Overview of disease during pregnancy

[Tanya Shivari]

During pregnancy, having a disorder can increase the risk of problems. The disorder may be one that

Women had before they became pregnant (preexisting disorders)
Develops during the pregnancy but is not directly related to the pregnancy
Is more likely to occur during pregnancy

Diabetes and high blood pressure are examples of preexisting disorders that increase the risk of problems during pregnancy. If women who have such a disorder wish to become pregnant, they should first talk with a doctor and try to get in the best physical condition possible before they become pregnant. After such women become pregnant, they may need special care, often from an interdisciplinary team. The team may include an obstetrician (who may also be a specialist in care of the disorder during pregnancy), a specialist in the disorder, and other health care practitioners (such as nutritionists).
Sometimes disorders that are not directly related to pregnancy develop during pregnancy. Some of them increase the risk of problems for pregnant women or the fetus. They include

Disorders that cause a high fever
Infections
Disorders that require abdominal surgery

Some disorders are more likely to occur during pregnancy because of the many changes pregnancy causes in a woman’s body. Examples are

Blood clots in the legs or lungs (thromboembolic disorders)
Anemia
Urinary tract infections