Pre-Existing Medical Conditions That Can Affect Your Pregnancy

Planning for a pregnancy with a pre-existing medical condition, can make things a little complicated. It is important to talk to your doctor before getting pregnant or once you find out, so that he can alter your dosage or drugs.

Here are some of the pre-existing medical conditions that can affect your pregnancy:

1. Underactive thyroid – Your doctor will probably suggest that you establish a right level of thyroxine treatment before you start trying for a baby. You will also probably have to undergo tests every month to ensure your levels are okay.

2. Asthma – Most drugs used to treat asthma are safe during pregnancy. But still consult with your Doctor regarding your condition.

3. Diabetes – If you have diabetes (1 or 2) you are at a higher risk of having a miscarriage or a baby born with a congenital abnormality. As mentioned previously, “Diabetes is a chronic illness of elevated blood sugar levels in the body. It occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin or when it is unable to utilise the insulin produced.” You can lower this risk by seeing your doctor or specialist before conceiving.

4. Migraine – Your doctor will probably have to adjust your regime before you get pregnant. The preferred choice of drugs is paracetamol. Injections are a no-no.

5. Epilepsy – The aim here is to reduce your medication to as few anti-epileptic drugs as possible. Your doctor will also advice you to increase your intake of folic acid as AEP drugs affect your body’s ability to absorb folic acid.

6. Irritable bowel syndrome – Some IBS drugs such as alverine, mebeverine and loperamide are not recommended in pregnancy. You might want to switch to natural remedies such as peppermint or fennel tea.

7. Lupus – Lupus and some of it’s treatment can severely affect pregnancy. Please consult your doctor for next steps.

WATCH: Learn about prenatal diseases

These are just several pre-existing medical conditions that can affect your pregnancy.

The best thing to do is to visit your gynaecologist and opt for a health screening before trying to conceive to see if you may have any other potential conditions that can affect your pregnancy. All the best on your pregnancy journey.

Also read: 30 pregnancy concerns

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Written by

Jasmine Yeo

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