If you get a disease when you are pregnant it is often worse than when you are not pregnant – not only will it impact you more, but it may also impact the health of the baby. To ensure the best possible outcome for you and the baby through your pregnancy you need to look after yourself, be extra careful to avoid getting any diseases and get checked by your doctor immediately you notice any symptoms and signs.
Pregnancy may increase susceptibility and increase serious illness due to various infectious diseases. Pregnant women in malaria-endemic regions are more susceptible to malaria infection during the first half of the pregnancy. Make sure you get the Tetanus and Malaria immunisations at the required time. Urinary Tract Infections, Respiratory Tract Infections commonly called “catarrh” can be very serious in pregnant women, make sure you visit the doctor if and when you notice any change in your urine habits such as painful urination, vagina itching and the likes.
In addition to infectious diseases, pregnant women are more susceptible to lifestyle-related diseases related to poor nutrition such as anaemia and insufficient protein, these diseases should be taken seriously, and you should check your blood levels and protein levels often to be sure you are out of the woods. You need more healthy food while you are pregnant such as vegetables that can help with the appropriate nutrients you need, or you may suffer one of these illnesses. Take the iron tablets and other supplements as prescribed.
You need to know if you have any health conditions such as sickle cell, heart disease or HIV as they will impact you more now that you are pregnant. Make sure your doctor is aware of your condition so they can make sure you get the health support you need.