- Alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and spirits, as it removes oxygen and nutrients to the cells thereby harming normal fetal development. Intellectual and physical effects of exposing a baby to alcohol, are permanent. So, avoid it forever!- Unpasteurized juices or juice because they may contain bacteria such as E. Coli.
- Caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, sodas and energy drinks. The recommendation of health authorities in the U.S. is to limit your intake to 200 milligrams a day.

You see, there are some precautions you should take time to feed you during the 9 months that your pregnancy. If you have any questions regarding the foods to avoid to not harm your baby, consult your doctor. Your baby’s health comes first!

When you’re pregnant, feed takes on new meaning. Everything you eat and drink will affect your baby’s development for better or for worse. Therefore, it is essential that you know to choose a good balanced diet so that that little person that is forming in your womb, not lacking anything. In fact, during the nine months of gestation, on average you eat 300 calories more a day than you usually consume before becoming pregnant.

However, in addition to that you must include a variety of nutrient-rich foods, you should also stay alert because there are some foods and beverages are not recommended during pregnancy because it can negatively affect the development of your baby.

What are the foods to avoid?

Fish high in mercury. While fish is a good source of nutrition during pregnancy because it contains essential fatty acids like Omega 3, there are some that are not recommended. It is those that contain high amounts of mercury as hazardous to the developing nervous system of your baby. Avoid those big fish like tuna (including canned, but has lower mercury levels), shark, swordfish and mackerel, among others. You can still enjoy the salmon, crab, tilapia and other seafood such as shrimp, except that not more than 12 ounces a week, which is the amount recommended by the Food and Drug Administration of USA (FDA).

Raw animal foods because they may contain bacteria and parasites that threaten the health of the baby. If you like ceviche, sushi and carpaccio, will have to abstain during the months of gestation. Shellfish, fish and raw meats are best avoided. You should also avoid smoked and cured meats like prosciutto, salami (salami), sausages and sausage, to name a few. The eggs, eat them when the yolk is firm and sure that if you are baking something, the dough is cooked through. Completely avoids the clams and oysters (oysters).

Unpasteurized milk, as it can cause listeriosis, a bacterial disease that attacks various body organs. Make sure the cheese and other milk products are made with pasteurized milk. Avoid soft cheeses such as Brie, Feta, Camembert, blue cheese and Mexican cheeses.

In general, you must have wash vegetables and fruits, and avoid eating raw sprouts because they may contain bacteria harmful to your pregnancy. You should also thoroughly cooking meat and poultry.

credit to: Dr. Aliza

Number of previous births

The frequency of placenta previa increases with a new pregnancy, to give us an idea, more than 80% of placenta previa was seen in women who have had children.High maternal age

Higher incidence was found in mothers over 35 years, although it is unclear whether this increase is because it is accompanied by a greater number of previous children.

Previous cease recently

It was observed that there is an increased frequency only in those cases in which women, after having a cesarean delivery becomes pregnant again within a very short time.History of placenta previa

When a woman has had a placenta previa in a previous pregnancy, the rate of recurrence (repetition) is 5-8%.

Male fetus

Described a higher incidence when the newborn is a boy.

As for treatment, alternatives will be a function of maternal, fetal well-being and lung maturity, thus defining the path to the C-section or, in some cases, toward a vaginal delivery. For example, a 32-week pregnant patient was diagnosed with placenta previa occludes only a fraction of the os, and has a mild bleeding, the proper attitude should be to allow the pregnancy to proceed and progress of fetal development more, if on the contrary, we have a woman who is undergoing a major bleeding, we must adopt a more decisive.

We can summarize as follows the chapter

Before bleeding, the patient should immediately inform your obstetrician, or failing that, go to a hospital.

Fangel Dr. Erik Poulsen, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Philip Owen, consultant obstetrician and gynecology.

credit to: Dr. Erik Fangel Poulsen, Dr. Philip Owen

We must first know what a placenta and what is, to understand the importance of these processes. Broadly speaking, we say that the placenta is what allows communication between the fetus and mother, being the vehicle supply and oxygenation of the fetus. Therefore, any impairment in the placenta would affect the fetus, compromising even their lives.

- The incidence of this problem varies around one case per 225 births, accounting for about 25% of cases of genital bleeding in pregnancy, and perinatal mortality observed 20%.

- In the abruption, what happens is that the placenta begins to detach from the uterine wall before the fetus has left the womb, at which time vaginal bleeding occurs, causing a progressive decrease in oxygenation the fetus.

- Other symptoms associated with major bleeding, can be painful on palpation of the uterus, contractions of long duration and excessive intensity.- Have been extensively studied risk factors to trigger this pathological abnormality, with clear association of high blood pressure chronically, or induced by pregnancy. Other authors advocate smoking, or drinking excessively, but have not yet found jobs on the matter.

What is placenta previa?

Placenta previa is defined as a situation in which the placenta is covering the cervix, partially or completely. That is, the placement of the placenta is abnormally low, so that obstructs the way he should carry a fetus to exit the womb.

Although there may be uterine activity in the form of contractions, the classic is that we are faced with a painless bleeding in the third trimester. Genital hemorrhage caused by placenta previa can be, at times, extremely serious and important, sometimes, is insidious and hardly little impact for the mother and fetus, but without doubt, is a situation that requires extreme control and special attention to address any deficiencies that may arise.

How often we find a placenta previa varies from one case per 125 births and one per 300. We should clarify that the progressive growth of the uterus will cause in most cases the site of implantation of the placenta will move up, and get rid of the os which will have to leave the child. That is, a pregnant woman can be diagnosed with placenta previa and the weeks after placement may have changed.

credit to: Dr. Erik Fangel Poulsen, Dr. Philip Owen

What are the causes of bleeding in the second half of pregnancy?

No pregnant woman should downplay any suffering genital bleeding, however slight it may be, must immediately contact your obstetrician to assess the situation. Not all bleeding will have a tragic consequence for the fetus or the woman, so for example, there is little bleeding caused by excessive sensitivity to touch that shows the cervix to contact the penis during sex.Another case of genital bleeding that comes within the normal minimum is bleeding is usually seen when the woman starts labor, as a result of having initiated the amendment of the cervix. But in any case, the cause should be diagnosed correctly to prevent possible risks.

The two most important causes of genital bleeding in late pregnancy are placental abruption and placenta previa (a condition in which the placenta is abnormally placed on the floor of the uterus).

credit to: Dr. Erik Fangel Poulsen, Dr. Philip Owen

When to seek help

Some conditions that cause skin lesions are dangerous to both mother and baby, so it is very important to an abnormal change in the skin to see the doctor, especially if the pregnant woman is not good. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in many of these conditions.Pruritus gravidarum

Some pregnant women experience intense itching widespread during the third trimester of pregnancy. This symptom may be due to a condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. In severe cases are nausea, vomiting and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). The skin lesions has only scratched, with no primary or secondary lesions indicative of specific skin diseases. Tends to subside within a few days after birth without causing harmful effects on the fetus. Anyway, this picture is of very rare occurrence.

Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis of pregnancy

Acneiform cutaneous process, characterized by hypersensitivity to be a woman’s endogenous progesterone. Cutaneous hyperpigmentation occurs with the appearance of abscesses, and there is usually no pruritus (itching). The incidence of abortions increases with the disease, with no effective treatment.

Pruritic papules and urticarial plaques of pregnancy

This skin condition in pregnancy was unexplained until recently. Dr. Selim Aracting Paris and his colleagues conducted studies that link it with fetal cells. Suggest that fetal cells can invade the skin of the mother during pregnancy and, somehow, lead to the development of lesions.

Symptoms

- What: edematous red plaques that itch a lot.

- Where: the rash usually begins in the abdomen and spreads to the thighs and buttocks. Occasionally spreads to the arms and trunk.

- When: The rash usually appears at 34 weeks of pregnancy and disappears after delivery. It may come back in the next pregnancy.

Complications

This condition often causes no harm to mother or baby.

Treatment

Local corticosteroids applied directly to the skin. Sometimes it takes intermediate-dose oral corticosteroids (eg prednisolone).

Papular dermatitis of pregnancy

Rare dermatological process is characterized by skin eruptions daily, continuous and intense itching, which appears in pregnant women. Have been observed very high levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin in urine.

Symptoms

- What: extremely itchy rash consisting seropápulas (swollen red spots like insect bites). Some may develop into scabs from scratching.

- Where: throughout the body including the face.

- When: At any time during pregnancy. After the birth of the baby tends to disappear very quickly.

Complications

This condition causes no complications in the mother, but has found that abortions and fetal death increase.

Treatment

They are often required high doses of corticosteroids. It is advisable to do so in collaboration with the gynecologist.

Prurigo gestationis

Group processes different skin, characterized by itchy rashes that occur in early and late stages of pregnancy.

Symptoms

- What: are a very pruritic erythematous rashes.

- Where: the early form appears in the upper trunk and upper limbs. The form used to appear late on the splines of the abdomen. Once it has sprouted, can spread throughout the body.

- When: the early form appears in the second trimester of pregnancy, while the late form appears in the final weeks of this. The rash disappears completely during the three weeks following birth.

Complications

This condition is not usually associated with any complications in the mother or baby.

Treatment

Simple measures to prevent itching.

Herpes gestationis

Bullous dermatosis is an autoimmune cause pregnancy that heals spontaneously but may recur in subsequent pregnancies. It is related to the herpes simplex virus infection.

Symptoms

- What: A rash with intense itching and with different types of lesions (papules, vesicles, blisters) that coexist at the same time.

- Where: usually appears on the abdomen, particularly around the navel. Also on arms and legs, and often frequently involved the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

- When: usually appears during the fourth and fifth month of pregnancy, but can occur earlier or later. This condition may occur either in the first pregnancy and in subsequent pregnancies.

Complications

This disease can have serious complications. The mother may develop skin lesions and kidney and other organs. It causes fetal death in 15-30% of cases. The baby could be born with this rash, but usually disappear without treatment within weeks after birth.

Treatment

Systemic steroids orally. Also, in some cases, pyridoxine is effective. You can use steroid creams, local antiseptics and skin lesions.

Impetigo herpetiformis

Dermatoses of pregnancy and rarely acute, characterized by a generalized pustular eruption. Is connected at present with pustular psoriasis.

Symptoms

- What: are small groups of pus-filled blisters that form irregular clusters in circles and spirals. Sensations such as a slight stinging, burning, or hair loss may occur in the affected area. The eruption is accompanied by symptoms such as chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and malaise. May be associated with hypoparathyroidism.

- Where: usually begins in English, armpits and folds of knees and elbows. It can also affect the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals, where it appears as a greyish erosion.

- When: usually on the last trimester of pregnancy and disappears after delivery, but sometimes leaves little scarring. It can also be seen in nonpregnant women.

Complications

The death rate of mothers is high, and the number of dead babies is also very high if this disease is not treated early.

Treatment

Early diagnosis is very important. If the pregnancy is sufficiently advanced, it must take into account the possibility of a caesarean section. They work well with ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) that stimulates the adrenal glands for increased steroid production. May also be given oral corticosteroids and, occasionally, have been used psoralens (a substance that increases sensitivity of skin to ultraviolet radiation effect) plus UVA (PUVA).

credit to: Dr. Jyoti Ramani, Dr. Alfonso José Santiago Mari

What are the changes in the most common skin during pregnancy?

The skin changes in pregnancy are common:

- Generalized skin hyperpigmentation

- Melasma (mask of pregnancy): clearly defined brownish stains on the face, especially on the cheeks and forehead

- Darkening of the nipples and external genitalia

- Pigmentation largest existing moles

- Line nigra: a dark line that appears on the abdomen

- Striae gravidarum (stretch marks of pregnancy) that may appear reddish bands on the abdomen during pregnancy, which later become white, smooth and flat.

- Nevi aranei (spider veins): veins of the skin may become more showy varices appear frequently in the legs.

- Hypertrichosis: increased body hair.Why these changes occur in the skin during pregnancy?

Pregnancy causes changes in hormone levels in the blood, mainly an increase of estrogens and melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH). Melanocytes are the cells of the skin whose concentration determines the degree of pigmentation. The darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) is due, thus increasing the MSH and changes in the veins by increased estrogen. Striae gravidarum occur when elastic tissue in the skin is distended abdomen.

Is this change permanent skin or harmful?

Most of these changes disappear within a few months after birth the baby, but tend to occur in subsequent pregnancies. Striae gravidarum not disappear completely, but eventually arrive disguised enough.

Except in the aesthetic of women, these skin changes are not in any way damage the health of the mother or the baby.

What are the skin conditions in pregnancy?

The skin conditions that occur during pregnancy may include:

- Pregnancy-specific skin lesions, called specific dermatoses of pregnancy.

- Non-specific skin lesions, which can also occur in nonpregnant women.

These conditions can damage the mother and / or the baby, so you need to see a doctor if you notice any abnormal changes in the skin. Pruritus (itching) in pregnancy may be normal or abnormal. The visit to the doctor if the itching should be displayed for the first three months of pregnancy, if it persists, or if you are on the rise.

Dermatoses of pregnancy specific skin lesions that appear almost exclusively during pregnancy

- Pruritus gravidarum

- Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis of pregnancy

- Pruritic papules and urticarial plaques of pregnancy

- Papular dermatitis of pregnancy

- Prurigo gestationis

- Herpes gestationis

- Impetigo herpetiformis.

Disease: plaques and urticarial pruritic papules of pregnancy, papular dermatitis of pregnancy and prurigo gestationis, now tend to group under the name “polymorphic eruption of pregnancy.”

credit to: Dr. Jyoti Ramani, Dr. Alfonso José Santiago Mari

There are a number of “risk factors” that make some women more likely to suffer an ectopic pregnancy:

Salpingitis or pelvic inflammatory disease

Women with a history of inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis or pelvic inflammatory disease) or surgical ligation. Inflammation or trauma cause a destruction of the cilia that cause difficulty in transporting the egg, which is nested in the tube.Contraceptive methods

There are also some types of contraceptive methods that could enhance or, rather, would not protect against ectopic pregnancy, such as the intrauterine device (IUD) or gestagens minipill.

Assisted reproduction techniques

Current techniques for assisted reproduction (ovulation induction or in vitro fertilization, IVF) also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, possibly related to high hormone levels they generate.

However, many women who suffer ectopic pregnancies have none of these risk factors mentioned.

credit to: Dra. Ana Palacios Marqués

Ectopic pregnancy is one that is implanted outside the uterine cavity and, therefore, in a place that is not ready to receive the fertilized egg and allow further development. This is a viable pregnancy because, in most cases, the embryo dies early in life and even fails to develop. The most common site where it develops an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube, in rare cases, the fertilized egg can nest in the ovaries, cervix or other body within the pelvis.

Since only the uterine cavity is prepared for growth and development of the fertilized egg, nesting outside this means that the development of the unborn baby will not be possible and may even endanger the life of the mother. Indeed, the growth of the egg inside the fallopian tube means, in most cases, an increase of the same but, since this structure is not equipped to hold a pregnancy, there comes a time when it breaks, causing internal bleeding to the woman who, if not quickly diagnosed and treated, can cause death.

Ectopic pregnancy is known at least since the eleventh century, which was described by Abucasis and from his knowledge until the late nineteenth century, it was considered an invariably fatal complication of pregnancy for women. It was in 1888 when Tait was able to develop a surgical treatment for this health problem.

credit to: Dra. Ana Palacios Marqués

Because hormone action that occurs during pregnancy, pelvic joints undergo a process of relaxation and movement that ends up producing pain. The diagnosis of this disease is not difficult if we consider the existence of this problem and its symptoms.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Women with pelvic arthropathy of pregnancy complain of pain in the pubic region, these pains are irradiated (target) to the English and the top of both thighs (front and back). The pain usually will increase progressively throughout pregnancy, exceptionally by suddenly. The pain of pelvic arthropathy can be as important to limit the mobility of the patient and her ability to walk, was forced to make small steps and the difficulty is even greater than the rise or fall. Pain may be worse when taking certain positions, such as spins in a lying position.

Women should know that his troubles will persist for an indefinite period after birth, disappearing afterwards. We note that in the latter stages of pregnancy all women will suffer a pelvic arthropathy to a greater or lesser extent.What causes pelvic arthropathy in pregnancy?

As mentioned above, the joints of the pelvis, not pregnant, suffer little change through the motions, remaining fixed on an axis formed by the gravitational sacrum and iliac bones. Under hormonal influence during pregnancy exists, these joints are changing and allow movement and displacement, causing the symptoms mentioned. Moreover, the weight of the uterus and fetus itself cause a shift added these joints.

What can women do with this disease?

Pregnant women who have this kind of pain should consult with your obstetrician so you can rule out other pathologic added complication. Treatment of Pelvic arthropathy in pregnancy is based on pain and exercises recommended by the physiotherapist. Sometimes symptoms can be relieved with a belt, yet some patients need the help of a cane to cushion the pain triggered by walking.

What happens after delivery?

The chances of a successful delivery and a favorable increase convalescence when the pelvic arthropathy has been previously diagnosed and treated. The discomfort does not disappear immediately after delivery, although during the first weeks after it will produce a gradual improvement. Every woman who has suffered a pelvic arthropathy during pregnancy was asked whether a future pregnancy will have the disease, but unfortunately we can not predict.

credit to: Dr. Berta Maria Martin Cabrejas