What Every Expectant Mother Needs to Know

Pregnancy transforms the body in powerful ways. But for women with certain chronic conditions, it can also increase health risks. Hormonal shifts, rising blood volume, and added strain on vital organs can turn a manageable illness into a dangerous complication.

Here are five medical conditions that often worsen during pregnancy, why they’re risky, and how to manage them.

1. Pulmonary Hypertension

A high-risk cardiovascular condition that can turn fatal during pregnancy.

Why it worsens:
Pregnancy increases blood volume and cardiac output, placing extreme pressure on pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart.

Risks:

• Heart failure
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
• Maternal death (25–50% mortality rate)

Care advice:
Pregnancy is typically not recommended. Women with PH should seek specialized care, contraception counseling, and risk assessment before considering pregnancy.

2. Heart Disease

Existing heart conditions can be pushed to the brink during pregnancy.

Why it worsens:
The heart must pump up to 50% more blood to support the growing fetus, increasing cardiovascular strain.

Risks:

• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Complications during labor and delivery

Care advice:
Joint management by a cardiologist and maternal-fetal medicine specialist is essential. Medication and lifestyle changes may be needed throughout pregnancy.

3. Epilepsy

Seizures can become harder to control during pregnancy.

Why it worsens:
Hormonal shifts, sleep disruption, and stress may increase seizure frequency. Pregnancy also affects how medications are absorbed.

Risks:

• Injury from seizures
• Miscarriage
• Fetal harm from oxygen deprivation

Care advice:
Medication adjustments and regular neurological monitoring are key. Never stop anti-seizure medications without medical supervision.

4. Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)

Poorly managed blood sugar can harm both mother and baby.

Why it worsens:
Pregnancy hormones make the body more resistant to insulin, making blood sugar harder to control.

Risks:

• Preeclampsia
• Birth defects
• Stillbirth
• Macrosomia (oversized baby)

Care advice:
Expect frequent glucose checks, dietary changes, insulin therapy, and tight coordination between endocrinologist and OB-GYN.

5. Autoimmune Diseases (e.g., Lupus, RA)

Immune system changes can trigger dangerous flares.

Why it worsens:
Pregnancy modulates immune responses, which can reactivate dormant autoimmune symptoms.

Risks:

• Organ damage (especially kidneys in lupus)
• Placental issues
• Preterm birth

Care advice:
A collaborative care team including a rheumatologist and obstetrician is critical. Some medications must be stopped or changed before pregnancy.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy with a chronic condition isn’t impossible — but it requires serious planning. Preconception counseling, specialist care, and early monitoring can make all the difference. With the right support team, many women manage their health and pregnancy safely.

Yours in good health

MDLINE HEALTH