Complications from pregnancy range from minor annoyances (e.g., constipation, varicose veins) to conditions that threaten the life of mother and/or fetus (e.g., severe nausea and vomiting [hyperemesis gravidarum], hypertension and associated symptoms [pre-eclampsia], convulsions resulting from hypertension and associated symptoms [eclampsia], third trimester bleeding, placenta previa, Rh sensitization, and premature labor).
HELLP syndrome is a severe form of pre-eclampsia. Its name comes from symptoms associated with the condition: disruption in the integrity of red blood cells (Hemolysis), Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet counts. Typical symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, tingling in the extremities (paresthesias), and band-like pain around the upper abdomen. If an expectant mother has HELLP syndrome, immediate delivery is recommended if the pregnancy has advanced to 34 weeks or more. Before 34 weeks, treatment decisions are based on the stability of the mother’s condition, the fetal gestational age, fetal lung maturity, and overall fetal condition. In some cases, bed rest and other measures are instituted to allow continuation of the pregnancy to 34 weeks; in other situations, immediate delivery may be recommended (Sibai).
Group B Streptococcal (GBS) bacteria are found in the vagina of up 10% to 30% of pregnant women (ACOG). Most women do not experience any symptoms from the presence of the bacteria; however, 1 to 2 babies out of every 100 develop an infection from the bacterium. The infection can cause inflammation of the baby’s blood, lungs, brain, or spinal cord, and leads to death in about 5% of infected infants. Approximately 10,000 cases of neonatal streptococcal septicemia occur each year in the US (Duff). Screening for GBS is performed by taking a swab of the mother’s vagina between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy and sending it to the lab for culture. All women who are positive for GBS should be treated with antibiotics during labor except those who undergo Cesarean section. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor