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Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen around the body. One standard blood
test given during the first weeks of pregnancy checks the mother's hemoglobin level. If you want to find out
more about hemoglobin and how it works in the body, take a look at the
hemoglobin article in Wikipedia.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious disease that attacks the liver. A standard blood test given during the first
weeks of pregnancy determines whether the mother has the hepatitis b virus.
If a pregnant woman does test positive for hepatitis b, special care must be given to the baby during birth
because hepatitis b can be passed on to the baby.
In order to protect a newborn baby from being infected
by her mother's hepatitis b virus, the baby must immediately receive a dose of hepatitis b vaccine and a dose
of Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG). These two shots give the baby a 90% chance of not contracting the
virus.
If you want to find out more about hepatitis b, take a look at the
Hepatitis B Foundation.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV is a serious disease that can be passed on to a baby during birth. During the first weeks of pregnancy,
a woman is given the option of being tested for HIV. This blood test is not mandatory, but it is recommended
by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
If a pregnant woman tests positive for HIV, special antiretroviral drugs given during pregnancy and labor can
greatly reduce the risk of the baby contracting the infection.
If you want to find out more about HIV and pregnancy, check out the
The Well Project
and the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum (which is Latin for "excessive vomiting in the pregnant state") is a potentially
serious form of morning sickness because a woman can become dehydrated and lose 5-20 or more pounds of her pre-pregnancy
body weight.
The symptoms of HG include:
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Moderate to severe vomiting
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Being unable to keep food and fluids down for more than 24 hours
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Dehydration and malnutrition
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Ketosis
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Fast heartbeat
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Reduced urination
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Dry mouth, eyes, and skin
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Extreme fatigue
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Fainting
HG is most common in women having their first pregnancy or women carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.).
It usually resolves by the 21st week of pregnancy, though in some cases HG can continue throughout the
entire pregnancy.
HG can be treated with drugs that help stop vomiting (antiemetics) and I.V. fluids if the mother is dehydrated.
With careful managment, Hyperemesis gravidarum can be treated. If you are having a hard time with morning
sickness talk with your healthcare provider and get help (don't be a macho mama and try to tough it out!)
The earlier HG is treated, the better--that way nutritional deficiencies that can harm the mother and
baby can be prevented.
If you are suffering from HG or want to find out more about this condition, check out
HER Foundation, the Hyperemesis Education and Research
Foundation.
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