Problems During Pregancy

Problems during pregnancy are frightening, but physicians can investigate unusual symptoms and treat conditions that may threaten the baby's health. According to The American Pregnancy Association, screening for disorders and infections can prevent premature labor in mothers and long-term disabilities in newborns.

Physical Problems

• Incompetent cervix is diagnosed with ultrasound during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, and can cause premature labor. Treatment involves stitching the cervix closed, or cerclage. The stitches are removed after the 35th week of pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes

• Blood glucose levels can rise during pregnancy in women who had no glucose problems before. In mid cases, levels are controlled with diet and exercise. Severe cases require insulin.

HELLP

• HELLP--also known as hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets counts--is often associated with pre-eclampsia. HELLP syndrome causes severe headaches, nausea and vomiting that intensifies over time. Test will reveal protein in the urine. HELLP syndrome disappears a few days after the baby is born.

Bacterial Infections

• Group B Streptococcal infections can pass from mother to newborn. An infected newborn is treated with antibiotics to prevent pneumonia, kidney problems and meningitis.

Sexually Transmitted Disease

• Sexually transmitted diseases can transfer to the baby during labor and delivery. HPV may lead to warts in the baby's throat requiring surgical removal.

  Babies born to mothers carrying Hepatitis B must receive treatment within an hour of birth. Otherwise, 90 percent of these children become disease carriers for life.

  Babies infected with syphilis are treated with antibiotics, preventing lifelong physical and mental problems.

Prevention/Solutions

• Be truthful with your doctor. She needs to know of any sexually transmitted diseases you have had to watch for a recurrence. Report unusual fatigue, swelling or dark urine. Even with complications, you can still have a healthy baby.