Complications With the Baby

Sometimes, a pregnancy does not work out as we had hoped. This is very traumatic for both parents; their hopes are dashed and they must think seriously about the future of their unborn child. Often, complications are due to chromosomal abnormalities. If your caregiver detects something unusual in your ultrasound or alpha-fetoprotein test, you may be referred for a screening test. If, yet again, something is detected, you will go for diagnostic testing and will be referred for genetic counseling, which could provide insight about potential hereditary birth defects. Learn more about this kind of testing and about various chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects that your baby may be at risk for. Also find out if you can do anything about these issues and how you can minimize your baby's risk of having any of these problems.

Possible Test Findings

Some other abnormalities that can be detected from these special tests include Down Syndrome, Turners’ Syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell anemia, Edwards Syndrome. Patau’s Syndrome, Krabbe Disease, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, spina bifida, Extra X and Fragile X Syndrome. Learn more about each of these conditions, what causes them and what they mean for the future for you and your baby.

However, not all complications are related to chromosomal abnormalities. Irregular heartbeats can affect some babies. In many cases, these abnormalities correct themselves. If they don't, though, treatment will be required. Read more to find out about this type of complication and about what doctors can do to help your baby. Also get more information about how an irregular heartbeat can affect your baby's wellbeing later in life.

One complication many parents are concerned about is autism. While you may worry that something you do during your pregnancy will lead to autism in your child, this is unlikely. Autism and Pregnancy explains in more detail why this is. Seperate the facts from the myths about what causes autism and about why some children develop this condition while others do not. Dispell the rumor about the connection between vaccines and the development of autism and learn more about the new studies that are now linking the developing of a fever during pregnancy and children with autism. Also read up on what to do if your child is diagnosed with autism and about what this means for your child's future development.

Genetic Defects

Some complications can be caused by genetic defects carried by the mother. A genetic mutation, such as Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) can be carried through a whole life without any ill effects, but for some it can cause pregnancy complications and other health problems. Learn more about possible genetic defects that may affect you, your pregnancy, or your baby.

Get all of the information you need, here in our section dedicated to potential complications with your baby.