Gestational Hypertension - High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Lauren M. Forshay is a New Jersey professional with experience as a registered nurse on the labor and delivery floor of a major hospital. Practicing in Teaneck, New Jersey, Lauren Forshay provided care for issues such as gestational hypertension, which includes eclampsia and preeclampsia.

In cases of chronic hypertension, the woman has experienced blood pressure exceeding 140/90 either prior to pregnancy, within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, or following delivery. Also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational hypertension emerges after week 20 and disappears following delivery.

Preeclampsia also occurs after week 20 and can be due to either chronic or gestational hypertension. Symptoms include protein in the urine and high blood pressure as the baby develops in the womb. Its effects include blocked blood flow to the placenta, which can result in a low birth weight baby and have serious effects on the mother as well.

The good news about gestational hypertension is that, when identified early and treated, it should not prevent the delivery of a healthy baby. In cases where the condition is mild and early stage, resting on the left side to take weight off the major blood vessels, as well as drinking more water and consuming less salt, can have a positive effect. In more severe cases, blood pressure medication may be necessary.

Fleas and Ticks on Pets

Lauren M. Forshay is an experienced registered nurse and sales associate in New Jersey. Beyond her various professional activities, Lauren Forshay spends time volunteering with national philanthropic organizations, such as the American Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and a number of New Jersey churches.

The ASPCA maintains an extensive archive of pet care information for owners to review at their discretion, including information regarding fleas and ticks. These tiny insects represent one of the most significant health concerns for pet owners in the United States. Fleas rank as the most common external parasite found on companion animals. Ticks, meanwhile, can transmit a number of harmful diseases to cats and dogs. including Lyme disease and cytauxzoonosis.

Symptoms of fleas on dogs and cats range from the presence of “flea dirt” in the animal’s hair, which appear as grains of dark sand, and itchy, irritated skin. If left untreated, fleas may cause animals to develop anemia. Owners should be especially vigilant for ticks following time spent in the woods or in tall grass.

Pet owners should discuss the safest, most effective methods of flea and tick prevention with a trusted veterinary professional. Popular options include pet collars, pills and chewables, and topical solutions.