The dangers associated with alcohol use and particularly misuse is well known in pregnancy. Not only does it jeopardize the pregnancy, but also the health of the fetus contributing to a host of congenital disorders and defects beyond fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). However, many women are unaware of the impact of alcohol use on reproductive health. This is not isolated to women – excessive alcohol consumption can have far reaching effects on both genders. With women, alcohol misuse may lead to disturbances in the menstrual cycle, affect fertility and possibly contribute to permanent damage of the reproductive organs.
Teenage pregnancy, whether intended or unintentional, carries some potential risks with it, both for the mother and the baby. The most important consideration is that a teen’s body, particularly in the early teenage years, is not mature enough to deal with the changes that are inevitable with pregnancy. Adolescence is the time of normal growth and development of the body. If at this time, additional strain is put on the body as a result of pregnancy, the teen’s body may not be fully equipped to cope with such a situation. This physical strain, compounded with emotional and social issues, especially in case of unmarried teens, may pose various threats to the pregnancy as well as health of the mother and her child.
Any pregnancy exceeding 42 completed weeks from the last menstrual period (LMP) is known as a prolonged pregnancy or post-term pregnancy. Without proper management, postmaturity carries risk of perinatal mortality, which includes stillbirth and death of the baby due to problems during delivery. Accurate assessment of gestational age is important to prevent misdiagnosis. First trimester ultrasound may be a better way of assessing duration of pregnancy rather than LMP. Recurrence is possible in subsequent pregnancies.
E. coli or Escherichia coli are normal inhabitants of the human intestinal tract and vagina. Of the many strains of E. coli, most are harmless, but certain species can cause serious illnesses of the digestive and genitourinary system. Diarrhea or urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by E. coli may become severe at any time but such infections occurring during pregnancy may be dangerous for both mother and baby.
These days many women are aware of the side effects and contraindications associated with drugs, either prescription or non-prescription medicines, and how it can affect their pregnancy adversely. However, with the list of teratogenic substances growing, it is important to have a greater understanding of how the fetus may be affected rather than just avoiding specific drugs and related substances.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are two important causes of infertility and women suffering from either condition may be concerned about their chance of falling pregnant. However, treatment options are available which may increase the chance of pregnancy in women eager to conceive.
Frequent bowel movements (more than three times a day) with passage of loose, watery, or unformed stools of more than 200 grams per day is known as diarrhea. It should be taken seriously in a pregnant woman, especially if it continues for more than two days. The causes may be varied but it is important to guard against the danger of dehydration, for which treatment should be initiated promptly.
Many women become anxious about vaginal discharge during pregnancy but usually the discharge may be considered normal if it is odorless, thin in consistency and white in color. However, vaginal discharge that is yellowish or greenish in color, looks like cottage cheese or has an unpleasant smell may indicate an infection, especially if accompanied by vaginal itching. A blood stained or brownish discharge may be a cause for concern too and needs to be brought to the doctor’s notice.
Whether air travel is safe during pregnancy is a question that worries a lot of would-be moms. Concerns about whether it will have any adverse effect on the pregnancy such as a miscarriage or early delivery or if it can harm the baby in any way is normal. Generally speaking, in case of an uncomplicated pregnancy, travel by air is considered to be absolutely safe.
All pregnant women should be routinely screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you fall in the high-risk category for developing diabetes during pregnancy, you will need to be tested for diabetes as soon as you become pregnant and later again at 24 to 28 weeks.
An oral glucose tolerance test involves drinking 50g of glucose solution and your blood sugar is tested after one hour. If screening is positive, you will need to take another glucose tolerance test. This will be done after you have been advised to take an unlimited carbohydrate diet for 3 days, overnight fasting, and resting for 30 minutes before the test.
