Browse Topics Alphabetically
Click a letter to see the available topics:
B
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is an
infection caused by an increase in harmful bacteria in the vagina. The cause of BV is unknown. Many women who have BV have no symptoms.
However, some symptoms do include thin discharge, a fishy odor, or itching and irritation. It is important
for pregnant women to know if they do have BV, because BV can cause preterm birth and/or low birth weight
babies under five pounds. BV is treated with antibiotics, though even after treatment, a woman can contract
BV again. For more information about BV, take a look at
Womens Health.gov.
Blood type
One of the standard blood tests performed in early pregnancy is blood typing. Everyone's
blood can be labeled with a blood type. There are four basic blood types: O, A, B, and AB.
To find out more about blood types, take a look at the
University of Utah's Genetic Learning Center.
Blood Pressure
Blood is carried around the body in tiny tubes called arteries. The force of the blood
pushing against the arteries is called blood pressure. The blood pressure is highest when
the heart beats--this is called systolic pressure. Between heartbeats, when the heart is at
rest, the blood pressure goes down--this is called diastolic pressure. These two measurements are
usually shown with the systolic pressure first and then the diastolic pressure like this: 140/70.
A blood pressure reading of 140/90 or more is considered to be
high blood pressure. This is also called
hypertension. Women who have normal blood pressure readings can develop gestational
hypertension during pregnancy. Usually gestational hypertension goes away after delivery. Though, women who develop
gestational hypertension may have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure as they grow older.
Women who develop gestational hypertension are at risk for developing
pre-eclampsia during their pregnancies.
Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that needs to be monitored carefully because this can cause
preterm labor and
premature delivery as well as being a potentially
life-threatening condition.
Depending upon the gestational age of the baby and the severity of the
pre-eclampsia, the mother may be hospitalized and treated with
magnesium sulfate to lower her blood pressure
and give the baby time to mature.
To find out more about blood pressure and high blood pressure, check out
LifeClinic.com. For more
about
high blood pressure in pregnancy and
pre-eclampsia take a look at the
National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute and
March of Dimes.
|
You are here >
home :
browse alphabetically :
b
