In the 1970s, women with lupus were often advised against becoming pregnant because of associated complications that can make pregnancies with lupus dangerous to both mothers and babies. Today, doctors recognize that with proper medical oversight and careful timing, most women with lupus can have a successful pregnancy (1). However, it is important to note…
Women with sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait (those who are carriers of the gene that causes sickle cell disease) can often have safe and healthy pregnancies, but there are certain risks that are important to know about. If doctors fail to consider these risks or mismanage associated complications, this can harm the mother…
New Study Finds Benefits of Repeat Prenatal Corticosteroid Treatments Infants born prematurely (before 37 weeks gestation) face numerous risks that those born at term do not. They may experience breathing problems, brain problems, heart problems, temperature control problems, immune system problems, and other short-term issues that usually require a stay in the NICU (1). Furthermore,…
“When I found out I was pregnant, I was overjoyed, but also apprehensive,” writes Erin E. Andrews, in an article for the American Psychological Association (1). She goes on to explain: “I am a congenital triple amputee who uses a power wheelchair for mobility. I was less concerned about the effects of my disability, and…
High-risk pregnancies require more careful monitoring and follow-up to watch for developing complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. There are a lot of reasons a pregnancy might be considered high-risk. Some women enter a pregnancy high-risk, while others start out with a low-risk pregnancy but develop complications that put them in the high-risk category. Once…
Mark your calendars, because it’s Preeclampsia Awareness Month! This event seeks to educate the public about this potentially life-threatening condition and disseminate information regarding when pregnant women should talk to their doctors about the health risks that can accompany it. Preeclampsia Affects a Sizeable Portion of Pregnancies Preeclampsia (high blood pressure that appears during pregnancy,…
Exercise may protect babies from the harmful effects of preeclampsia & high blood pressure, both of which can cause birth injuries if mismanaged Preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy are very serious conditions that, if mismanaged, can cause a baby to have brain damage and birth injuries such as cerebral palsy. High blood…
