Last updated 10 months ago
When health problems occur during a woman’s pregnancy, they are known as pregnancy complications. Although some women struggle with health issues before they become pregnant, other women can experience problems with pregnancy without any preexisting medical conditions. Educate yourself on the most common pregnancy problems so that you know when to seek emergency medical care:
1. Gestational Diabetes
As its name suggests, this condition only occurs during pregnancy and is similar to other forms of diabetes. A woman with gestational diabetes suffers from high blood sugar levels that can lead to fatigue, hunger, or excessive thirst. This condition can be effectively managed with the help of an experienced physician; however, the condition can also damage the health of the mother and child if left untreated.
2. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure and organ problems during a pregnancy. Typically beginning after 20 weeks of pregnancy, this condition can cause dizziness, stomach pain, headaches, and vision changes.
3. Preterm Labor
Labor is designated as “preterm” when it occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy have passed. Women experiencing back pain, pelvic cramping, and contractions long before the scheduled delivery date should seek treatment to avoid preterm labor from progressing.
4. Placental Abruption
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the labor and delivery process. These changes can keep the developing child from getting the oxygen that he or she needs to grow properly. Women experiencing placental abruption will often suffer from abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, which may be improved with bed rest and professional medical care.
At Memorial Heights 24 HR Emergency Center, our medical specialists are prepared to handle any emergency medical situation that may come through our doors. Whatever your medical need, our compassionate healthcare team is available to help. Learn more about our full-service emergency department by contacting Memorial Heights 24 HR Emergency Center in Houston at (281) 914-4015.
Last updated 10 months ago
Alcohol-related health complications are some of the most common reasons people visit the emergency room. Browse through the resources below for more information on dehydration and alcohol poisoning.
If you ever experience any type of alcohol-related complications, contact Memorial Heights 24 HR Emergency Center in Houston to get the urgent care you need!
Last updated 11 months ago
Knowing when to seek emergency medical care does not have to be difficult. Learn more about stroke and burn conditions with these informative resources. Give Memorial Heights 24 HR Emergency Center in Houston a call at (281) 914-4015 for more information on our services.
Last updated 11 months ago
Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences in a woman’s life. Unfortunately, a number of women experience various complications during pregnancy that put their health and the health of their unborn child at risk. Check out these common pregnancy complications to learn more about the signs of pregnancy complication and when you should visit your 24-hour emergency room:
Gestational Diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 18% of all pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes. This condition occurs in pregnant women who do not have type 1 or type 2 diabetes but rather have high levels of glucose or blood sugar during their pregnancy. The extra levels of glucose in the mother’s blood stream can cross into the placenta, supplying the fetus with increased glucose that forces his or her pancreas to create extra insulin. Because the fetus is getting more energy than he or she requires to develop properly, this energy is stored as fat and can lead to macrosomia.
Gestational Hypertension
As with gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension affects pregnant women who usually do not have a previous history of high blood pressure. Gestational hypertension puts pregnant women at risk for a number of complications, including intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption, preterm labor, and stillbirth.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition in which pregnant women develop both high blood pressure and protein in their urine after the 20th week of pregnancy. Common symptoms include swelling of the hands and face, sudden weight gain of over two pounds per week, headache, irritability, and belly pain. It is crucial that women with preeclampsia visit their emergency room as soon as possible to avoid complications to the baby as well as bleeding problems, rupture of the liver, and placental abruption.
You can never be too careful when it comes to the health of your unborn child. When you are experiencing abnormal pregnancy symptoms, it is important to visit your emergency room as soon as possible. For more information on treatment options for pregnancy complications, contact the Memorial Heights 24 HR Emergency Center in Houston at (281) 914-4015.
Last updated 11 months ago
A burn refers to an injury to the tissue caused by heat, electricity, radiation, friction, or chemicals. While minor burns may only require at-home first aid treatments, other burns require immediate attention by a qualified 24-hour emergency room.
Types of Burns
It is important for patients to understand the different types of burns in order to fully comprehend the importance of seeking immediate treatment. Burns are classified by degrees and the depth of skin involved.
- First-degree burns affect the epidermis or outer layer of skin and cause redness, sensitivity to touch, and minor swelling.
- Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and dermis, or underlying layer of skin, and often affect the hair follicles and sweat glands. Symptoms include redness, pain, swelling, and blisters.
- Third-degree burns affect the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis and lead to charring of the skin, coagulated blood vessels, peeling skin, pain, redness, and swelling. Third-degree burns may also lead to shock.
Associated Complications
Leaving burns untreated can lead to a number of complications such as:
- Local infection. Burns affect the integrity of your skin, leaving it more vulnerable to bacterial infections.
- Widespread infection. This occurs when the bacterial infection enters the bloodstream and spreads to the entire body. Widespread infection is also known as sepsis and can be life-threatening, as it causes organ failure and shock.
- Hypovolemia. Burns cause damage to the blood vessels and can cause fluid loss, which may result in hypovolemia or low blood volume. This can prevent the heart from pumping enough blood to the body.
- Hypothermia. When a large portion of the skin is burned, it loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to hypothermia, or a dangerously low body temperature.
- Bone and joint problems. Deep burns may affect the bones and joints, limiting their movement or forcing muscles and tendons to shorten permanently.
Don’t let moderate burns turn into major health complications. Get the urgent care services you need by contacting the Memorial Heights 24 HR Emergency Center at (281) 914-4015. Our 24-hour services in Houston can ensure you receive the treatment you need, when you need it.
