Is hypertension a risk factor for preterm labor?

Abstract. Hypertension is a major risk factor for ischemic heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of morbidity and death worldwide. Besides the contributions from genes and adult life-style, this review highlights that adult hypertension is likely to be a legacy of preterm birth.

Why is nifedipine used in preterm labor?

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker which has been commonly used in the treatment of preterm labor with dilation of the cervix, with good results. However, the main benefit of a tocolytic drug is the prolongation of pregnancy for a 48-hour period to allow the steroid effect to enhance fetal lung maturity.

What causes threatened preterm labor?

Threatened preterm labor (TPL) is the progression of cervical dilatation and ripening caused by regular uterine contractions occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which may result in preterm birth.

When is tocolysis indicated?

Criteria that indicate consideration of tocolytic therapy include more than 6 contractions per hour resulting in a demonstrated cervical change or presumed prior cervical change (transvaginal cervical length < 2.5 cm, >50% cervical effacement, or cervical dilation ≥2 cm).

Can you deliver baby with high blood pressure?

If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, you have a higher risk for stroke and other problems after delivery. Tell your doctor or call 9-1-1 right away if you have symptoms of preeclampsia after delivery. You might need emergency medical care.

How long do you take nifedipine for preterm labor?

Nifedipine 20 mg sublingual, repeated after 30 minutes if contractions do not decrease in intensity. Maintenance of 120-160 mgs of slow-release nifedipine daily for 48 hours. Once contractions cease, nifedipine will be maintained at 80-120 mg daily in divided doses up to 36 weeks.

Why is nifedipine given to a pregnant woman?

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs), commonly used to reduce blood pressure, can also be used to relax uterine contractions and postpone a preterm birth. A common CCB for this purpose is nifedipine (Procardia).

How is threatened preterm labor diagnosed?

Threatened preterm labor was diagnosed as a condition where the pregnancy was between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation with painful and regular uterine contractions at least 1 time every 10 minutes and persisting for more than 30 minutes without dilatation of the cervix.

What are the contraindications to tocolysis?

General contraindications to tocolytic therapy include severe preeclampsia, placental abruption, intrauterine infection, advanced cervical dilation, and evidence of fetal compromise or placental insufficiency.

Why is magnesium sulphate given in preterm Labour?

Magnesium sulfate, or mag for short, is used in pregnancy to prevent seizures due to worsening preeclampsia, to slow or stop preterm labor, and to prevent injuries to a preterm baby’s brain. Magnesium sulfate is given as an intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection in the hospital over 12 to 48 hours.

What is considered high BP in pregnancy?

You have gestational hypertension when: You have a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. The high blood pressure first happens after 20 weeks of pregnancy. You had normal blood pressure before pregnancy.

What happens if BP is high during delivery?

If your high blood pressure gets worse, it can lead to several life-threatening complications. Complications that could arise for the mother during a delivery include: bleeding in the brain, or hemorrhagic stroke. seizures.

Is gestational hypertension a reason to induce labor?

Despite the lack of evidence that would justify intervention, many obstetricians induce labour in women at term with pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia. Such a policy may increase the risk of assisted vaginal delivery and caesarean section, thus generating additional morbidity and costs.

What are the side effects of nifedipine while pregnant?

Other commonly reported side effects of nifedipine are maternal tachycardia, palpitations, flushing, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate is recommended as long as the patient has contractions; the patient’s pulse and blood pressure should be carefully monitored.

What is threatened preterm labor (TPL)?

Threatened preterm labor (TPL) is the progression of cervical dilatation and ripening caused by regular uterine contractions occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which may result in preterm birth.

Is preterm birth a risk factor for hypertension?

Emerging epidemiological and experimental findings have increasingly demonstrated that preterm birth is a key risk factor for the development of hypertension.

Is threatened preterm labor a risk factor for impaired cognitive development?

Threatened preterm labor is a risk factor for impaired cognitive development at 2 years of age, even if birth occurred at term. Threatened preterm labor is a risk factor for impaired cognitive development in early childhood

What are the risks of preterm labor?

These risks increase with decreasing gestational age. Behavioral issues such as anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders, and ADHD also associate to preterm labor. Neonatal Complications