Conditions and Getting Pregnant
Almost everyone has some sort of a health condition, ranging from seasonal allergies to more chronic disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid disease. But when it comes to managing them while preparing to get pregnant, things might become a bit more challenging.
A woman's uncontrolled health problems before pregnancy can directly affect her fertility as well as lead to potentially life-threatening complications during pregnancy.
Fortunately, thorough pre-pregnancy planning can substantially decrease your risks of pregnancy problems later on as well as help you prepare your body for conceiving again after difficulties. This guide will provide you with well-developed, step-by-step action plans that will come in handy as you prepare to transition into motherhood.
Pre-Pregnancy Disorders
Below you will find the list of the most common diseases that should be properly managed prior to conception. Each guide reviews the effects of a given disorder on your fertility as well as on your and your baby's well-being. It then offers a detailed action plan containing specific goals and recommendations in order to keep your health issue in check and ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Diabetes
It is a condition which leads to abnormal blood sugar levels and can result in serious pregnancy complications. Your goal is to reach and maintain stable glucose levels before conceiving.
Endometriosis
One of the most common causes of pregnancy problems and infertility, endometriosis is a condition in which the uterine lining grows out the uterus. Your goal is to resolve hormonal imbalance, improve menstruation, and restore fertility.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a health problem that affects women of childbearing age, causing infertility. Your goal is to resolve hormonal imbalance and restore ovulation, thus increasing your chances of conceiving.
Thyroid Disease
Uncontrolled thyroid disease can decrease fertility, affect pregnancy, and can be reason for serious concerns. Your goal is to stabilize thyroid and reproductive hormones to regulate menstruation and boost fertility.
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid is a significant problem capable of inhibiting women's pregnancy plans. Your pre-conception goal is to regulate your menstrual cycle and optimize ovulation by balancing your thyroid and reproductive hormones.
Hypothyroidism
Women having issues with underactive thyroid are more likely to suffer from infertility and pregnancy problems. Your goal is to balance your thyroid and reproductive hormones to increase your odds of conceiving.
Obesity
It is a condition of having excess body fat, which is a known risk factor for infertility and pregnancy complications. Your goal is to reduce its negative effects by reaching a healthy BMI before conception.
Asthma
It is a chronic respiratory disease affecting the lungs that can be problematic during pregnancy. Your goal is to reduce the number of asthma attacks and their negative effects on pregnancy.
Lupus
This chronic autoimmune disease can put your pregnancy at risk for serious complications. Your goal before getting pregnant is to reduce inflammation and the frequency of lupus flares.
Sickle Cell Disease
It's a group of genetic conditions that can be passed on to children from parents, thus requiring special care before pregnancy. Your goal is to reduce the episodes of symptoms exacerbation called sickle crises.
Eating Disorders
Conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating can disrupt menstruation, making it difficult to conceive and support pregnancy. Your goal is to treat your eating disorder to regulate your menstruation and ensure proper nutrition.
Hepatitis
It is a liver disease caused by a virus that can be passed on to a child and cause pregnancy complications. Your goal is to improve your liver's health and boost fertility before getting pregnant.
HIV
Because of the high risk of viral transmission, HIV must be suppressed with medications to prevent pregnancy problems. Your goal is to reduce the viral load and improve your overall well-being before getting pregnant.
Herpes Simplex
As one of the most common sex-related diseases, herpes can be transmitted to the child during delivery. Your goal is to improve your liver function and overall health before conceiving.
STDs
Certain sexually transmitted diseases not only decrease your chances of getting pregnant but might also cause health issues in your baby. Your goal is to manage your STDs to restore fertility and prevent complications.
Preconception Care
Ideally, you should start your preparations for pregnancy 3 to 6 months before actually getting pregnant. While that is not always possible, the more effort you dedicate into managing your chronic health issues before conceiving, the higher your chances of going through pregnancy without complications.
Preconception care is designed to regulate your ovulation, increase your fertility, and reduce the risks commonly associated with pregnancy problems. It might include a wide range of practices, such as taking prenatal vitamins and implementing healthy lifestyle habits, like a healthy diet, exercise, and supplements, such as Macafem.
Key Takeaways
Getting pregnant with chronic health conditions or after difficulties does not necessarily mean that your pregnancy will be complicated. However, it does mean that you need more specialized care before and during pregnancy as you might be at an increased risk of developing problems. Studies have shown that carefully timed preconception care can significantly reduce that risk, helping women to bring their babies to term safely.