Researchers have discovered a simple solution for a potentially dangerous problem for expectant mothers. Moms-to-be who are at risk for, or have, high blood pressure during their pregnancy may be able to prevent serious medical problems simply by boosting their calcium intake.

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
Hi. I was hoping you could help me. I am now in the midst of trying for a third child. My last 2 pregnancies were horrible. I had toxemia for both and had to be put on blood pressure pills. Both were emergency c-sections. My last pregnancy was even worse they had to deliver her at 7 months because she was not growing and was showing signs of distress.

Hypertension in pregnancy is an umbrella term for a group of serious disorders that includes chronic high blood pressure (which starts before pregnancy), eclampsia, preeclampsia and a disorder called HELLP syndrome.

For approximately 7% of all pregnant women, high blood pressure or hypertension does become a problem. If your blood pressure is elevated, it can affect you and your baby's well-being. Some women enter pregnancy with higher than normal blood pressure readings.

Due to special situations like high blood pressure, premature rupture of membranes, twins or triplets, your provider may decide to order a non-stress test (NST). An NST monitors a baby's health by showing his/her baseline heart rate and also any increases in the heart rate due to movement. It's an easy, painless, non-invasive test that allows your providers to monitor baby's well being in the womb.

Preeclampsia is a condition of high blood pressure during pregnancy. Your blood pressure goes up, you retain water, and protein is found in your urine.