Introduction Description: Hepatitis is one of the most serious infections that occur during pregnancy. Prevalence: Hepatitis—0.1%–1.5% of pregnancies (one-third of Americans have antibodies to hepatitis A). Hepatitis B is the most common cause of jaundice during pregnancy. The prevalence of…
Introduction Description: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is considered to be a variant of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and pre-eclampsia, which are dominated by hepatic and hematologic changes. The course of HELLP syndrome is notable for its…
Introduction Description: Elevated hormone levels during pregnancy may induce gingival hyperplasia, pedunculated gingival growths, and pyogenic granuloma. Despite concerns directed elsewhere during pregnancy, the practitioner must watch for this common problem and address it when present. Periodontal disease has been…
Introduction Description: Gestational trophoblastic diseases include choriocarcinoma, molar pregnancy (hydatidiform mole and invasive mole), placental-site trophoblastic tumor, and epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (rare variant of placental-site tumors). They are abnormalities of pregnancy that arise entirely from abnormal placental proliferation. They are…
Introduction Description: Fetal alcohol spectrum syndrome is characterized by malformations found in infants born to mothers who have consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Abnormalities include structural malformations (predominantly facial), growth restriction, and neurologic abnormalities, including mental retardation. Prevalence: Estimates vary from…
The Challenge The challenge is to diagnose and manage disturbances of glucose metabolism to minimize the risk associated with diabetes in mothers and fetuses. Diabetes and pregnancy have profound effects on each other, making a familiarity with the interactions between…
Introduction Description: Chorioamnionitis is the inflammation of the fetal membranes. This may be associated with prolonged or premature rupture of the membranes or a primary cause of premature labor. A Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human…
Introduction Description: Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis complicate more than 3% of pregnancies. Acute cholecystitis is the second most common nonobstetric indication for surgery during pregnancy (after acute appendicitis). Prevalence: Cholelithiasis—3%–4% of pregnancies; cholecystitis—0.25% of pregnancies. Predominant Age: Reproductive age. Genetics: Some…
Introduction Description: Cervical insufficiency is characterized by the asymptomatic dilation of the internal os during pregnancy. This generally leads to the dilation of the entire cervical canal during the second trimester with the subsequent risk for rupture of the membranes,…
The Challenge Cardiac disease is one of the major causes of nonobstetric maternal mortality. Whereas in the past patients with congenital or significant heart disease did not survive to the reproductive age, it is now common for these patients to…