Hypertension of the uterus in pregnant women

Quite often, from the mouth of a doctor who is leading a pregnancy, or a specialist conducting an ultrasound, an expectant mother may hear that the tone of the uterus is increased. Does the concept of hypertension really exist, is it dangerous, can a woman guess about it herself and what needs to be done in this case, she told the magazine "9 months" Olga Loginova is an obstetrician-gynecologist at the EMC.

First of all, it is necessary to clarify that the most powerful layer of the uterus is the muscular one. These muscles gradually stretch during pregnancy, as the baby is constantly growing, and the volume of the uterus increases dramatically. Such sensations are new to the body, especially during the first pregnancy, and a woman may guess that something unusual is happening to her. As a rule, pregnant women feel some bloating or distension, pulling pains in the lower abdomen, and sometimes in the lower back.

Expectant mothers should remember that uterine tension during pregnancy is not a disease, but a condition of the uterus in which its muscles involuntarily contract before the due date. Stress, depression, anxiety, any kind of anxiety, increased fatigue, short sleep duration during pregnancy lead to malfunctions of the central nervous system and, consequently, to a violation of the regulation of uterine muscle tone. Physical activity, for example, running, jumping, carrying weights, jeans that are very tight in the abdominal area, tight belts, and high-heeled shoes can also lead to increased tension in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. There is also a physiological overgrowth of the uterine muscles during multiple pregnancies, large fetuses, and polyhydramnios. Smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also lead to increased uterine excitability.

It is necessary to distinguish the physiological tension of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall with unproductive contractions of the uterus from the true contractions dangerous for premature birth. They can only be distinguished by a doctor after examination and additional examinations. Therefore, if you experience cramping pains in the lower abdomen, lower back pain, or a feeling of amniotic fluid leakage, it is recommended that you consult a doctor. During the examination, the doctor evaluates the condition of the fetus, palpation of the abdomen, the condition of the cervix, and the amount of amniotic fluid. If necessary, cardiotocography is performed for accurate differential diagnosis of true contractions from false ones, and if necessary, the doctor can perform a test for the presence of fibronectin in the vagina of a pregnant woman (a test for the risk of premature birth). In the absence of true contractions, a long and closed cervix, cramping pains are assessed as false, unproductive and not leading to premature birth. This condition does not require treatment, and taking antispasmodic or pain medications in such situations is only symptomatic treatment. In the presence of true contractions or a shortened cervix, hospitalization is recommended.

In order to avoid painful tension of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, increased excitability of the uterus, pregnant women must follow a sleep and rest regime, get enough sleep, and avoid stress. All working expectant mothers should reconsider their priorities in favor of the baby, i.e. try not to stay at work, and travel less crowded public transport if possible.

Excessive physical activity should be avoided. Playing sports during pregnancy is not contraindicated, but the specific types, frequency of activities and workload must be coordinated with the doctor who is monitoring the pregnancy. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes without heels or with heels no more than 4 cm.