Effects of Chronic Diseases

Pregnancy is an exciting time but also a time for many concerns and anxieties. If you are pregnant and also suffer from a chronic health condition, you may have a heightened sense of anxiety.

First of all let us assure you that many women with chronic health conditions have fairly successful pregnancies, without suffering from any undue complications. However, it is true that there is a risk of some of these conditions worsening during pregnancy. It is therefore very important that you discuss your condition with your doctor before you become pregnant. Your doctor will then advise you on what to expect as also on how you can manage your disease before and during your pregnancy.

Most often, chronic health conditions are treated with the help of medication. While some medications are safe to use in pregnancy, many are not. This makes it imperative for you to discuss your condition with your doctor and understand whether the medication being given to you is safe for use during pregnancy or not. If it is not, you need to know other options so that you can control your chronic conditions and not let it affect your pregnancy.

Let us now look at the effects that some chronic conditions can have on pregnancy.


Diabetes: It is generally more difficult for women suffering from diabetes to get pregnant. Also, they are at a greater risk of suffering from miscarriages as also giving birth to babies with birth defects. However, with the help of an eating plan that helps to keep the blood sugar in the normal range, one can considerably reduce the risk of complications arising during pregnancy.

Asthma: It is still not certain what effect asthma has on pregnancy; while for some women asthma gives rise to no complications, others notice a worsening of their state during an asthma attack. Most anti-asthma remedies should be safe for use during pregnancy. However, it is strongly recommended that you consult your doctor regarding any medication that you have been prescribed and ensure that it is safe for you to use during your pregnancy.

Hypertension: Many women find that they are suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure when they visit their doctor for their first prenatal visit. Further, many women with mild hypertension go on to have successful pregnancies without suffering from any undue complications. However, women with chronic hypertension are at an increased risk for pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia can cause damage to the kidneys and liver though this damage heals itself once the baby is delivered. If the pre-eclampsia is severe, the risk of internal bleeding increases. Most women develop pre-eclampsia without exhibiting any symptoms. It is therefore very important that your blood pressure be constantly monitored if you are suffering from hypertension. The only treatment for pre-eclampsia is the delivery of the baby. Bed rest and some medication may also be prescribed.

 Heart and Kidney Diseases: During pregnancy, the load on your heart and kidney increases and may worsen your condition. Discuss ways in which you can manage your condition during pregnancy with your doctor, particularly regarding what medication to take.

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