Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that that results in significant weight loss and dehydration. The mother may need to be hospitalized to receive nutrients and fluids intravenously or medications to help with the nausea.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops when blood sugar levels get too high. Symptoms include frequent urination, nausea, thirst and tiredness. Some women do not notice any symptoms. Gestational diabetes can cause the baby to be larger than normal and a complicate delivery or delivery by cesarean section (C-Section). Doctors screen for gestational diabetes around 24 - 28 weeks of pregnancy or earlier for women with high risk. Treatment includes diet and exercise or medication and insulin shots to control blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and child. Gestational diabetes goes away after delivery and your doctor will prescribe tests to confirm.
Placenta Previa
The placenta provides the baby with oxygen and nutrients and removes waste. The placenta usually attaches to the top of the uterus but with placenta previa, it attaches to the lower part of the uterus and partially or totally covers the cervix which is the opening that allows the baby to be born. Symptoms include bleeding, contractions, rapid weak pulse, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure. Some women do not experience any symptoms. Doctor use ultrasound or physical examination to diagnose placenta previa. There is no treatment. Doctors will monitor the mother and baby and deliver the baby by C-section as close to the due date as the health of the mother and developed of the baby will allow.
Pre- eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia causes very high blood pressure in pregnant women typically after the 20th week of pregnancy. Doctors will test for kidney and liver function to determine whether it's high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia. Symptoms include retaining water that causes weight gain and swelling of hands and feet, headache, blurry vision, abdominal pain and shortness of breath. Doctors will prescribe medications to reduce blood pressure and delay delivery to give the baby time to develop as fully as possible. Mothers who suffer pre-eclampsia during pregnancy are at risk for heart disease later in life. Pre-eclampsia goes away after delivery.
It is important to see your doctor as soon as you become pregnant. Keeping all your all your appointments is key for your doctor to monitor your progress and perform screenings at the appropriate time. Early pre-natal care is important for early detection of these conditions. In all 4 cases that I have described, if detected early, monitoring and treatment will ensure best care for mother and child.
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