Women can develop disorders during pregnancy that increase the risk of problems for the pregnant woman and/or the fetus. In this article you will read about a few of those disorders which include:
• High fever
• Infections
• Disorders that require abdominal surgery
Examples of disorders more likely to occur during pregnancy because of the changes pregnancy cause in a woman's body include:
• Thromboembolic disease
• Anemia
• Urinary tract infections
Fevers in Pregnant Women
If a pregnant woman develops a temperature greater than 103 degrees F during the 1st trimester, risk of miscarriage and defects of the brain or spinal cord in the baby are increased. If a pregnant woman develops fever later in pregnancy it can increase the risk of preterm labor.
Infections in Pregnant Women
There are some infections that occur coincidentally during pregnancy that can cause birth defects. Examples are:
• German measles (rubella) that can cause birth defects especially of the heart and inner ear
• Cytomegalovirus infection can damage the fetus's liver and brain
Other viral infections that may harm the fetus or cause birth defects include:
• Herpes simplex
• Chickenpox (varicella)
Protozoal infections that may cause miscarriage, death of fetus or serious birth defects include:
• Toxoplasmosis
Bacterial infections of the vagina that may lead to preterm labor or premature rupture of the membranes containing the fetus include:
• Bacterial vaginosis
Treatment of infections with antibiotics may reduce the likelihood of these problems.
Disorders that require surgery during pregnancy are usually delayed as long as possible unless the woman's long-term health may be affected. Examples are:
• Appendicitis: Surgery to remove the appendix is performed immediately because a ruptured appendix may be fatal. An appendectomy is not likely to harm the fetus or cause a miscarriage. The problem lies with diagnosing appendicitis during pregnancy because the cramping pain of appendicitis resembles uterine contractures that are common during pregnancy.
• Ovarian cyst: If an ovarian cyst persists during pregnancy, surgery is usually postponed until after the 12th week of pregnancy. Sometimes the cyst producing hormones supports the pregnancy and will disappear without treatment. If the cyst or another mass enlarges, surgery may be necessary before the 12th week. A mass such as this may be cancer.
• Intestinal obstruction: This can be serious during pregnancy. If the obstruction leads to gangrene of the intestine and peritonitis, a woman may miscarry and her life is endangered. Exploratory surgery is usually performed promptly for pregnant women experiencing symptoms of intestinal obstruction. This is especially true if the woman has had abdominal surgery or an abdominal infection.
• Thromboembolic Disease: Is the leading cause of death in pregnant women in the United States. This disease manifests itself with blood clots forming in the blood vessels that may travel through the bloodstream and block an artery. There is risk of developing thromboembolic disease for about 6 to 8 weeks after delivery. Complications due to blood clots usually result from injuries that occur during delivery. This risk is much greater after a cesarean section than after vaginal delivery.
Blood clots usually form in the superficial veins of the legs or in the deep veins. Symptoms include:
• Swelling
• Pain in the calves
• Tenderness in the calves
Severity of symptoms does not correlate with the severity of the disease. If a clot moves from the legs to the lungs it may block one or more arteries in the lungs. The blockage is called pulmonary embolism and can be life threatening. If a clot blocks an artery supplying the brain, a stroke may result. Blood clots can also develop in the pelvis area.
Blood clots can be prevented from forming in women who have had a blood clot during a previous pregnancy. Heparin (an anticoagulant) during subsequent pregnancies helps prevent blood clots.
Women who have symptoms suggesting a blood clot are often given a Doppler ultrasonography to check for clots. Heparin can be started without delay if a blood clot is detected. Treatment continues for 6 to 8 weeks after delivery if the risk of blood clots is high. After delivery, there are other drugs that may be used.
