Why should shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel be avoided during pregnancy?

A. Gestational hypertension involves elevated blood pressure during pregnancy but does not include protein in the urine or the characteristic swelling seen in preeclampsia.

B. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition characterized by high blood pressure, proteinuria (protein in the urine), and often edema (swelling), particularly in the hands, feet, and face. It usually develops after 20 weeks of gestation and can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby if untreated, including organ damage, seizures (eclampsia), and preterm birth. Early detection and monitoring are essential, and management may include antihypertensive medications, close fetal monitoring, and sometimes early delivery.

C. Premature birth refers to delivery before 37 weeks of gestation and is an outcome rather than a disease with these specific symptoms.

D. Gestational diabetes involves elevated blood glucose levels during pregnancy but does not typically cause protein in the urine or the characteristic swelling associated with preeclampsia.

A. Plasma is the straw-colored liquid portion of blood that makes up about 55% of total blood volume. It serves as a medium for transporting nutrients, hormones, electrolytes, and waste products throughout the body. While plasma is crucial for circulation and maintaining blood pressure, it does not carry oxygen directly to tissues. Oxygen transport requires specialized cells and proteins.

B. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small cell fragments that play a vital role in blood clotting and the repair of damaged blood vessels. While essential for hemostasis, they do not participate in oxygen transport or nutrient delivery to cells.

C. Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, are specialized cells whose primary function is the transport of oxygen. Each erythrocyte contains hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein that binds oxygen molecules in the lungs and releases them in tissues where oxygen is needed. Hemoglobin also helps carry carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste product, from tissues back to the lungs for exhalation. The biconcave shape of erythrocytes increases surface area for gas exchange, while their flexibility allows them to navigate through narrow capillaries. Low erythrocyte count or inadequate hemoglobin leads to conditions such as anemia, resulting in fatigue, weakness, and impaired tissue oxygenation.

D. Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are part of the immune system. They defend the body against infections, remove damaged cells, and participate in inflammatory responses. While they are vital for health, they do not transport oxygen to body tissues.