OB Conditions:

Gestational Diabetes:
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.  The woman's body is unable to produce enough insulin to keep her blood sugar within the normal range.  This can complicate pregnancy by causing high blood pressure in the mother, and causing excessive weight gain in the fetus making delivery difficult.

Incompetent Cervix:
A normal cervix stays tightly shut during a pregnancy and only opens through the normal course of delivery. If a cervix is incompetent, it is unable to contain the weight of the growing uterus in pregnancy. This causes the cervix to open before the pregnancy comes to term.  There are many causes of an incompetent cervix, many which are beyond the mother's control.

Placenta Abruptio:
Placenta abruptio is a condition in which the placenta begins to separate from the inner wall of the uterus before the baby is born.  This can be a serious condition for both the mother and fetus.  If you experience any bleeding during your pregnancy, please call our office immediately.

Placenta Previa:
Normally in pregnancy, the placenta is attached to the top portion of the uterus. Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta lies very low in the uterus, so the opening of the uterus is partially or completely covered. A pregnancy complicated by placenta previa usually culminates in a cesarean section to protect the mother and the fetus.

Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM):
PROM is defined as a rupturing of the amniotic sac before 37 weeks of pregnancy.  Usually this rupture occurs before contractions begin.  Once the sac opens, there is a leak of amniotic fluid.  This leak may come out as a small trickle of fluid or as a gush of fluid.  If you are concerned that your "water has broken," please call our office immediately.

Toxemia or Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia a disease of pregnancy in which there is high blood pressure, swelling due to fluid retention, and abnormal kidney function. Preeclampsia can occur at any time during pregnancy. Your urine will be tested at each prenatal visit for the presence of sugar and protein.  The presence of sugar in your urine can indicate gestational diabetes.  The presence of protein in your urine is a warning sign of preeclampsia. 

Pregnancy Over Age 35:
Pregnancy after age 35 causes additional risks to pregnancy and usually requires extra tests to search for any neurological defects in your baby.  Although there are some risks, most pregnancies after age 35 can have a positive outcome.  We've listed some articles below for more information.  If you have any questions, please fill out our "Medical Question" form, or schedule an appointment to see one of our doctors.

Articles:
Pregnancy: Having a baby after age 35.
Pregnancy: Your guide to pregnancy
Actress pregnant at 48. What are the risks?

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