The Importance of Prenatal Care for Invisible Illness Warriors
Key Takeaways:
Prenatal health care involves regular checkups to monitor the health of the expecting mother and her fetus.
Women with chronic illnesses are more susceptible to pregnancy complications affecting them and their growing fetuses.
Certain chronic illnesses, medications, and pregnancy can cause health complications for the mother and the fetus.
The mother and her healthcare team must implement regular prenatal care checkups to monitor symptom changes and identify any risks of potential complications.
Prenatal care is healthcare that is given during a woman's pregnancy. Regular prenatal care helps expectant mothers and their healthcare team stay up-to-date on their and their growing baby’s health. However, mothers living with these autoimmune conditions must take extra precautions during prenatal care due to the effects of chronic illnesses.
Continue reading to learn why prenatal care is significant for expectant mothers with chronic illnesses.
Monitoring the mother’s health
Chronic illnesses can impact a mother’s health and potentially lead to pregnancy complications. According to ClinicalTrials.gov, pregnant women with chronic illnesses like sclerosis, epilepsy, hypertension, and thyroid disorders have a higher risk of pregnancy complications.
It’s crucial for expecting mothers to get regular prenatal care checkups with their healthcare team to monitor their health. Getting regular prenatal care can help with the early detection of symptom changes. Also, monitoring can identify any potential risks that may arise during pregnancy and help plan accordingly.
Managing medications
The treatment plan for most chronic illnesses involves medications to manage symptoms or slow the disease’s progression. But, some chronic illness medications may be unsafe to take during pregnancy, as they may harm the fetus. Premature birth, neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), and congenital disabilities are some more severe problems certain medications can cause.
Some examples of chronic illness medications that may cause pregnancy complications are:
Certain anticonvulsant drugs that control seizures
Thalidomide
Molnupiravir
Certain medications known as ACE inhibitors
Opioids
Isotretinoin
Warfarin
Certain medications that treat depression and other mental health disorders
Reducing the risk of complications
Pregnancy alone can increase the risk of complications for mothers with chronic illnesses. For example, women with type 1 or 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and hypoglycemia during pregnancy. Also, women with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) are at a higher risk of having a miscarriage.
With effective prenatal care, expecting mothers with chronic illnesses and healthcare providers can reduce these risks by monitoring blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and other vital signs. In addition, prenatal care monitoring can detect potential complications early on, which allows healthcare providers to intervene and adjust treatments if necessary.
Promoting fetal health
As mentioned, chronic illness can affect the mother and the growing fetus. Chronic illnesses can harm fetal health by causing pregnancy complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital disabilities. Prenatal health care can promote healthy fetal growth and development, identify potential health concerns, and take appropriate measures.
Prenatal care is critical for all expectant mothers, especially those with chronic illnesses. Regular monitoring of the mother's health, managing medications, reducing the risk of complications, and promoting fetal health are all essential components of proper prenatal care for women with chronic illnesses. By working closely with healthcare providers and following a personalized care plan, expectant mothers with chronic illnesses can ensure the best possible outcomes for themselves and their babies.
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
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