HIV can also be transmitted through the placenta. Medication can be given during pregnancy to help prevent this as well. Testing your blood type is important for this and future pregnancies. If you are Rh negative and the baby is Rh positive, your body can develop antibodies which can attack the baby s blood. Rhogam given at strategic times during the pregnancy can prevent the development of these antibodies and therefore protect your baby.
Infections can result in newborn infections, premature delivery, and uterine infection.
Many doctors will check for chlamydia, gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, and beta strep. Proper treatment can help to prevent these from causing problems. Glucose testing for gestational diabetes is usually performed at 28 weeks. In three to twelve percent of pregnancies, women develop this condition which can result in large babies with birth trauma and metabolic problems after birth. There are usually no symptoms, so testing is recommended.