Some chronic conditions might affect a woman’s pregnancy. Health conditions include asthma, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. These conditions can make pregnancy more difficult for the mother which in turn may lead to a difficult delivery. This creates additional risks, both to mother and baby.

Asthma
Severe uncontrolled asthma can make a pregnancy more difficult for the mother and provide an environment that is less than optimal for development of the foetus. Pregnancy can stimulate a more acute form of asthma in some women.

Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (unstable blood sugar levels) can increase the size of the developing baby, making the delivery more difficult. The possibility of still birth increases, and the baby might have a higher incidence of obesity and other medical problems.  Diabetes, if poorly controlled before pregnancy, can increase the risk of birth defects.

Heart Disease
Although most women with heart disease can have healthy pregnancies, certain problems create additional risks for a pregnant woman.  Blood vessel disorders can be aggravated, and conditions such as hypertension or Marfan syndrome can increase the risks of death for the mother.

Essential HPT
Uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure higher than 140 systolic, 90 diastolic) can cause complications during pregnancy and risks to both mother and foetus.

Medication
Pre-pregnancy planning can identify the medication needed and allow for timely adjustments in dosage or choice of medication.

Immune Status
If woman gets rubella (German Measles) during pregnancy, particularly during the first three months, there is a high risk of heart defects in the infant.