A woman’s body is perhaps the most complex we know. This is, of course, due to all the specificities women have because of their reproductive system. And many people don’t know, but it is extremely important to know every detail of your body when thinking about having a child, so that you don’t have doubts about the changes that occur during the pregnancy process and how your body reacts to each external factor, such as exercise, for example. The uterine arteries are a great example of how many women don’t fully know their bodies. After all, what are they and what is the role of the uterine arteries during pregnancy? If you’ve never heard of them and want to know more about their effects on a woman’s body, today’s article is perfect for you.

What are the Uterine Arteries and What is their Function in Pregnancy?

The uterine arteries are two, one on the right and one on the left. They are the main blood vessels that supply the uterus1. They also have several branches throughout the uterus that play an important role in blood maintenance during the menstrual cycle with endometrial changes and during pregnancy. During pregnancy, this blood transport is extremely important since it is through the blood that the nutrients and vitamins necessary for the proper growth of the fetus reach it.

Doppler Study

The Doppler Study is based on studies by physicist Johann Christian Andreas Doppler in the 19th century. From them, a new form of ultrasound was developed, the Doppler ultrasound. This exam is used to assess and measure blood flow in the body2. During pregnancy, it is common to perform this test, both to measure blood flow in the uterine arteries and to measure the baby’s blood flow in the heart, brain, and also in the umbilical cord. The Doppler ultrasound is painless for the mother and the fetus and usually does not take more than 15 minutes. It is usually done via the abdomen or vagina, with the latter being the method most recommended by doctors during the first three months of pregnancy.

Uterine Artery Resistance

During pregnancy, you need to pay attention to the level of resistance to the blood flow carried by the uterine arteries. To determine this, you need to do a Doppler ultrasound to check how the blood is flowing in these arteries. It is usually performed between weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy. This test is very important because these resistance levels, when not appropriate for the gestational period, can bring numerous complications. Ideally, the resistance should decrease, but if during pregnancy this resistance increases, the risk of pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure rises, in addition to the risk of preterm birth and even fetal death.

Problems Caused by the Uterine Arteries

Among the main problems caused by increased resistance of the uterine arteries are pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension. These commonly appear in women with no previous history of high blood pressure, and are then called DHEG, or hypertensive disorders specific to pregnancy. These conditions can cause very serious problems for both the woman and the baby.

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia3 is characterized by increased blood pressure in the pregnant woman after the twentieth week, along with protein loss in the urine that may also be accompanied by swelling. This is a very serious condition that needs to be treated; when it is not, pre-eclampsia can progress to eclampsia itself, meaning seizures that can be fatal for both the mother and the fetus. We can highlight some risk groups for pre-eclampsia, such as pregnant women over 40, those who already have any kidney disease, are experiencing a multiple pregnancy, or have had pre-eclampsia in other pregnancies or have a family history of the condition.

Gestational Hypertension

Unlike pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension4 is not as severe and is characterized only by high blood pressure during pregnancy, and is exclusive to this period in a woman’s life, that is, occurring in those who previously showed no signs of high blood pressure. It is common for this problem to appear at the end of pregnancy, but it can also develop earlier, as in pre-eclampsia, after the first 20 weeks. However, it’s also necessary to pay attention and take the necessary precautions so that gestational hypertension does not worsen. Risk groups include teenagers and women in their first pregnancy.

How to Prevent and Treat these Problems?

Both problems are among the most common during pregnancy and are caused by issues with the uterine arteries, so it is very important to carry out all prenatal exams and to have proper medical monitoring during this period. These conditions present significant risk to the baby’s development and the life of both baby and mother. Now, if the results for these issues come back positive, certain precautions must be taken. Medications will likely be prescribed to control high blood pressure, along with recommendations for plenty of rest and dietary care, such as avoiding sodium, for example. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, hospitalization may be recommended so the woman receives more intensive monitoring. In more severe cases of pre-eclampsia, induction of labor may be necessary. Many times, everything depends on how the woman’s body functions, and there’s not much else that can be done. We know that during pregnancy it’s very important to live a healthier life, go for walks, have a balanced diet, as all this can help prevent some problems and lessen others that may inevitably arise. Knowing your own body and the changes it goes through throughout your life, especially during pregnancy, is crucial to understanding which symptom is truly a problem and what is normal. Specifically regarding pregnancy, knowing how each organ works, such as the uterine arteries, gives us greater confidence when talking to our doctor, in addition to giving us more peace of mind throughout pregnancy, which is very important. However, perhaps the biggest advantage of knowing the possible issues your body may face during pregnancy is that you will know exactly how to prevent them and how to treat them if necessary. Motherhood begins at this point, when you care for yourself in order to provide a good birth for your child. Also see: Pregnancy and Obesity – Know the Risks Photo: Jesper Agrell