QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I am about 33-weeks pregnant. I've had high blood pressure, in the 130s/50-60s, for a few weeks. At my last doctor appointment it was still high. I went back today because I had a headache and the pressure was right behind my eyes.

They took my blood pressure and it was 142/78, so they hooked me up to a monitor and then did a sonogram and I have to go back tomorrow. They are watching me for pre-eclampsia.

With over half of all pregnant women falling in the plus-size category, plus-size pregnancy is something that can no longer be ignored. If you're plus-sized, you've probably heard things about how your weight can affect your health. But being plus-sized doesn't mean you can't have a wonderful, healthy pregnancy and a beautiful, healthy baby if you get the information you need and receive good medical care.

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.

Preeclampsia, affecting seven percent of all pregnancies worldwide, occurs when a woman's blood pressure rises. It most frequently strikes first-time mothers and women who are carrying twins, or multiple pregnancies. What can be done to prevent it? How is it detected and treated?

QUESTION

Dear Fitness Expert,

Contact your provider if you notice any of the following warning signs

• Pain or burning during urination, or a decrease in the amount of urine
• Unrelieved vomiting
• Unrelieved diarrhea or constipation
• Chills or fever
• Soreness or redness in one or both legs
• Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, spots before the eyes, or flashes of light
• Dizziness or mental confusion
• Marked change in the baby's movement
• Something just doesn't feel right