HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Prenatal Care

Ectopic Pregnancies

Pregnancy & Prenatal Care

An ectopic pregnancy is when an embryo starts to develop outside the uterus. (Ectopic means out of place.) This happens less than 2 percent of the time.

In normal pregnancies, an egg travels from a woman’s ovary to the uterus. It travels down the fallopian tube to get there. Somewhere along the way, the egg gets fertilized by a male sperm. Once inside, the egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. It becomes an embryo and then a fetus. Nine months later, a baby is born.

In ectopic pregnancies, the fertilized egg does not reach the uterus. It starts to grow somewhere else. Most often, that’s in the fallopian tube.

The embryo can’t survive for long outside the uterus. But it can put the mother in danger if it gets too big. It can rupture an organ or cause internal bleeding. Medical steps must be taken right away.

Symptoms

Some women may have no symptoms. They may not even know that they are pregnant. When there are symptoms, they usually come within 8 weeks of conception. Symptoms may include:

* Pain in the lower belly

* Pain on one side of the body

* Vaginal spotting and bleeding

* Pain in the rectum (rear end) or shoulder

* Feeling like throwing up

* Throwing up

* Feeling weak

* Fainting

Diagnosis

Ultrasound can sometimes locate the embryo. Laparoscopy is another option. That’s when a tiny camera with a light is put in the mother’s body. It goes in through a very small incision (cut).

Causes

There are many causes for ectopic pregnancies:

* Damage to the ovary or fallopian tube

* Scarring of the ovary or fallopian tube. Scarring can result from endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or an STD.

Also, the risk for an ectopic pregnancy is higher for women who:

* Have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past

* Have had fallopian tube surgery

* Have had problems getting pregnant

* Have used an IUD for birth control

These women should call their health care provider when they miss a menstrual period.

Treatment

Medicines may be used. But if some time has passed, surgery may be needed. The embryo is removed. Any damage to the mother’s body is repaired. In some rare cases, a fallopian tube or ovary must be removed. But women have another set of these. So the mother may become pregnant again.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

Tips to Lower the Risk of an Ectopic Pregnancy

* Talk to your health care provider about your risks for damage to your fallopian tubes from:

– STDs

– Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

– Endometriosis

* Ask if you need to get tested for these and how often. Find out, too, if your health plan pays for these tests.

* Schedule any tests needed with your health care provider.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Gestational Diabetes

Pregnancy & Prenatal Care

A pregnant woman can have diabetes. If she didn’t have it before the pregnancy, it’s called gestational diabetes. (Gestational refers to pregnancy.) It can begin any time during pregnancy. It usually begins in the last half, though. It goes away after the baby is born. But the woman has a greater risk of getting diabetes later.

Symptoms

* Feeling very tired

* Rapid weight gain

* Feeling very thirsty

* Having to pass urine often

Also, a sign for gestational diabetes is when the baby gets too big during the pregnancy.

All pregnant women should be screened for diabetes. Screening happens through urine and blood tests. Those are part of routine prenatal health care visits.

Causes

Any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes. But risk factors may be:

* Obesity before pregnancy

* High blood pressure before pregnancy

* Having a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds at birth in the past

* Having a stillbirth in the past

* Having a child with a birth defect in the past

* Being older than 25

* Being pregnant with more than one baby

Treatment

Special problems can be avoided with treatment. Without treatment, the baby can get too big. The mother may not be able to have a vaginal birth. Other problems are preeclampsia and preterm birth. Preterm birth is when the baby is born 3 or more weeks before the due date. There can also be delivery problems. But a woman with gestational diabetes can have a healthy baby. She needs proper medical care, though.

Blood sugar must be controlled. This is done through:

* Special diet from the health care provider

* Exercises from the health care provider

* Insulin shots, in some cases, when diet and exercise are not enough. Insulin is a hormone. Among other things, it keeps blood sugar from getting too high. The provider teaches how to do the shots. The provider teaches the mother how to check her own blood sugar. It is important to do what the provider requests.

* Having prenatal visits more often. The provider checks the mother’s daily blood sugar record. Tests are done to see how the baby is doing.

* Extra care at delivery

{Note: The baby should be checked for low blood sugar a day or so after birth.}

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

If you get diabetes during pregnancy:

* Follow the diet and exercise plan your health care provider or dietitian gives you.

* Drink at least 8 to 10 cups of fluids a day. Drink enough for your thirst. Limit ones with a lot of sugar. Examples: all kinds of sodas, fruit drinks and juices.

* Get plenty of rest when you feel tired.

* If you are told to do so, test your blood sugar levels at home. Your health care provider will tell you how. Keep a daily record of the results.

* After you have your baby, get your blood sugar checked when your doctor tells you to.

{Note: Some pregnant women need to give themselves insulin shots at home. If your provider says you need to, you will be shown how. Be sure to give the insulin correctly. It’s an important way of taking care of yourself and your baby.}

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Getting Ready For Childbirth

Pregnancy & Prenatal Care

What to Do First

* Choose where you want to have your baby.

* Choose a health care provider.

How to Get Ready

* Read books on pregnancy and childbirth.

* Take a childbirth class, if you can.

* Get regular prenatal care from your health care provider.

Childbirth Classes Do These Things

* Tell you what happens when you give birth

* Show you and your partner (or other “coach”) what to do during labor and delivery

* Help lessen the fear of giving birth

* Help explain what happens with a Cesarean section (C-section). Knowing what to expect is helpful when a C-section is planned. It is helpful, too, if it is not planned, but needs to be done for the safety of you and your baby.

* Teach you how to work with the natural birthing process. You can do this through:

– Exercises that make the muscles used in childbirth stronger

– Massage

– Focusing the mind

– Relaxing and breathing methods

You can find out about childbirth classes from:

* Your health care provider

* The maternity department of local hospitals

* Local education programs

* Local March of Dimes

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
High Blood Pressure

Heart & Circulation Problems

The medical name for high blood pressure is hypertension (hy-puhr-TEHN-shun). High blood pressure (HBP) is when blood moves through the arteries at a higher pressure than normal. The heart strains to pump blood through the arteries.

Signs & Symptoms

High blood pressure (HBP) is a “silent disease.” Often there are no signs or symptoms. A lot of adults with HBP do not know they have it. So, get your blood pressure checked at each doctor’s office visit, at least every 2 years, or as often as your doctor advises. When blood pressure is 180 or higher (top number) or 120 or higher (bottom number), these signs of a hypertensive crisis may occur:

* Severe chest pain

* Severe headache with confusion and blurred vision

* Severe anxiety

* Shortness of breath

Blood pressure is measured with 2 numbers. The first (top) number measures systolic pressure. This is the maximum pressure against the artery walls while the heart is pumping blood. The second (bottom) number measures diastolic pressure. This is the pressure between heartbeats when the heart refills. The results are given as systolic over diastolic pressure, such as 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

Tips When You Have Your BP Measured

* Don’t drink coffee or smoke 30 minutes before having your BP read. (Don’t smoke at all!)

* Go to the bathroom before you get it checked.

* Before the test, sit for 5 minutes.

* Wear short sleeves so your arm is exposed.

* When you get tested: Sit; keep your back and arm supported; and keep your arm at heart level.

* An average of 2 readings from BP tests taken at least 5 minutes apart should be done.

Causes, Risk Factors & Care

The exact cause is not known.

Risk factors include:

* Family history of HBP

* Aging. More than half of older adults have HBP.

* Smoking cigarettes

* Race. African Americans are more likely to have HBP than Caucasians.

* Gender. Men are more likely to have HBP than women (until women reach menopause).

* Being inactive. Obesity. Sleep apnea.

* Drinking too much alcohol

* Too much sodium intake in some persons

* Emotional distress

High blood pressure could be caused by another medical problem or be a side effect of some medicines. This is called secondary hypertension. This can usually be reversed when the problem is treated.

Diagnosis

Blood pressure readings tell if your blood pressure is high. A health care professional measures blood pressure during an office visit with a manual or automated device called a sphygmomanometer (sfig’-mo-ma-nom-e-ter). The numbers on the gauge measure your blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

You should get 2 or more readings at different times. To confirm a diagnosis of HBP, your doctor may have you wear a device that records your blood pressure every 20-30 minutes over a period of 24 to 48 hours. This is called ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

Note: Sometimes just being at the doctor’s office is enough to raise some people’s blood pressure. This is called “white-coat hypertension.” If you think this affects you, tell your doctor. You may be advised to check your blood pressure with a home testing device. Your doctor may have you wear a device that records your blood pressure for 24 hours. This will give accurate readings of your blood pressure.

Health Problems Related to HBP

High blood pressure plays a major role in these health problems:

* Stroke. Dementia. Brain damage.

* Heart disease. A person with HBP is 5 times more likely to have a heart attack than a person without HBP. It can also cause the heart to enlarge. This could cause (congestive) heart failure.

* Chronic kidney disease

* Kidney failure

* Vision loss. This includes blindness.

Why is ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) done?

During an office visit, a short-term rise in blood pressure can be due to:

* Emotions or stress

* Pain or physical activity

* Caffeine or nicotine

* “White-coat hypertension.” With this, just being at a doctor’s office or in the presence of medical staff is enough to raise blood pressure.

Getting blood pressure readings over 1-2 days during normal activity and sleep gives a more accurate measurement of your blood pressure.

Self-Care / Prevention

For blood pressure control, follow a healthy lifestyle.

* Get your blood pressure checked at each office visit, at least every 2 years, or as often as your doctor advises.

* Get to and/or stay at a healthy weight. Aim for a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9. Find your BMI using the table below or from:www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi.

* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

* Limit alcohol to 2 drinks or less a day if you are male and 1 drink or less a day if you are female or age 65 or older.

* Limit caffeine.

* Exercise. Try to do at least 60 minutes a day.

* Learn to handle stress. Take classes. Learn relaxation techniques, etc.

* Take medicine as prescribed. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects, such as dizziness, faintness, or a dry cough without having a cold. Don’t stop taking your prescribed medicine or change the dose(s) unless your doctor tells you to.

* Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take antihistamines and decongestants. Discuss all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines with your doctor and pharmacist before you take them to avoid harmful drug interactions. Find out about drug and food interactions, too. Ask if grapefruit juice can cause harmful effects with the medicine(s) you take.

* Keep track of your blood pressure using a home testing device. Do this if advised by your doctor.

Medical Care

High blood pressure usually lasts a lifetime, but can be treated and controlled. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice. Medical treatment includes:

* A physical exam and lab tests. These check for damage to your heart, kidneys, and other organs. They also identify risk factors you have for heart, kidney, and other diseases. Your treatment plan is based on your needs.

* Follow-up blood pressure checks and other tests as needed.

* Healthy lifestyle changes.

* Medications. Most persons need more than 1 medicine to treat high blood pressure.

Your doctor will decide if and what medication(s) you need. This is based on your blood pressure level, age, race, other conditions you have, heart disease risk factors, etc. Common medicines used to treat HBP are:

* Diuretics (water pills)

* Calcium channel blockers

* ACE inhibitors

* Angiotensin II receptor blockers

* Beta-blockers

* Alpha blockers. Alpha-beta blockers.

* Nervous system inhibitors

* Vasodilators

Reasons to Get Medical Care

* You have signs or symptoms of a hypertensive crisis. Get medical care right away.

* You need to schedule office visit appointments to get your blood pressure checked. Do this as often as your doctor advises.

* You have adverse side effects from taking medicine(s) to lower blood pressure. Examples are:

– You feel lightheaded or dizzy.

– You feel weak, sleepy, and/or drowsy.

– Your heart races.

– You get a skin rash.

Resources

American Heart Association

800.242.8721

www.heart.org

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

www.nhlbi.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Healthy Pregnancy Checklist

Pregnancy & Prenatal Care

You can do a lot of things to improve the chance of having a healthy pregnancy. And you should not do some other things! Knowing what to do and what to avoid will help you and your baby stay well.

* Ask your health care provider before you take any medicines, even ones you can buy without a prescription.

* Go to all your prenatal health care visits.

* Don’t drink alcohol, take drugs, or smoke. When you drink alcohol, smoke, or take drugs, your baby does, too!

* Have a routine for exercise. Follow your health care provider’s advice.

* Eat healthy foods.

* Take your prenatal vitamins (vitamin pills) every day. These also supply the minerals you need.

* Get plenty of rest.

* Wash your hands throughout the day.

* Accept all your emotions. Express your feelings to others.

* Learn to deal with stress. Experts think stress may limit blood supply to the placenta. The placenta is the baby’s only source of oxygen and nutrients.

* Don’t have X-rays unless your prenatal health care provider says it’s okay.

* Avoid harmful chemicals such as paint fumes, insect poisons, and weed killers. Ask your health care provider what else you should avoid.

* When you use cleaning agents, wear rubber gloves. Make sure there is plenty of fresh air.

* Don’t wear high-heeled shoes.

* Don’t pick up, carry, or move heavy objects.

* Stay out of hot tubs and saunas. When you bathe, use warm water only. Never use hot water. Put a rubber mat in the tub or shower to prevent slipping.

* Don’t handle cat feces or cat litter. If you have a cat, have someone else empty the litter box. Cat droppings can carry a disease called toxoplasmosis. (Eating meat that is not cooked enough can cause this, too.) If a pregnant woman gets this disease, the baby can be harmed. It’s okay to pet your cat.

* Don’t have any contact with hamsters, guinea pigs or any rodents. These animals can carry a virus that can cause severe harm to your baby.

* Discuss your work life with your health care provider. Find out if it is healthy for you and your baby.

* Find out if you should limit or stop having sex. Bleeding or pain during sex could be reasons. Ask your health care provider.

* Always wear lap and shoulder seat belts when you ride in a vehicle. Fasten the lap belt as low as you can, below your belly.

* Are you going far from home late in your pregnancy? Have your health care provider refer you to a provider in the area where you are going. Take a copy of your prenatal records with you.

* When you travel:

– By plane or train, get up and walk around every now and then. Get an aisle seat.

– By car, stop at least every 2 hours and do the same.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
High Blood Pressure 2

Pregnancy & Prenatal Care

A blood pressure reading concerns the blood in the arteries. The top number in the reading is the systolic pressure. That’s the pressure when the heart muscle contracts. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure. That’s the pressure when the heart muscle relaxes.

An example of a blood pressure reading is 120/80. This is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A blood pressure reading should be taken before pregnancy or at its start. This is called a baseline blood pressure. The baseline reading shows what is normal for that woman. During the first several months of pregnancy, blood pressure may drop a little. It often rises slightly later in the pregnancy. That’s because of the extra work the mother’s body is doing. A slight rise is normal then. High blood pressure in pregnancy is when there is an increase of 30 or more in the systolic pressure (top number). An increase of 15 or more in the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is also a sign of high blood pressure.

Causes

Preeclampsia

A common cause of high blood pressure in pregnancy is preeclampsia. This used to be called toxemia. Three things usually come with preeclampsia:

* High blood pressure

* Swelling of the face, hands, fingers, or feet

* Protein in the urine

Other symptoms of preeclampsia are:

* Sudden weight gain or gaining more than 2 pounds a week

* Headaches

* Vision problems like spots before the eyes or blurry vision

* Pain in upper belly

* Severe indigestion that doesn’t go away

Preeclampsia affects about 7 out of 100 pregnant women. It happens most often during a first pregnancy, but can occur again, especially with a new partner. And, it only happens during pregnancy. It goes away after delivery. Preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia. That’s when convulsions also occur. Eclampsia can result in a coma for the mother.

Risk Factors

The cause of preeclampsia is not known. High blood pressure does not have to be present before pregnancy. The things listed below may increase the risk for preeclampsia:

* First pregnancy or first pregnancy with a new partner

* Chronic high blood pressure or kidney disease

* Diabetes or lupus before the pregnancy

* Being overweight

* Being African American

* Pregnancy before age 20 or after age 35

* Being pregnant with more than one baby

* Preeclampsia in a past pregnancy or in a mother or sister

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)

High blood pressure can develop during pregnancy without other symptoms. This is called pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). This type of high blood pressure often happens after the 20th week. After delivery, blood pressure usually goes back to normal.

Treatment

High blood pressure and preeclampsia can range from mild to severe. They can be treated with medical help and home care. But if serious symptoms are present, medicine and/or hospital care may be needed. The health care provider may induce labor (bring on labor). Or a Cesarean section (C-section) may be done.

When blood pressure remains high, not enough blood reaches the placenta. The fetus doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. That can cause:

* Growth problems for the fetus

* Placenta abruptio.

* A baby that is born preterm, that has mental problems, is underweight, or stillborn

Questions to Ask

Self-Care

* Get a lot of rest. Sleep 8 to 12 hours at night. Take 2 naps during the day, if you can. When you sleep or rest, lie on your left side, as much as you can. This helps blood flow to the placenta. When you tire of lying on your left side, lie on your right side.

* Take medicine for high blood pressure as prescribed. If told to do so, take regular blood pressure readings at home. Ask your health care provider how to get a home test kit.

* Follow your health care provider’s advice about exercise.

* Do things to relax. Examples: listen to soft music, put your feet up, take a nap. Watch a TV show that makes you laugh. Put your hand on your belly to feel your baby move.

* Don’t take any medicine without your health care provider’s okay. That includes cold or sinus medicines and antacids.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026