Prior to pregnancy, some women may have certain health conditions that may give rise to complications during pregnancy. Perhaps you are receiving treatment for such health conditions; you should let someone know even if you’re simply worried. With proper care and support, you can enjoy a healthy pregnancy, and have a normal, healthy baby even with the health challenges.
Infections in Pregnancy
As part of growing up, we generally encounter certain bacteria and viruses which our bodies would normally fight by making antibodies as a defence mechanism. Such antibodies would then make you immune to such bacteria or virus and as a result help to prevent or reduce the impact of getting the infection again. Please find more information on the NHS website here.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a relatively common condition. Most women who have epilepsy remain free of seizures throughout pregnancy and they have straightforward pregnancies and healthy babies. It is important to continue taking your medication because pregnancy itself or tiredness can also increase the number of seizures. For more information please read the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidelines on Epilepsy in Pregnancy.
Chicken Pox in Pregnancy
Chickenpox is a very infectious illness. Most people in the UK get chickenpox in childhood, when it is usually a mild infection causing a rash. Most pregnant women in the UK (9 out of 10) are immune to chickenpox. This is why it is uncommon in pregnancy, affecting only 3 in every 1000 pregnant women. For more information please read the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidelines on Chickenpox and pregnancy.
Genital Herpes in Pregnancy
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can be safely treated during pregnancy and medications are safe to take in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant and want to know more please read the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidelines on Genital herpes and pregnancy.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that is usually harmless. Sometimes it causes problems in babies if you get it during pregnancy (congenital CMV). For more information about the virus, please visit the www.nhs.uk.