Pregnancy health issues

Some women have health issues which need special attention during pregnancy...

Asthma

If you suffer from asthma, how you are affected during pregnancy can vary. You may find the condition improves or you may notice no difference at all. However, if you find your asthma gets worse, it's important that you check with your doctor. The medicines used to treat asthma are safe for your baby. However, if asthma is poorly controlled, there is a risk of your baby not growing well. Your doctor may want to monitor your asthma control more closely during your pregnancy. For more advice, log on to www.asthma.org.uk/adviceline.

Epilepsy

Researchers aren’t sure whether pregnancy affects the frequency of epileptic fits. Any anti-convulsant drugs you’re taking may need adjusting while you’re pregnant. All anti-convulsants are risky for your unborn baby, but the risk of not taking the drugs is at least as great and may be greater. Generally, as long as pregnancy does not bring on an increase in the number of fits, most doctors leave the pre-pregnancy medication alone. You may be more likely to have pregnancy complications, and problems with your developing baby, so you should be offered a detailed anomaly scan (see Week 18) and be under the care of an obstetrician and a consultant specialising in epilepsy.

Diabetes

If you already had insulin-dependent diabetes before this pregnancy, it’s very important to control your blood sugar levels well now. You’ll receive advice on your insulin regime, diet and exercise. Monitor your blood glucose levels carefully; it may be necessary to increase the number of insulin injections. Your pregnancy and your baby are at higher risk, so your care will be shared between your diabetes specialist and your antenatal care team.

High blood pressure

Your blood pressure will be monitored carefully to check that pregnancy doesn’t cause it to rise even more, putting you and the baby at risk. Anti- hypertensive drugs being taken before pregnancy may need to be monitored and the dose adjusted. Your baby’s growth will be monitored carefully by regular ultrasound scans.

There are specialist support groups, which can give advice and information if you need special care. Check out 'Who can help?' and visit www.bounty.com for more details.

 

Comments

Submitted by lucylocket1979 on Fri, 15/04/2011 - 15:17.
Hi, I'm 13 weeks wth my second child. Totally different pregnancy so far. Felt very sick all day long until a week ago, fatigue, bleeding gums, constipation, nose bleeds....lovely! I too am very cold most of the time. Never heard of that as a side effect before, but see some people are feeling the same.
Submitted by Benton1985 on Wed, 13/04/2011 - 14:07.
Hi Shellie, I'm around 6 weeks with my second child and I am also feeling cold most of the time and I'm sure I wasn't with my first, I don't have any sickness either but had a little with my first but can't remember when it started.
Submitted by shelliemarie87 on Tue, 12/04/2011 - 17:10.
hi ladys am new to all this i have just found out that am expecting am about 5-6 weeks am not having anymoring sickness yet am am often very cold in the day is this normal as when i was expecting my first child i had morning sickness quite bad and i cant remember if i was cold alot
Submitted by Nargi1 on Mon, 11/04/2011 - 11:59.
Hi Im about six weeks pregnant and suffering from constant headaches and dizziness I feel so tierd. I dont want to have iron tablets because of side effects does anyone know if there are alternative foods/supplements? I don't feel like going out because I have spots. Can I buy a regular acne face wash or do I have to ask my doctor to prescribe me something? My breasts are slightly painful does this mean I need to get measured again and how many times during pregnancy? I would greatly appreciate any advice Thanks =)
Submitted by firth17 on Tue, 02/11/2010 - 06:15.
hi just found out i am 5 weeks pregnant been on fertilty tablets for 3 months. just abit worried till i go for my 7 weeks scan as i had a misscarriage at 3 months,6 months ago and i haue a girl who is nearly 18 how werid is that. but i belive this one will br ok.
Submitted by SHAREEN69 on Mon, 01/11/2010 - 20:49.
hi ladies am 27 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby and i think i have had a show i am really concerned and wondered if any1 else has had anything like this?
Submitted by preggypaterson on Mon, 06/09/2010 - 14:15.
Hi culzean - feeling the need to wee alot is common in pregnancy, it is your baby growing and pushing down on your bladder giving the illusion you need to go, however your concerned at all, speak to your midwife or gp. Hope this helps
Submitted by culzean on Sat, 04/09/2010 - 12:02.
hey ladies im only 5 weeks and last night and this afternoon i feel like im always wanting to go to the toilet but don't always need to go and feel uncomfortablebut not in pain is this normal ...
Submitted by LindMJ on Fri, 30/07/2010 - 16:13.
i would definatley advise you to go to your gp ive had headaches and migranes for the past two months, im 22 weeks and they will totally drain you. your gp can give you pain relief until your 27 weeks im currently on 30/500 co -codamol, which takes the edge off for me but everyones different. definatley make sure your drinking plenty of fluids and regualr snacks if your not hungry as blood sugar can be quiet low if your not able to eat properly. i would also recomend iron supplements and low iron levels can make you feel really tired, drained and could contribute to sevre headaches. hope this helps.
Submitted by geekinthepinkk on Mon, 12/04/2010 - 11:14.
hey, I'm 3 months gone and I'm worried about my weight loss I've lost a stone in about 3 weeks, I am eating much more to so i am concerned, does anyone know if this is something i should be worried about ?
 

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