Vaccines protect pregnant women against serious infectious diseases through activation of the immune system. The induced antigen-specific antibodies are actively transferred through the placenta and protect her child as well. There are three types of vaccines: live viral or bacterial…
Infections may be hazardous to the health of the mother, the course of pregnancy, and the unborn child. They can lead to premature labor or premature rupture of membranes and thereby increase the risk for spontaneous abortion and prematurity. Furthermore,…
Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in pregnancy. Approximately 50% of women manifest episodes of heartburn. This is a consequence of the gastro-esophageal reflux due to the physiological reduction in the tone of both the stomach wall and the gastro-esophageal junction. In…
More than half (50–80%) of pregnant women suffer from nausea and vomiting (NVP), also known as morning sickness – although symptoms may persist the whole day. Usually limited to the first trimester, NVP may continue throughout the entire pregnancy. NVP…
Bronchial asthma affects 4–12% of pregnant women worldwide. During pregnancy, asthma should be adequately treated not only for the benefit of the mother but also to safeguard proper fetal oxygenation. Severe, poorly treated asthma is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes…
Both antihistamines and glucocorticoids have demonstrated a lack of toxicity when used during pregnancy for the management of allergy symptoms. Some antihistamines are also administered with success in the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum ( Chapter 2.4 ) or as sleeping…
Most of the commonly used analgesics can also be used during pregnancy. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the first choice and is considered relatively safe in any trimester. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in analgesic doses close to delivery may increase the risk of…
1.1 Introduction Most prescribers and users of drugs are familiar with the precautions given concerning drug use during the first trimester of pregnancy. These warnings were introduced after the thalidomide disaster in the early 1960s. However, limiting the exercise of…
Dietary nutrients required for good health include water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Energy is required for normal body function, growth, and repair. Protein is necessary for growth and development and to maintain body structures and function. Protein is…
Cervical cancer Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 25 (2020 American Cancer Society Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines). Primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing every 5 years through age 65 is preferred. If primary HPV testing is not available, individuals aged…