Maternity
Planning for Your Pregnancy
We’ll work with your OB/GYN to address these issues, adjust treatments to decrease health risks, improve control of the disease before and during pregnancy, and develop a plan to monitor you and the baby. Finally, when appropriate, we will test to determine your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, and then identify ways to decrease that risk.
There are conditions that may require special attention include.
If not managed and treated properly, the diseases listed below can be associated with pregnancy loss or preterm delivery.
- Asthma
- Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
- Clotting Disorders/History of a Blood Clot
- Diabetes/History of gestational diabetes
- Heart Disease (cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, palpitations)
- Kidney or liver Disease
- Nausea/Vomiting of Pregnancy
- Thyroid Disease (Hypo- and Hyper-)
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Preeclampsia or HELLP Syndrome
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Medical Issues That Can Affect Your Pregnancy
Medical issues that require additional planning or monitoring:
- Heart Disease (cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, palpitations)
- History of Gestational Diabetes
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Nausea/Vomiting of Pregnancy
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Supplements (folic acid, calcium, other vitamins)
Questions to Ask
How could my disease affect my pregnancy?
• Risk of early delivery if not treated properly
• Risks to the baby if a mother stops medications that control her disease
• Potential medication effects on the baby
How could my pregnancy affect my disease?
• Your asthma, diabetes, hypertension or thyroid disease may get worse during pregnancy
• You may need to adjust your medication dose during pregnancy
• Possible need for increased fetal monitoring
Long term impact on your health:
• Over 50% of women with gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes and up to 30% will have sugar elevations six weeks postpartum
• Women with Preeclampsia or HELLP Syndrome have an increased risk of a heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease, and that risk begins within a few months after the pregnancy
• There are ways to improve blood sugar values that don’t require medications
You may also be interested in
Maternity Care
Whether you are thinking about starting a family or are experiencing a complex pregnancy, our OB/GYNs provide an unparalleled level of expertise and comprehensive treatment options.
Women’s Health
We provide high quality, comprehensive women’s care with access to leading specialists in women’s health care — for every stage in your life.
Cardiovascular Program
When it comes to heart care, Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the recognized leader in the region, presenting a full range of services and experience that is unique to the area.
Medical Services
Jersey Shore University Medical Center offers the region’s most advanced medical care, including specialized expertise in a full range of medical services.