Pre-existing Conditions
Some health issues can lead to problems before, during, and after pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider before you start trying to conceive a baby if you have a pre-existing health concern.
What are some of the most common health concerns that might affect my health during pregnancy and the health of my baby?
If you have a health concern it’s important to talk to your health care provider before you start trying to become pregnant. Together you can develop a care plan to meet your needs. Tell your health care provider about prescription medicine you’re taking as some can affect how your baby develops.
The following conditions may affect a pregnant person’s health or the health of their baby.
Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to problems before, during, and after pregnancy. Both Type I and Type II diabetes can affect how your baby’s organs develop.
Poor blood sugar control:
- can affect a baby’s size – blood sugar that isn’t well controlled can cause your baby to be larger than average, which can cause problems during birth
- may cause your baby to be born with low blood sugar
- may put babies at more risk for diabetes or being above a healthy weight later in life
Work with your health care provider to keep your blood sugars as close to your target range as possible. Because diabetes can increase the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect (e.g., spinal bifida), also talk to your health care provider about the amount of folic acid that’s right for you.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure needs to be well managed before you start trying to become pregnant. If you have high blood pressure before or during pregnancy there is an increased risk of developing a condition called pre-eclampsia. If untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to problems with kidney and liver function, blood clotting, fluid in the lungs, or seizures.
Any of these can also affect your developing baby. If your blood pressure is very high, it could keep your baby from getting enough blood and oxygen. This could limit your baby’s growth, or it could cause the placenta to pull away from the uterus too soon. It also could lead to stillbirth.
Certain prescription blood pressure medicine shouldn’t be taken when you’re pregnant as they affect your baby. Make sure your health care provider knows all the medicine you take.
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid disorders may make it harder to become pregnant. Thyroid problems can causes you to be less interested in sex and can change your menstrual cycle.
The hormone from your thyroid gland is important to your baby’s brain and nervous system. If this hormone is too high or too low it could have a serious effect on your baby’s brain or nervous system.
Talk to your health care provider about getting your thyroid levels checked if you have:
- a thyroid condition
- history of thyroid antibodies or autoimmune disorders affecting your thyroid
- a family history of thyroid problems
- had thyroid surgery
Cardiovascular Conditions
Pregnancy puts extra strain on the heart. Women who have cardiovascular conditions before becoming pregnant are at more risk of heart failure as well as issues such as an irregular heart rate. Infants of mothers born with a heart defect are also at increased risk of having a heart defect. The mother’s treatment, medicine or health concern may put her baby’s growth and development at risk.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy can be affected by pregnancy. Some women have more seizures, others have fewer. Keep taking your prescription medicines and talk to your health care provider about any changes to how you manage your epilepsy before and during pregnancy. Your epilepsy medicine may have to be changed, as some medicines can cause serious side effects or abnormalities in the baby.
Asthma
Asthma should be well controlled before you start trying to become pregnant. When asthma isn’t well controlled, the mother’s blood oxygen level can be lower than normal. This will lead to lower than normal amounts of oxygen for the baby through the placenta. This can increase the risk of bleeding during the pregnancy, preterm labour, preterm birth, preeclampsia, as well as poor growth of the baby.
When asthma is well controlled, the chances for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby are much higher. If needed, the steroids used to treat asthma are usually safe during pregnancy.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
If you have SLE, it’s best to wait until you’re in the inactive phase before trying to become pregnant. Some medicines can affect your baby’s growth and development so your medicine may have to be changed.
Blood Clotting Disorders (Thrombophilias)
If you have an inherited blood clotting disorder, talk to your health care provider before you start trying to become pregnant. The blood’s ability to clot during pregnancy may change, affecting both your health and your developing baby. Medicine you take for your disorder may need to be changed.
Oral health concerns
Good oral health is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. If you have cavities, gum disease, or other health concerns with your mouth talk to your dentist about treatment before you start trying to become pregnant. For more information talk to your dentist or dental hygienist.
Mental health conditions
It’s a good idea to speak with your health care provider before you start trying to become pregnant. Mental health conditions may be affected by pregnancy. Have a plan in place to watch for changes in your mental health. Keep taking your prescription medicines once you start trying to become pregnant.
For more information about mental health and stress, click here.
Substance Use
If you have concerns about your use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or other substances, talk to your health care provider. These can have harmful effects on a developing baby. There are ways to help you to cut down and quit before you become pregnant.
Being Above a Healthy Weight
Being above a healthy weight can increase some risks during pregnancy. Women with a BMI over 30 may be at more risk of gestational diabetes, miscarriage, preterm birth, having a larger than average baby, or certain birth defects. Talk to your health care provider about healthy ways to change your weight before you start trying to become pregnant.
Inherited health conditions
If you or your partner has a family history of an inherited health condition, it’s a good idea to talk to your health care provider about genetic counselling before trying to become pregnant.
Talking about your medical history will also help identify any areas of concern.
