Pregnancy Girl » Pregnancy Problems

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Administrator — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:56:04 +0000

What is FAS?

Drinking any kind of alcohol during pregnancy can damage a fetus and cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Children with FAS can have physical, mental, and behavior problems. Whenever alcohol is consumed it gets into the blood system. If a pregnant women drinks alcohol, it passes from her blood system to her unborn baby through the umbilical cord. Drinking alcohol during the first stages of pregnancy can cause facial and other physical defects in the fetus. Drinking at anytime during the pregnancy carries a very high risk that the fetus will suffer stunted growth and harm to the brain. No type of alcoholic beverage is safe for a pregnant woman: beer, wine, hard liquor, any type at all.

Babies with FAS are usually born underweight. Throughout their lives they can have trouble with problem solving, learning, memory, and attention. It is possible they will have hearing difficulties, speech disorders, and be impulsive. FAS affects coordination, also.

No cure for FAS has yet been found. Children will not outgrow it. Adults with FAS more often than not have great difficulty keeping a job, staying in relationships. They often end up with legal difficulties, or in jail.

Sometimes children of mothers who drank alcohol during pregnancy do not display all the effects of FAS. They may have one or more symptoms, but not all, referred to as fetal alcohol effects (FAE). Those who display either physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities are said to have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). No cure is available for people with FASD.

Other names for alcohol related defects are: Alcohol related birth defects (ARBD). Children may have defects affecting the heart, face, brain, eyes, or limbs.
Alcohol related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND). These children may have brain damage causing milder symptoms of FAS or FASD.

Common Problems for FAS Victims:

Abnormal facial features such as flat cheeks, short noses, very thin upper lips, or short eye openings.
Learning and behavior problems
Brain damage, possible mental retardation
Undersized and unusually short

There is no cure for any of the above syndromes. But many of the symptoms can be treated. Eye glasses help with vision. Hearing aids help with hearing. Special services, some through the educational system, some not, are available to help children learn to live on their own as adults. Not all can be helped to a point where they can live an independent life.

Not all children of mothers who drank alcohol during pregnancy will suffer with FAS or any of the others, but why risk it? FAS and the other syndromes mentioned are not curable. They are a lifelong sentence.

Do not drink any alcohol when you are pregnant. If you plan on getting pregnant, or if there is a chance that you may become pregnant, don’t drink.

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Miscarriage

Administrator — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:39:39 +0000

What is a Miscarriage?

Miscarriage is a loss of a pregnancy from natural causes before the 20th week of pregnancy. Often, a miscarriage can happen before a woman even knows she is pregnant. An estimated 15 percent of the women who realize they are pregnant will miscarry.

Miscarriage Causes

What are the causes of miscarriage?

Doctors do not know all the reasons for a miscarriage, but there are some common factors:

Most common cause of miscarriage is an imperfection with the egg or the sperm causing a chromosomal abnormality in the fetus. Such miscarriages happen within the first trimester of pregnancy.
A history of miscarriage, especially if your mother has miscarried.
Some problem with the cervix or uterus causes miscarriage, usually in the second trimester.
Women having a disorder known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are three times more likely to miscarriage in the early months of pregnancy.
Your age, especially over age 35.
Alcohol use, cocaine use, or cigarette smoking during pregnancy.

There is really nothing that can be done to prevent these miscarriages. In most cases, there is no reason why a second pregnancy cannot be carried to full term.

Miscarriage Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of having a miscarriage?

Symptoms of a miscarriage can be:

Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- The vaginal bleeding may be either heavy or light, irregular or constant. Vaginal bleeding coupled with pain is a symptom that may indicate that a miscarriage is more likely. But remember, first trimester bleeding may also occur with a normal pregnancy that carries to full term.
Tissue and/or fluid passing from the vagina
- This may look like a blood clot or a grayish matter passing through the vagina
Cramping, abdominal pain, and/or lower back pain
- Pain may start a few hours or even a few days after the bleeding begin.

Some women experience some spotty bleeding early in their pregnancy and go on to have perfectly healthy pregnancies. Nevertheless, if this occurs, contact your doctor immediately. An early miscarriage usually does not require any treatment because all blood and tissue is passed from the uterus. In some cases, a D&C (dilatation and curettage) is required. This is a procedure that cleans out the uterus, and can be performed in an outpatient facility, doctor’s office, or sometimes a hospital. Suffering a miscarriage can be heartbreaking for many couples. Consult your doctor if you have difficulty recovering either physically or emotionally.

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What are warning signs of depression?

Administrator — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:48:14 +0000

Any of these symptoms during and after pregnancy that last longer than two weeks are signs of depression:

Feeling restless or irritable
Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed
Crying a lot
Having no energy or motivation
Eating too little or too much
Sleeping too little or too much
Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
Feeling worthless and guilty
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Withdrawal from friends and family
Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the heart beating fast and feeling like it is skipping beats), or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing)

After pregnancy, signs of depression may also include being afraid of hurting the baby or oneself and not having any interest in the baby.

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What is depression and how common is depression during and after pregnancy?

Administrator — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:43:30 +0000

What is depression?

Depression can be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. But true clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for an extended time. Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe. The degree of depression, which your doctor can determine, influences how you are treated.

How common is depression during and after pregnancy?

Depression that occurs during pregnancy or within a year after delivery is called perinatal depression. The exact number of women with depression during this time is unknown. But researchers believe that depression is one of the most common complications during and after pregnancy. Often, the depression is not recognized or treated, because some normal pregnancy changes cause similar symptoms and are happening at the same time. Tiredness, problems sleeping, stronger emotional reactions, and changes in body weight may occur during pregnancy and after pregnancy. But these symptoms may also be signs of depression.

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Pregnancy Complications Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Administrator — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:08:05 +0000

If you have any of the symptoms on this chart, contact your doctor right away to lower your risk of complications.

There are various specific tests done during the first trimester of pregnancy, and a few screenings later in pregnancy to help prevent these problems, or spot them early. Your doctor will give you a schedule for visits, tests, and screenings. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice about treatment so you have a safe delivery and a strong, healthy baby.

Symptoms	Potential Problem	Diagnosis	Treatment
Slight, irregular vaginal bleeding that often is brownish; pain in the lower abdomen, often on one side, and can be followed by severe pelvic pain; shoulder pain; faintness or dizziness; nausea or vomiting.	Ectopic Pregnancy: In this condition, the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.	Blood tests; vaginal or abdominal ultrasound exam (screening that uses high-frequency sound waves to form pictures of the fetus on a computer screen); laparoscopy (surgery to view the abdominal organs directly with a viewing instrument).	Because the embryo of an ectopic pregnancy cannot survive, it is removed surgically; or the woman is treated with a cancer drug, methotrexate, which dissolves the pregnancy.
Extreme thirst, hunger, or fatigue (but usually no symptoms). Also, a blood sugar value of 140 mg/DL or greater on a diabetes test.	Gestational Diabetes: This is a form of diabetes that usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy.	Blood test one hour after drinking a glucose (form of sugar) drink.	Most women can control their blood sugar levels with diet and exercise. Some women with gestational diabetes or women who had diabetes before pregnancy need shots of insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control.
Flu-like symptoms like mild fever, headache, muscle aches and tiredness; loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; dark-colored urine and pale bowel movements; stomach pain; skin and whites of eyes turning yellow (jaundice); liver problems. Also often no symptoms.	Hepatitis B: This is a viral infection that can be passed on to the baby.	Blood test.	Within 12 hours of birth, your baby will need a shot called HBIG, along with the first Hepatitis B shot.
Small blisters or warts in the genital area; fever; fatigue; aches and pains; vaginal discharge (yellowish, bloody, green, gray, or thick and white like cottage cheese, or with a strong odor); burning or pain when urinating; itching around genital area; itching or burning in vagina; pain in legs or buttocks; pain during sex; frequent yeast infections; skin rash.	HIV Infection/Sexually Transmitted Diseases : These infections can be passed on to the baby.	Blood test. Physical exam to look for symptoms in the throat, anus, or genital area. Visual exam to inspect skin for rashes, growths or sores, especially the area around the genitals. Pelvic exam to look at the inside of the vagina (birth canal) and cervix (opening to the uterus, or womb) and to feel internal organs for any inflammation or growths. Taking a sample of fluid or tissue from the vaginal, anal or genital area to look for the presence of virus.	Antiviral drugs; possible cesarean delivery.
Severe constant nausea and/or vomiting several times every day for the first three or four months of pregnancy.	Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG): This is severe nausea in the first trimester that can cause malnourishment and dehydration in some women. HG keeps pregnant women from drinking enough fluids and eating enough food to stay healthy. Many women with HG lose more than 5 percent of their pre-pregnancy weight, have nutritional problems, and have problems with the balance of electrolytes in their bodies.	If you think you might be vomiting excessively, call your doctor. Your doctor will check you to see if you are dehydrated, which can be dangerous for you and the baby.	Many women with HG have to be hospitalized so they can be fed fluids and nutrients through a tube in their veins. Usually, women with HG begin to feel better by the 20th week of pregnancy. But some women vomit and feel nauseated throughout all three trimesters.
Flu-like illness with fever, muscle aches, chills, and sometimes diarrhea or nausea that can progress to severe headache and stiff neck.	Listeriosis: This infection is cause by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can be found in soft cheeses and ready-to-eat deli meats.	Blood test.	Antibiotics (often prevent infection in the baby).
Mild flu-like symptoms, or possibly no symptoms.	Toxoplasmosis: This is a parasitic infection that can be passed on to the baby. The parasite that causes toxoplasmosis is sometimes found in cat feces, soil, and raw or undercooked meat.	Blood test. If the mother is infected, the fetus can be tested through amniocentesis (a test on the fluid around the baby, to diagnose certain birth defects) and ultrasound.	If fetus not yet infected, mother can be given an antibiotic, spiramycin (to help reduce severity of symptoms in the newborn). If the fetus is suspected of being infected, the mother can be given two medications, pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. Infected babies are treated at birth and through the first year of life with these medications.
Pain or burning when urinating; pain in lower pelvis, lower back, stomach or side; shaking, chills; fever; sweats; nausea, vomiting; frequent or uncontrollable urge to urinate; strong-smelling urine; change in amount of urine; blood or pus in urine; pain during sex.	Urinary Tract Infection: If this infection is left untreated it can spread to the kidneys. This can cause premature, or early, labor.	Urine test.	Antibiotics, usually 3 to 7 day course of amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin, or cephalosporin.
Painless vaginal bleeding during the second or third trimester. In many cases, there are no symptoms.	Placenta Previa: In this condition, the placenta (temporary organ joining mother and fetus) covers part or the entire cervix. Placental previa can cause severe bleeding usually at the end of the second trimester or later.	An ultrasound exam.	If diagnosed after the 20th week of pregnancy, but with no bleeding, requires to cut back on activity level and increase bed rest. If bleeding is heavy, requires hospitalization until mother and baby are stable. If the bleeding stops or is light, requires continued bed rest until baby is ready for delivery. If bleeding doesn’t stop or if pre-term labor starts, baby will be delivered by cesarean.
Vaginal bleeding during the second half of pregnancy; cramping, abdominal pain, and uterine tenderness.	Placental Abruption: This is a condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. This can deprive the fetus of oxygen.	An ultrasound exam.	When the separation is minor, bed rest for a few days usually stops the bleeding. Moderate cases may require complete bed rest. Severe cases (when more than half of the placenta separates) can require immediate medical attention and delivery of the baby.
Fetus stops moving around and kicking. If, after 26 weeks of pregnancy, you count fewer than 10 kicks in a day, or if the baby is moving a lot less than usual, see your doctor right away.	Fetal Problems: The baby may be having some problems. Fetal distress can increase the risk of stillbirth.	A nonstress test (NST) (measures the response of the baby’s heart rate to each movement the baby makes as reported by mother or seen by a doctor on an ultrasound screen); contraction stress test (usually ordered if the nonstress test shows a problem – stimulates the uterus to contract with the drug pitocin to look at the effect of contractions on the baby’s heart rate); biophysical profile (BPP) (a combination of the NST and an exam of the baby’s breathing, body movement, muscle tone, and amount of amniotic fluid).	Treatment depends on results of tests. If a test suggests a problem, this does not always mean the baby is in trouble. It may only mean that the mother needs special care until the baby is delivered. This can include a wide variety of things (such as bed rest and further monitoring) depending on the mother’s condition.
High-blood pressure (usually around 140/90); protein in the urine; swelling of the hands and face; sudden weight gain (1 pound a day or more); blurred vision; severe headaches, dizziness; intense stomach pain.	High-blood Pressure/Pre-eclampsia: This is pregnancy-related high blood pressure. It can also be called toxemia. Pre-eclampsia usually occurs after about 30 weeks of pregnancy.	Blood pressure test; urine test; evaluation by a doctor.	The only cure is delivery, which may not be best for the baby. Labor will probably be induced if condition is mild and woman is near term (37 to 40 weeks of pregnancy). If a woman is not yet ready for labor, her doctor may monitor her and her baby closely. May require bed rest at home or in hospital, until blood pressure stabilizes or until delivery.
Contractions, either painful or painless, anytime during pregnancy, that occur more than four times an hour, or are less than 15 minutes apart; menstrual like cramps that come and go; abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea; dull backache that may radiate around to the abdomen; increase in or change in color in vaginal discharge; constant or intermittent pelvic pressure.	Premature or Pre-term Labor: This is when a woman goes into labor after 20 weeks, but before 37 weeks of pregnancy.	Monitoring of uterine contractions by wearing an elastic belt around waist that holds a transducer or small pressure-sensitive recorder. Can be worn at the doctor’s office, hospital, or home.	Lie down with feet elevated; drink 2 or 3 glasses of water or juice. If symptoms do not subside within one hour, contact your doctor. May require medications called tocolytics or magnesium sulfate to stop contractions.
Intense feelings of sadness, guilt, despair, helplessness, anxiety, irritability, which may disrupt your ability to function; appetite changes; thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby; “baby blues” haven’t gone away after 2 weeks.	Post-partum Depression: This is when women become depressed in the first year after giving birth. This serious problem needs medical attention and treatment.	Evaluation by a doctor.	Can be successfully treated in most cases with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, participation in a support group, or a combination of these treatments.
Soreness or a lump in the breast accompanied by a fever and/or flu-like symptoms; possibly nausea and vomiting; yellowish discharge from the nipple; breasts feel warm or hot to the touch; pus or blood in the milk; red streaks near the area; symptoms could come on severely and suddenly.	Mastitis: This is an infection in the breast.	Evaluation by a doctor.	If symptoms are not relieved within 24 hours of the following steps, see a health care provider (you may need an antibiotic). Relieve soreness by applying heat (heating pad or small hot-water bottle) to the sore area. Massage the area, starting behind the sore spot. Use your fingers in a circular motion and massage toward the nipple. Breastfeed often on the affected side. Rest. Wear a well-fitting supportive bra that is not too tight.
A low-grade fever and tiredness followed by a facial rash that looks like “slapped cheeks.” The rash also can look lace-like and be on the trunk, legs, and arms. Some adults do not have the rash, but may have painful and swollen joints.	Fifth Disease: This is a viral infection caused by the human parvovirus B19. Most pregnant women who are infected with this virus do not have serious problems. But, there is a small danger that the virus can infect the fetus. This raises the risk of miscarriage during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Fifth Disease can cause severe anemia in women who have red blood cell disorders like sickle-cell disease or immune system problems.	Based on appearance of the rash. A specific blood test can be done to confirm it.	No specific treatment, except for blood transfusions that might be needed for people who have problems with their immune systems or with red blood cell disorders. There is no vaccine to help prevent infection with this virus.

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What causes depression during & after pregnancy?

Administrator — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:03:50 +0000

What causes depression?

There may be a number of reasons why a woman gets depressed. Hormone changes or a stressful life event, such as a death in the family, can cause chemical changes in the brain that lead to depression. Depression is also an illness that runs in some families. Other times, it’s not clear what causes depression.

During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, these factors may increase a woman’s chance of depression:

History of depression or substance abuse
Family history of mental illness
Little support from family and friends
Anxiety about the fetus
Problems with previous pregnancy or birth
Marital or financial problems
Young age (of mother)

After Pregnancy

Depression after pregnancy is called postpartum depression or peripartum depressiom. After pregnancy, hormonal changes in a woman’s body may trigger symptoms of depression. During pregnancy, the amount of two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, in a woman’s body increases greatly. In the first 24 hours after childbirth, the amount of these hormones rapidly drops back down to their normal non-pregnant levels. Researchers think the fast change in hormone levels may lead to depression, just as smaller changes in hormones can affect a woman’s moods before she gets her menstrual period.

Occasionally, levels of thyroid hormones may also drop after giving birth. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that helps to regulate your metabolism (how your body uses and stores energy from food). Low thyroid levels can cause symptoms of depression including depressed mood, decreased interest in things, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, and weight gain. A simple blood test can tell if this condition is causing a woman’s depression. If so, thyroid medicine can be prescribed by a doctor.

Other factors that may contribute to postpartum depression include:

Feeling tired after delivery, broken sleep patterns, and not enough rest often keeps a new mother from regaining her full strength for weeks.
Feeling overwhelmed with a new, or another, baby to take care of and doubting your ability to be a good mother.
Feeling stress from changes in work and home routines. Sometimes, women think they have to be “super mom” or perfect, which is not realistic and can add stress.
Having feelings of loss – loss of identity of who you are, or were, before having the baby, loss of control, loss of your pre-pregnancy figure, and feeling less attractive.
Having less free time and less control over time. Having to stay home indoors for longer periods of time and having less time to spend with the your partner and loved ones.

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What’s the difference between “baby blues,” postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis?

Administrator — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:49:00 +0000

The Baby Blues

The baby blues can happen in the days right after childbirth and normally go away within a few days to a week. A new mother can have sudden mood swings, sadness, crying spells, loss of appetite, sleeping problems, and feel irritable, restless, anxious, and lonely. Symptoms are not severe and treatment isn’t needed. But there are things you can do to feel better. Nap when the baby does. Ask for help from your spouse, family members, and friends. Join a support group of new moms or talk with other moms.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can happen anytime within the first year after childbirth. A woman may have a number of symptoms such as sadness, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, anxiety, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness. The difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues is that postpartum depression often affects a woman’s well-being and keeps her from functioning well for a longer period of time. Postpartum depression needs to be treated by a doctor. Counseling, support groups, and medicines are things that can help.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is rare. It occurs in 1 or 2 out of every 1000 births and usually begins in the first 6 weeks postpartum. Women who have bipolar disorder or another psychiatric problem called schizoaffective disorder have a higher risk for developing postpartum psychosis. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and obsessive thoughts about the baby. A woman may have rapid mood swings, from depression to irritability to euphoria.

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What should I do if I show signs of depression during or after pregnancy?

Administrator — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:41:34 +0000

Often times when a Mother or Mother-to-Be is feeling down and/or depressed they do not talk about their symptoms because they feel embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty about feeling depressed when this is supposed to be a happy time. But, feeling down and depressed does not make you an less of a woman or fit parent. Perinatal depression can happen to any woman and it certainly does not mean that you’re “not together” or a bad Mother. Armed with some confidence you should know that you, your baby, and your family do not have to suffer with depression, there is help and it’s OK to get it!

There are different types of individual and group “talk therapies” that can help a woman with perinatal depression feel better and do better as a mom and as a person. Limited research suggests that many women with perinatal depression improve when treated with anti-depressant medicine. Your doctor can help you learn more about these options and decide which approach is best for you and your baby. The next section contains more detailed information about available treatments.

Speak to your doctor or midwife if you are having symptoms of depression while you are pregnant or after you deliver your baby. Your doctor or midwife can give you a questionnaire to test for depression and can also refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in treating depression.

Here are some other helpful tips:

Try to get as much rest as you can. Try to nap when the baby naps.

Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything. Do as much as you can and leave the rest!

Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings. Ask your husband or partner to bring the baby to you so you can breastfeed. If you can, have a friend, family member, or professional support person help you in the home for part of the day.

Talk to your husband, partner, family, and friends about how you are feeling.

Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house. Run an errand or take a short walk.

Spend time alone with your husband or partner.

Talk with other mothers, so you can learn from their experiences.

Join a support group for women with depression. Call a local hotline or look in your telephone book for information and services.

Don’t make any major life changes during pregnancy. Major changes can cause unneeded stress. Sometimes big changes cannot be avoided. When that happens, try to arrange support and help in your new situation ahead of time.

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How is depression treated?

Administrator — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:37:54 +0000

There are two common types of treatment for depression.

Talk therapy. This involves talking to a therapist, psychologist, or social worker to learn to change how depression makes you think, feel, and act.
Medicine. Your doctor can give you an antidepressant medicine to help you. These medicines can help relieve the symptoms of depression.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with their doctors about the advantages and risks of taking antidepressant medicines. Some women are concerned that taking these medicines may harm the baby. A mother’s depression can affect her baby’s development, so getting treatment is important for both mother and baby.

The risks of taking medicine have to be weighed against the risks of depression. It is a decision that women need to discuss carefully with their doctors. Women who decide to take antidepressant medicines should talk to their doctors about which antidepressant medicines are safer to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Can untreated depression harm my baby?

Administrator — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:36:57 +0000

Depression not only hurts the mother, but also affects her family. Some researchers have found that depression during pregnancy can raise the risk of delivering an underweight baby or a premature infant. Some women with depression have difficulty caring for themselves during pregnancy. They may have trouble eating and won’t gain enough weight during the pregnancy; have trouble sleeping; may miss prenatal visits; may not follow medical instructions; have a poor diet; or may use harmful substances, like tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs.

Postpartum depression can affect a mother’s ability to parent. She may lack energy, have trouble concentrating, be irritable, and not be able to meet her child’s needs for love and affection. As a result, she may feel guilty and lose confidence in herself as a mother, which can worsen the depression. Researchers believe that postpartum depression can affect the infant by causing delays in language development, problems with emotional bonding to others, behavioral problems, lower activity levels, sleep problems, and distress. It helps if the father or another caregiver can assist in meeting the needs of the baby and other children in the family while mom is depressed.

All children deserve the chance to have a healthy mom. All moms deserve the chance to enjoy their life and their children. Don’t suffer alone. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression during pregnancy or after having a baby, please tell a loved one and call you doctor or midwife right away.

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