Women who have pre-existing health problems like diabetes, thyroid diseases, heart diseases, kidney diseases or are very overweight before they fall pregnant may need special care during their pregnancy. If you have any of these pre-existing conditions, your treatment may need to be modified before pregnancy, so it is a good idea to have a pre-pregnancy check-up and have a plan put in place. You should remember to let your doctor know about the medications you are taking for conditions such as blood pressure and seizures as they may cause harm to your baby and need to be changed before you try for a pregnancy. Having a pre-pregnancy check-up will ensure that any health problems you have are managed well and you get a good antenatal support.
Thyroid diseases
Thyroid disorders such as uncontrolled hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels ) may cause health problems including (in severe cases) heart failure and inadequate weight gain for baby. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) if severe can pose a danger to women's health and may even result in birth defects in the baby. If left untreated, thyroid problems can therefore endanger your pregnancy and affect the growth of your baby in the womb. The good news is that if you ensure your thyroid levels are well controlled these problems can be avoided.
Diabetes
It is a advisable to have diabetes well controlled at least 3-6 months before planning your pregnancy. Normal sugar levels will greatly reduce complications to you and your baby during your pregnancy. During the pregnancy baby's health will need to be monitored carefully as well as your own.
Kidney Diseases
Women with kidney disease may have complications during pregnancy. Pregnancy may affect the course of kidney disease. In some women with kidney disease and hypertension, the function of the kidney deteriorate at a more rapid rate during pregnancy so it is important you are monitored carefully and this is picked-up early. Pre-existing kidney disease may increases the risk for pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, premature labour and intrauterine growth restriction so your baby's health will need to be monitored carefully.
