Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Pregnancy
People with medical conditions can still have healthy pregnancies and babies. But there might be some risks. The risks might sound scary, but don’t worry! Your midwives and doctors know how to help you. You can use your personalised care and support plan to talk to them about your care and choices. They will answer your questions and make sure you have all the information you need to feel safe.
If you have a medical condition like high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes or heart disease, it is likely that you already have specialist team that care for you and your health. Talking to them or your GP doctor before getting pregnant can help you to prepare and have the information you need to get pregnant safely.
Being pregnant may affect your health condition and there may be additional risks to you and your baby. When this is the case, you may be referred to and cared for by a consultant (doctor) who specialises in medical conditions in pregnancy.
The maternal medicine network co-ordinates and standardises care for pregnant women/people with pre-existing medical conditions or conditions that arise during pregnancy.
Many conditions will continue to be managed by your consultant/doctor at your local hospital and we can use virtual meetings to review your pregnancy. Some conditions are more complex, and you may be asked to attend a specialist hospital during your pregnancy and for the birth of your baby.