Pregnancy can be an exciting time but can also be a time of stress especially if your pregnancy is complicated by a medical condition.  According to the ACOG: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “hypertensive disorders of pregnancy constitute one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide.”  As with many medical conditions there are various degrees of hypertensive disorders that vary based on symptoms and complications.

Gestational Hypertension is the mildest form and diagnosed if a woman starts to experience elevated blood pressures, on at least 2 occasions after 20 weeks of gestation.  If a woman has 2 elevated blood pressures prior to 20 weeks gestation then she technically has Chronic or Pre-existing hypertension.  This is often a common finding as many childbearing age women do not seek routine medical care until they become pregnant.  Preeclampsia is classified as “new-onset hypertension and involves some other system impact. This could be impact to the liver, kidneys, clotting or neurologic system. Preeclampsia can also be classified as having “severe features” if the blood pressure elevates to an even higher level.  Eclampsia is one of the most severe forms and is “the convulsive, or seizure manifestation of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.”   

Monitoring, evaluating and treating hypertension in pregnancy is very important as it can have impact on the current pregnancy but can also have life-long implications for the mother.  Missouri Baptist Sullivan OB providers and hospital staff are prepared to treat any of the mentioned hypertensive disorders.  MBSH has also been involved in a state wide Missouri initiative: Missouri Severe Hypertension, for the last year to improve how quickly these disorders are identified and treated.  This initiative has involved training and continuing education for providers and staff.  It is great to know that MBSH is able to provide women the same treatment following the guidelines as they would get at other Missouri facilities.  MBSH has worked to improve the outcomes for these women and their infants.  Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital has an excellent group of providers and nursing staff to address these medical complications in both the mom and the infant.  Dr. Roger Rembecki, OBGYN, Dr. Amirah Tan Abdullah, OBGYN, Sarah McKee, CNM FNP-BC, and Dr. Saripalli, Pediatrics are all available to collaborate and provide treatment that results in the best outcome for both mom and baby.