Chronic Illness Can a chronic illness affect me or my growing baby?

Chronic ilnesses during pregnancy
There are certain chronic illnesses and diseases that can cause complications during a woman's pregnancy. In the past it was recommended that women who suffered from certain illnesses refrain from pregnancy. Fortunately, the advances in healthcare have shown that women can still have successful pregnancies and deliveries, even with chronic illnesses.

If you suffer from asthma there is no way of telling if your symptoms will get better or worse. Statistics show that approximately half of all women that suffer from asthma have no change in their asthma symptoms during pregnancy. However, 25% notice that their symptoms worsen and yet another 25% say that their symptoms actually improve during their pregnancy. Try to avoid the substances that make your asthma worse. Ask your doctor about your medication before stopping or starting while you are pregnant.

Women that have cancer and are being treated should avoid pregnancy. Cancer treatments are made to destroy rapidly dividing cells and the treatment may mistake the fetus as a cell. This could cause birth defects, miscarriage or even stillbirth. Unforunately, some women will learn that they have cancer at the start of their pregnancy. If this happens, your doctor may suggest that the pregnany be terminated so that treatment can begin.

Because of the advances in modern medicine, women that already have diabetes can usually have a successful pregnancy with the proper care. There are extra risks involved when a pregnant mother has diabetes. It is important that your doctor take into consideration the medications that are being taken to control the condition. Some medications do have to be changed or discontinued during pregnancy. If kidney damage is a problem from the diabetes, pregnancy can often make the damage worse.

There are approximately 800,000 women of childbearing age living with epilepsy. If you are epileptic, there are additional concerns regarding pregnancy. Because of the convulsions that occur with epilepsy, it is important that women do not stop their medications. However, the medications are not safe to use during pregnancy and pose a great threat to a developing baby. Minor birth defects to fetal death have occured. If you have been seizure free for quite some time, you may not need to take the medicine during your pregnancy.

Many women that have lupus are concerned with the risks involved with pregnancy. In the past, it was recommended that women with lupus avoid pregnancy and terminate if conception were to occur. While 50% of all lupus pregnancies have minimal or no complications, another 50% result in premature delivery or miscarriage/stillbirth. Women that suffer from lupus and have central nervous system, heart, lung or kidney involvement are still generally discouraged from becoming pregnant. Mos women that have lupus will be placed in a high risk category because of the increased liklihood of developing complications during pregnancy. Often times, antibodies can cause blood clots in the placenta and this can result in miscarriage because the baby can not devleop properly. Like any medications, you should discuss your medicines with your caregiver if you are pregnancy or intend to become pregnant.

Women that suffer from multiple sclerosis do not have to worry about their condition during pregnancy. Research shows that being pregnant does not have any adverse effects with the condition. Because there is a wide variety and severity levels of symptoms for multiple sclerosis, it is important to consider how and if you will be able to care for a child. For some, the disease can help with flare-ups during the pregnancy. However, for the first six months after delivery you will want to take special precautions because this is the most likely time for flare ups.



Comments: Chronic Illness

Comments 1 to 10 of about 10.


NZmum - 35 days ago.
does anyone have Crohn's Disease?

sommerrae - 64 days ago.
anyone been treated for Hep C and preganat after treatment?

jacquichan - 91 days ago.
Anyone here with fibro?

loveAtFirstBump - 116 days ago.
Does anyone take Lamictal for epilepsy? I take 250mg everyday. My doctor doesn’t give a flying F*** about me and I’m left wondering what the heck is going to happen to me and my baby. I have not seen a doctor since the blood tests were done to confirm my pregnancy. My ultrasound is scheduled for Feb. 11th…it’s a 5 month wait and I think it’s kind if weird that he never expressed concern about my taking medication. I just read on this page that epileptic medication is dangerous and that the risk for birth defects and DS is increased. I’m going to see him this week to discuss the medication. I don’t want to find out after the fact that an increase in vitamins could have prevented a birth defect. I can’t even begin to explain how angry I am right now.

smullen36 - 132 days ago.
pot belly- I have had 2 mc's. After the second they found out I was ana positive. Seeing a Perinatologist who is treating me like i have Lupus. I do not have the cloting prob like you so far but my rheumatologist says it can appear at anytime. They are just monitoring me. I was told that if I made it past first trimester then I have a great chance of not miscarrying but I can have complications in 3rd trimester like premature birth, low birthweight, BP issues, kidney issues etc. I have had many heart palps but had them pre prego but are worse. Just monitoring me. I keep expecting to lose this one but slowly I am getting excited. I know God will choose what is best even if it means not a good outcome. I am encouraged for you that you are out of your 1st trimester and are still prego! Congrats. My freind has Rheumatoid arthritis and that clotting factor you have and has had a lot 3 miscarriages that she knows of. we are both 38 so I am sure our ages is an issue as well. Good luck to you.

pot-belly-pig - 150 days ago.
I have anit-phosolipid syndrome or uterine lupus. I take aspirin and lovenox to keep my blood thin and prevent clots. Presently i am 16w 4d with my 5th pregnancy. I have had 4 miscarriages. Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

mattiesbaby - 153 days ago.
I have epilepsy, and was advised not to go off my meds for my pregnancy. There are more risks because of it. I had greater chances for spina bifida and downs, but everything is looking great for my baby boy. I take 4000 micrograms of folic acid each day which is 10 times the normal amount my ob gives other pregnant ladies. Good luck girls!

pepipoodle - 163 days ago.
My MS stays the same during pregnancy doesn't improve or get worse but my FMS asthma and SPD get worse duringn pregnancy so that's why we weren't going to have anymore children and thats why i had a mirena coil fitted which unfortunately has come dislodged and lost so now i am 6 weeks pregnant and happy for the surprise but worried aswell . I have to have a c section this time aswell as my uterine wall is too thin but even when i have epidural c section i have to have oxygen for at least 24 hours after . So sorry to hear about your loss Mickey ... Hope all goes well ladies ... Sarah xx

mommy.to.many - 165 days ago.
Sry to hear about your loss Mickey. I don't have the disorder you were describing but do have Systemic Lupus and that is why I was posting here. Didn't know if there was anyone else with Lupus on here.

MickeyAndTrent - 184 days ago.
Hey there, I am currently 34 weeks pregnant, Terrified 'yes' Excited 'yes' Last year my son passed away at only 31 weeks pregnant, I found out 2 months later the reason why my son passed,I have a Blood Clotting Disorder 'Factor V Leiden' I now have to take 'Clexain' shoots in my leg to stop me from getting clots again. Its pretty scary and I cant wait to have her out! I just keep thinking its goin to happen aagin. I havent yet met any one with the same situation, so i was just wondering if there was any one out there with the same disorder... Anyway appart from that, im swollen, fat and my back hurts!! :)5 weeks left and It seems to be dragginggggggggggggg.. MIckey





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