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Preeclampsia

All articles tagged with #preeclampsia

Lawsuit claims Texas abortion restrictions contributed to a mother's death
politics23 days ago

Lawsuit claims Texas abortion restrictions contributed to a mother's death

The family of Tierra Walker filed a state lawsuit against Texas AG Ken Paxton, medical officials, UT Health San Antonio and several doctors, alleging the state’s abortion ban hindered life-saving care and contributed to Walker’s death at 20 weeks pregnant from preeclampsia and hypertensive cardiovascular disease in December 2024. The suit argues roughly 90 doctors were involved in her care, and that Texas restrictions deterred abortion when her health deteriorated. It names multiple state and local officials and health-care entities, and says the ban is unconstitutional. UT Health San Antonio declined to comment; the Texas Medical Board said physicians may end a pregnancy in certain circumstances to protect a mother’s life. The case seeks accountability for what the family describes as a preventable death.

via Texas Public Radio | TPR|
#abortion#lawsuit#maternal-health
Gestational Hypertension Surges Across the U.S.: What Expectant Parents Need to Know
health1 month ago

Gestational Hypertension Surges Across the U.S.: What Expectant Parents Need to Know

Gestational hypertension rose from 6% of births in 2016 to 10.4% in 2024, affecting more than 377,000 pregnancies annually with increases across age, race, and states; for babies it can mean growth problems, preterm birth, stillbirth, and placental issues, while mothers face organ damage, higher stroke risk, and possible progression to preeclampsia/eclampsia. Risk is higher with age 40+, pre-pregnancy obesity, and multiple pregnancies, with notable disparities by race/ethnicity. Causes are likely multifactorial and include aging, obesity, and more multiple pregnancies; detection relies on regular BP checks at prenatal visits, with urgent evaluation for severe headaches, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, swelling, shortness of breath. Treatment varies by BP level and signs of preeclampsia, often requiring closer monitoring, medications, and sometimes early delivery. Prevention focuses on optimizing health before pregnancy (weight management, physical activity, healthy diet, not smoking). Postpartum BP issues can persist, and a history of hypertensive disorders raises long-term risk of chronic hypertension and cardiovascular disease, so future clinicians should be aware.

via CNN|
#blood-pressure#gestational-hypertension#health
Lego Hands: Understanding the swollen, stiff fingers of pregnancy
wellness2 months ago

Lego Hands: Understanding the swollen, stiff fingers of pregnancy

“Lego hands” describes swollen, stiff, and numb fingers during pregnancy caused by edema from increased blood volume. While common and usually normal, sudden swelling with headache, vision changes, or unilateral leg swelling can signal preeclampsia or a clot, so seek medical advice. Management includes wrist splints, ice, gentle hand exercises, avoiding prolonged arm hanging, reducing salt, and physical therapy if carpal tunnel worsens; symptoms typically improve after delivery.

via HuffPost|
#carpal-tunnel-syndrome#edema#preeclampsia
Pregnancy-specific cell type found at maternal-fetal interface may regulate placental invasion
health6 months ago

Pregnancy-specific cell type found at maternal-fetal interface may regulate placental invasion

Live Science reports a Nature study that created a single-cell atlas of placental and uterine tissues from weeks 5–39 of pregnancy, analyzing about 1.2 million cells and identifying a previously undescribed pregnancy-only cell type, decidual stromal cell 4 (DSC4), at the maternal–fetal interface. DSC4 appears to help regulate fetal invasion into the uterus and arteries and carries cannabinoid receptors, a finding that could help explain cannabis-associated risks in pregnancy. By linking cell activity to genes tied to preeclampsia, preterm birth, and pregnancy loss, the atlas highlights which cells may drive complications and offers new targets for future research and therapies.

via Live Science|
#health#placenta#preeclampsia
Hope on the horizon for preeclampsia with experimental drug DM199
health7 months ago

Hope on the horizon for preeclampsia with experimental drug DM199

In a South African hospital, researchers testing the experimental drug DM199 saw blood-pressure stabilization in pregnant women with preeclampsia after escalating doses, with the treatment not appearing to cross the placenta or breast milk and possibly improving placental blood flow. While early and based on small groups, the results offer cautious optimism for a first pharmaceutical therapy that could help mothers stay pregnant longer and protect babies, pending larger studies.

via NPR|
#clinical-trial#dm199#health
Houston's Black Maternal Health Crisis Reveals Systemic Gaps
health8 months ago

Houston's Black Maternal Health Crisis Reveals Systemic Gaps

In Harris County, including Houston, Black women face markedly higher pregnancy‑related death and infant mortality rates than white women, driven by social determinants, access gaps, and racial bias. A 2016–2020 study found Black maternal mortality at 83.4 per 100,000 live births—the nation’s highest—while Black infant mortality stood at 11.66 per 1,000. Personal stories, like Moriah Ballard’s fatal preeclampsia and stillborn son, illustrate delayed care, miscommunication, and distrust in the system. Local hospitals and advocates are pushing reforms and funding to expand culturally competent care and improve communication, but experts say racism and systemic gaps must be confronted to save Black mothers and babies.

via Capital B News|
#black-health#health#maternal-mortality
"Mom's Preeclampsia Signs Overlooked by Doctors"
health2 years ago

"Mom's Preeclampsia Signs Overlooked by Doctors"

Lindsay Orr, a nurse practitioner, experienced severe symptoms of preeclampsia during her pregnancy, but doctors repeatedly dismissed her concerns. Despite her active lifestyle and no family history of the condition, she faced life-threatening complications and was eventually induced at 32 weeks. Orr's experience highlights the importance of self-advocacy in medical care and the need for better diagnostic tools for pregnancy complications.

via TODAY|
#health#maternal-health#medical-advocacy
"Fort Worth Zoo Welcomes Premature Gorilla via Emergency C-Section"
animals2 years ago

"Fort Worth Zoo Welcomes Premature Gorilla via Emergency C-Section"

A baby gorilla named Jameela was delivered via emergency C-section at Fort Worth Zoo due to her mother's preeclampsia, weighing just 3 pounds and 1 ounce. Despite her mother's recovery, Jameela's mother showed no interest in caring for her, leading zookeepers to seek a surrogate in another gorilla named Gracie. The zoo's team is providing round-the-clock care for Jameela, who is now growing and thriving, with hopes that Gracie will serve as a surrogate for the baby gorilla.

via NBC News|
#animals#emergency-c-section#fort-worth-zoo
"Uncovering the Hidden Dangers of Postpartum Preeclampsia"
health2 years ago

"Uncovering the Hidden Dangers of Postpartum Preeclampsia"

Preeclampsia, a dangerous form of high blood pressure during pregnancy, often goes undetected until it's too late, leading to maternal and infant health risks. A new initiative aims to detect and treat preeclampsia earlier, potentially saving lives by prescribing aspirin as a preventive measure. Data on biomarkers could help identify high-risk patients, allowing for closer monitoring and early intervention. The CDC has reported a rise in maternal deaths, particularly among women of color, emphasizing the need for improved detection and treatment of preeclampsia.

via USA TODAY|
#aspirin#health#maternal-mortality
"Vegan Diet and Pregnancy: Risks of Preeclampsia and Complications"
health2 years ago

"Vegan Diet and Pregnancy: Risks of Preeclampsia and Complications"

A study from the University of Copenhagen found that vegan women have a higher risk of developing life-threatening preeclampsia and having underweight babies, with babies born to vegan mothers being half a pound lighter on average. The research, based on 66,738 Danish pregnancies, also revealed that protein intake was lower among vegetarians and vegans, potentially leading to low birth weight. The study emphasizes the importance of pregnant women, especially those following plant-based diets, to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients like protein, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and iodine.

via New York Post |
#diet#health#preeclampsia