5 Medical Risks That Pregnant Women Need to Be Aware Of
If you’re considering pregnancy, do you have a medical condition that may cause a risk? Seek out proper medical care if you suffer from any of these five conditions.
Epilepsy
If you are an epileptic, you can still have a normal pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. Still, body and mental stress may cause a seizure which could harm both you and the baby. That’s why it’s essential to continue your epileptic medications during your entire pregnancy. Some epileptic women have reported extreme morning sickness, anemia, low baby weight and are only able to deliver via C-section. To sway the side effects of your epilepsy drugs, most OBs will recommend you increase your folic acid to keep the baby’s growth and development strong.
Mental Health Issues and Pregnancy
Some mental health issues like bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder (BPD) require a constant regiment of various mental health drugs. Many OBs are aware of the side effects of these medications and will approve them or work with your psychiatrist and suggest a new regime. Although some infant defects like being born with a cleft palate have been reported with some mental health drugs, an increase in folic acid and careful monitoring aids immensely.
Possible Medical Risks for Egg Donors
If you decide to donate your eggs, there are certain egg donor risks you should consider. Because egg stimulation requires donors to receive hormones, the side effects of these drugs can include nausea, headaches and even mood swings much like you experience during menstruation. Some women have complained of bloating as well. Ovarian stimulation may also cause Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Although rare and affecting less than five percent of donors, if you experience extreme bloating, pain or abnormal bleeding, you should contact your physician. Treatment is relatively simple via proper care, rest and drinking a lot of water and the condition usually subsides once menstruation begins.
Seasonal Flu and Pregnancy
Because the flu can cause high temperatures and dehydration, it’s essential to get a flu shot as soon as you find out your pregnant or prior if possible. It’s also important to note that only the flu shot is safe for pregnant women—not the nasal vaccination. Any abnormality in your body can cause your baby harm and distress so do ask your OB or doctor about the flu shot and get one as soon as they are available in your region. A benefit to the flu vaccination is added protection to your baby in the womb and healthier breast milk when nursing.
Obesity and Pregnancy
If you are overweight meaning you have a body mass index higher than 30, you may experience some risks during pregnancy and delivery. During pregnancy, common problems for obese women include pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and miscarriage—especially if you are overweight during your first pregnancy. The chances you will deliver the baby via caesarean section are higher if you are overweight. It is also more common for overweight women to deliver prematurely. You may also pass on the genetic trend of obesity to your child. Talk with your doctor about your weight before becoming pregnant. He or she may refer you to a dietician to help lower your weight. Pregnancy is a joyous event, but to ensure healthy gestation and birth, speak with your OB or family doctor if you suffer from any of these medical conditions. (Pregnancy and health / shutterstock)
