Your Pre Pregnancy Health.

Can I have a successful pregnancy even though I have chronic health problems?
Yes, in many cases. Women with health problems can have successful pregnancies and healthy babies. It is very important for you to discuss your particular situation with your doctor before becoming pregnant. Follow his or her instructions carefully.

I have diabetes, and I really want to have a baby. Is it possible?
Progress has been made in handling diabetes during pregnancy; however, diabetes can still have serious effects during pregnancy. Risks to you and your baby can be decreased with good control of your blood sugar. Discuss your concerns with your doctor before you try to conceive.
How long must the diabetes be under control before I get pregnant?
The longer the better, but most doctors recommend 2 or 3 months before pregnancy begins. This helps lower the risk of miscarriage. It may also prevent problems with fetal development.

Will pregnancy affect my insulin requirements?
Pregnancy can increase your body's need for insulin.
When do most pregnancy problems occur for diabetic women?
Most problems occur during the 1 st trimester—the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. However, problems can occur throughout pregnancy, so it's important to have your diabetes under good control before you conceive. A woman's insulin requirement often increases in the last 13 weeks of pregnancy.

Will pregnancy affect my asthma?
There is no way to predict ahead of time if pregnancy will affect your asthma. About 50% of women see no change in their asthma during pregnancy. About 25% have improved symptoms, while 25% have increased problems.

Is my asthma medication safe to take during pregnancy?
Most medications prescribed for asthma are safe to use during pregnancy. Discuss your medication use with your doctor.

Is there anything else I can do to avoid asthma problems?
Avoid substances that trigger your asthma attacks, such as particular foods or anything you are allergic to.

I have high blood pressure, and I want to get pregnant. How will my blood pressure affect pregnancy?
High blood pressure can cause problems for the mother and baby. These include kidney damage, stroke or headaches in the mother-to-be and decreased blood flow to the fetus. The decreased blood flow can cause intrauterine-growth restriction (inadequate growth of the fetus).

Can I continue taking my blood-pressure medication during pregnancy?
Some medications are safe to take during pregnancy; others are not. Do not stop or decrease any medication on your own! Discuss your situation with your doctor.

I've had heart problems for quite a while, but I want to have a baby. Is this dangerous?
Some heart problems may be serious during pregnancy and require special care. Other heart problems may affect your health so adversely that your physician will advise against pregnancy. Discuss this serious question with your heart specialist and your obstetrician before you get pregnant.
I have lupus, and my kidneys were affected by my first flareup.

Is this a serious consideration before I get pregnant?
Any situation that results in loss of kidney function can be serious during pregnancy. Be sure your physician knows about this situation before you get pregnant. You will need to make a plan to follow during your pregnancy.

My mother always warned me not to try to have a baby because I have epilepsy. Should I avoid pregnancy?
We can't answer this question without knowing your full medical history. Some seizure medications are safe to take during pregnancy, and women with epilepsy have had successful pregnancies.

What kind of seizure medication is safest to take during pregnancy?
Phenobarbital has long been regarded as safe to use during pregnancy, but this is now being questioned. Discuss its use or the use of other medications with your physician, but do not discontinue or decrease your medication on your own!

I've been anemic in the past. Should I start taking iron now?
Your doctor can check you for anemia. Pregnancy puts great demands on your body's iron supplies. Many women start taking vitamins or iron before getting pregnant. Because you have had a problem in the past, it's better to discuss this with your doctor before pregnancy.

I use hydroxyurea for sickle cell anemia. Can I continue to use it while I try to get pregnant?
This medication has proved to be the first effective treatment of sickle cell anemia. It helps reduce the excruciating pain of some sickle cell attacks, but its use carries some risk and it cannot be given to all sickle cell sufferers. We do not know the long-term effects of the drug, so women contemplating pregnancy should not use it.

I take medication for a thyroid problem. Do I need to change the dosage or stop taking it if I want to get pregnant?
Don't make any changes without first consulting your doctor. Medication for thyroid problems is very important during pregnancy.

Will an occasional bladder infection before pregnancy cause problems during pregnancy?
It shouldn't, so don't be alarmed if you have a bladder or urinary-tract infection before or during pregnancy.

My friend had surgery for breast cancer a few months ago, and now she's talking about getting pregnant. Is that dangerous?
This is an individual problem and depends on the seriousness of her cancer and the type of treatment your friend received. It is very important for your friend to talk to her doctor if she is thinking about getting pregnant and she is being treated for cancer. It is much easier and safer for the woman to make decisions about treatments or medications before becoming pregnant than after.

I've been having a lot of back problems and my orthopedic surgeon wants to do some X-rays, a CT-scan and an MRI. Should I have them before I get pregnant?
Yes, these tests should be completed while you are still using contraception, before you consider conceiving. A good time to schedule these tests is right after the end of your period so you know you're not pregnant.

I just got a vaccination for rubella. Is it OK to stop my birth control and try to get pregnant?
No. Some vaccinations are safe during pregnancy, and some are not. Most physicians believe it's wise to continue contraception for at least 3 months after receiving any type of vaccination.

I often have to take medications for various problems. Can you give me some good advice about medication use before pregnancy?
Be cautious with your use of medications while you prepare for pregnancy and while you are trying to conceive. Follow the guidelines in the box below for safe use.

I often take vitamins and herbs. Can I continue to take them while I prepare for pregnancy?
It's not a good idea to self-medicate while preparing for pregnancy or during your pregnancy. In excessive amounts, certain vitamins, such as vitamin A, can increase the risk of birth defects. A multivitamin is the only supplementation most women need while they are trying to conceive.