world is a priceless moment, and for that to be threatened by a disease; such as Placenta Previa, is heartbreaking. Placenta previa is commonly described as the imbedding of the placenta over or close to the cervix. According to the Permanente Medical Group, during a normal pregnancy the placenta forms at the top part of the uterus far from the cervix. However in placenta previa, the placenta tends to attach to the lower section of the uterus either covering or partially over the cervix, making it almost impossible for a normal delivery (vaginal birth) to take place (Placenta Previa). Placenta previa complicates about 1 in every 200 deliveries and is one of the top leading causes of vaginal bleedings for the second and third trimester (Getahun). It is also related with the escalation of risks of maternal and infant illness and death (Getahun). Instead of there being a specific or many solutions over the years, doctors have come to agreement with different treatments for placenta previa. The obvious solution to placenta previa is to reduce your risks by avoiding cigarettes and any type of drugs, try to reduce your use of abortions an cesarean section, meaning no elective C-sections (The Bump). However, because the reduction in the things above is unlikely due to the mind-frame and unawareness of today’s women, the medical board has to think of alternative treatments to placenta previa, such as bed rest, constant monitoring through-out the pregnancy, and cesarean section. In this essay, I will evaluate the above listed treatments, which stage the doctor will suggest the treatment and explain which I believe is best.
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Although it usually goes away after the baby is born, it does bring health risks for both the mother and baby. When you’re pregnant, pregnancy hormones make it harder for insulin to move glucose from your blood into the cells. If your body can’t produce enough insulin to overcome the effects of insulin resistance, you’ll develop gestational diabetes. (IHC, 2013)
Pregnant women have to be careful while pregnant. They have to watch out for various speed bumps. There are tons of toxins that can hurt the baby in the womb. The mother is responsible for most of these, after all she is the one who is carrying the baby. Many of these factors can result in death. It is really sad that it has to end that way some of the time. The worst toxins for a baby to encounter while in the mother’s uterus are different types of drugs and alcohol. Those two things can could serious problems for the infant once it gets into their system. They enter into the baby’s bloodstream from the mother, and cause problems from there on out.
The recent Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study has settled much of the debate about the relationship of various degrees of maternal glycemia to specific pregnancy outcomes.7 In this large-scale international study, women with fasting glucose up to 105 mg/dL, were enrolled. The researchers described the continuo...
In my previous role as a Licensed vocational nurse, I worked in the outpatient setting, Perinatology, where there are high-risk pregnant patients. The patient I helped take care of, was early in her pregnancy, approximately 29 weeks, and was a patient who had been seen in this clinical office
eclampsia in a pregnant woman can put her and her unborn child at risk. A risk
Preeclampsia is a serious condition that develops only during pregnancy. It is also called toxemia of pregnancy. This condition causes high blood pressure along with other symptoms, such as swelling and headaches. These symptoms may develop as the condition gets worse. Preeclampsia may occur 20 weeks or later into pregnancy.
Preterm birth is defined as ‘any neonate whose birth occurs before the thirty seventh week of gestation’1 and represents approximately eight percent of all pregnancies1-4. It is eminent that these preterm infants are at risk of physical and neurological delay, with prolonged hospitalisation and an increased risk of long-term morbidity evident in prior literature3, 5-13. Innovative healthcare over the past thirty years has reduced mortality significantly14, with the survival rate of preterm infants having increased from twenty five percent in 1980 to seventy three percent in 200715. Despite, this drop in mortality long-term morbidity continues to remain within these surviving infants sparking a cause for concern15, 16.
Chambers, C. D., Polifka, J. E., & Friedman, J. M. (2008). Drug safety in pregnant women and their babies: ignorance not bliss. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 83(1), 181-183.
Also known as perinatology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine is an evolving field in medicine. This field refers to the specialized care of pregnant women and their unborn babies. There are several needs and uses for Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) doctors. Some uses include having a consultation from MFM doctors because they are at “high risk” and are considering getting pregnant or are already pregnant and have high risk for complications.