Month: April 2023

Rubella during Pregnancy

Posted on April 26, 2023   by   - Blog

Rubella: German Measles

Rubella, or German measles, is a viral infection that can cause serious complications for pregnant women and their developing babies. It is highly contagious, and spreads through the air via coughs and sneezes. Most severe damage due to rubella virus occurs when if mother has contracted it during the first trimester.

Congenital Rubella Syndrome

This is a serious condition that occurs to the developing baby when the mother contracts the infection during pregnancy. There is risk of stillbirth or miscarriage. The baby may also develop serious birth defects such as-

  • heart defect
  • intellectual disability
  • cataracts
  • deafness
  • Lung inflammation
  • Brain damage
  • Damage to liver and spleen
  • Hormone or thyroid issues
  • Skin rash

There is no proper cure if the baby gets affected, it is always best to get vaccinated before getting pregnant.

Symptoms of having rubella:

Rubella is often mild and may go unnoticed. The symptoms in adults include:

  • Slight rise in body temp, fever
  • A red rash that generally starts on the face and rapidly spreads to other parts of the body.
  • Headache
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy or red eyes
  • Swollen lymph nodes

A person infected with the rubella virus is contagious for about one week before the rash appears and one week after the rash disappears. An infected person can transmit the disease before realizing it.

Causes:

German measles is caused by a virus that spreads through coughs and sneezes. Pregnant women who have not been vaccinated or who have not had rubella in the past are at high risk of contracting rubella. It is important to note that rubella is highly contagious, and a pregnant woman can easily contract it from an infected person.

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for rubella, however the symptoms can be controlled with over-the-counter fever and pain relievers. Pregnant women who contract it should be closely monitored by their doctor to make sure that their unborn child is not effected.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent rubella during pregnancy is to get vaccinated before becoming pregnant. The rubella vaccine is safe and effective and can be given to non-pregnant women who are not already immune. Those who intend to become pregnant should consult their doctor to see if they need to be vaccinated. Women who are pregnant should avoid contact with people who have German measles and should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they suspect they have been exposed.

Rubella is currently rare in most countries as most have been vaccinated but in some places, it is still active. So please do research if you are planning to go abroad when pregnant.

When getting vaccinated make sure your do not get pregnant in the first four weeks. Pregnant women will not be given MMR vaccine and they will need to wait to complete their pregnancy if the need to get vaccinated

Pre-eclampsia: What Pregnant Women Need to Know

Posted on April 26, 2023   by   - Blog

Pre-Eclampsia

Pregnancy is a time of great joy and excitement, but it can also be a time of uncertainty and fear. One of the conditions that can cause anxiety for expectant moms is pre-eclampsia. This condition, also known as toxemia, can have serious consequences if left untreated. Preeclampsia may also develop in some after delivery and it is known as postpartum preeclampsia.

Symptoms of Pre-Eclampsia 

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that typically occurs after the twentieth week of pregnancy. Symptoms can include –

  • swelling of the face, hands, and feet,
  • sudden weight gain,
  • thrombocytopenia- low platelet count in blood
  • high blood pressure,
  • high level of protein in the urine-proteinuria
  • kidney problems or issues with other organs
  • breathing problems
  • Other symptoms may include nausea, vision problems, headaches, and abdominal pain.

 

Risk factors

Factors that can increase the risk of developing preeclampsia

  • Existing issue of having high blood pressure or hypertension even before pregnancy
  • history of pre-eclampsia in the previous pregnancy.
  • Obesity
  • Having multiple babies
  • More than 35 years of age
  • Issues with kidney
  • Autoimmune disease
  • history of pre-eclampsia in the mother or her family.

 

Causes 

The exact cause of pre-eclampsia is unknown. But it is thought to be an issue with the development of blood vessels in the placenta. It is the blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to the baby and remove the waste products, but in this case, the blood vessels do not develop properly, and the placenta may not grow, or function correctly as expected. As a result, it affects the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and the baby may not grow and develop as expected. Due to the reduced functionality of the placenta, there can be a build-up of waste products and toxins in the blood vessels. The release of these into the mother’s bloodstream can cause blood pressure to rise resulting in preeclampsia and also damage to other organs such as the liver and kidneys.

 

Complications of Pre-Eclampsia 

Pre-eclampsia can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby if it is left untreated. For the mother, pre-eclampsia can lead to seizures, stroke, and even death.

For the baby, pre-eclampsia can cause –

  • premature delivery – it can be unplanned and, in some cases, planned if they find that the risk to the baby is more if it continues to be in the uterus. In such cases, the baby will be delivered as soon as possible.
  • low birth weight or fetal growth restriction-as the arteries carrying blood to the placenta are affected, the baby may not receive adequate nutrients.
  • stillbirth
  • HELLP syndrome – this can affect the organ system of the mother and baby.

 

Treatments for Pre-Eclampsia 

If pre-eclampsia is diagnosed, your doctor will likely recommend bed rest and medications to lower your blood pressure. If the condition is severe, your doctor may recommend inducing labor to reduce the risk to both the mother and baby.

 

Prevention 

Fortunately, there are steps that pregnant women can take to reduce their risk of pre-eclampsia. These steps include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring your blood pressure. It is also important to let your doctor know if you have a history of pre-eclampsia in your family. Pre-eclampsia can be a scary condition for pregnant women, but with the right knowledge and care, it can be managed. If you experience any of the symptoms of pre-eclampsia, be sure to tell your doctor right away.

 

Hirsutism – Excessive Hair Growth in Women

Posted on April 11, 2023   by   - Blog

Hirsutism : Excessive hair growth in women

Hirsutism is a medical condition characterized by excessive hair growth which is dark or coarse (like men have) in women in areas where hair growth is usually minimal or absent, such as the face, chest, and back. It can result in physical and emotional discomfort and can negatively impact a woman’s self-esteem. It is due to the presence of excess male hormone – testosterone.

Symptoms of Hirsutism

As androgens levels rise, you may notice other symptoms emerge; this is known as virilization. The signs include-

  1. Irregular periods
  2. Acne or oily skin
  3. Deepening of the voice
  4. Decrease in breast size
  5. Enlargement of the clitoris
  6. Thinning hair on the head

Causes:

  1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It causes an imbalance of the sex hormones and is one of the most common causes of hirsutism.
  2. Crushing syndrome: This occurs when there is a high level of cortisol in your body. It can be caused by a disorder in your adrenal gland, resulting in producing too much amount of cortisol, or by having medications like prednisone over a long period.
  3. Ovarian Tumours: Rarely the presence of tumors, in ovaries or adrenal glands, that secrete androgens can cause hirsutism.
  4. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): CAH is a genetic disorder that affects the adrenal glands, leading to an overproduction of androgens.
  5. Medications: Certain medications can cause hirsutism as a side effect.

Factors that can increase the risk of having hirsutism:

  • Family History
  • Being Obese

Diagnosis:

  • Blood tests to check the level of hormones in the blood.
  • Pelvic scan to ensure if there are any tumors or not.

Treatment of Hirsutism:

  1. Medications: Drugs will be prescribed to regulate hormone levels and reduce hair growth.
  2. If you have PCOS or are obese reducing your weight by having healthy food and regular exercise can help control hormone levels.
  3. Another method involves removing the hair.
  • Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method that makes use of electrical currents to destroy hair follicles.
  • Laser Hair Removal, a non-invasive method that uses laser energy to remove hair.
  • Waxing and Shaving: Waxing and shaving are temporary methods of removing hair, but they can cause skin irritation and ingrown hairs.
  • Depilation: Depilation is a temporary method of removing hair by applying a cream or lotion that dissolves hair.

It is important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause of hirsutism and to receive appropriate treatment. Hirsutism can be a symptom of a larger medical issue, and prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications.