Special problems during pregnancy
If
you develop a medical condition that is cause for concern during your
pregnancy, you’ll have more prenatal checkups with your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife.
Sometimes, problems that crop
up during later pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia, require hospitalization so
that your condition and the health of your growing baby can be monitored
carefully. In other cases, your caregiver may wish to see you on a daily basis
for monitoring.
For
women with a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure,
controlling the condition and seeking medical advice prior to pregnancy is
advisable. Your pregnancy care may need to be more specialized, in order to
take into account your health problem.
Accidents
or infections can also be the cause of problems during pregnancy. Some
complications are caused by failing to seek appropriate medical care early on
in pregnancy, or by lifestyle choices that impact upon your developing baby (smoking or drinking alcohol, for example). Have a look at
gurgle's Lifestyle section for more details on how
to avoid these problems.
Finally,
having one complicated pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean that subsequent
pregnancies will be the same, just as a difficult first delivery doesn’t mean
your second will be problematic. If you’re concerned about any aspect of your
pregnancy health, discuss your worries with your caregiver.
The information in this feature is intended for
educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the
health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a
doctor or other healthcare professional.