Pregnancy Complications
As wonderful as the pregnancy journey is, some complications can arise that impact the health of the mom and baby. Dr Moodely specialises in working with moms to prevent, diagnose and treat pregnancy concerns that may cause birthing complications.
High-risk pregnancies
Pregnancies that are high-risk usually include pre-existing complications that can cause health concerns for you and your baby. Age is one of the primary factors that contribute to a high-risk pregnancy, but other concerns include:
- Expecting multiple babies
- Existing health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- If you develop health conditions during your pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or pregnancy-related high blood pressure
If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, you may need to come in for more frequent prenatal visits.
Infertility
The definition of infertility is a woman who has not been able to fall pregnant within a year of sexual intercourse. Infertility is a condition that affects men and women and occurs when there are problems in the fertilisation process.
A blocked fallopian tube is one of the primary causes of infertility in women and may be due to pelvic inflammatory disease, but uterine fibroids can also have an impact. Fibroids alter the structure of the uterus and disrupt fertilisation.
Although infertility can be challenging to treat, there are various fertility options available, and Dr Moodley will work with you to establish the cause and find a solution. For example, fertility drugs form the first line of treatment for infertility in women. However, if these drugs don't work, in vitro-fertilisation and adoption are other options to consider. Rest assured that Dr Moodley will do everything she can to help you start your family.
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a form of chronic depression that occurs in mothers are childbirth. Many women feel ashamed of these feelings, but they are extremely common, and help is available. This type of depression is an intense form of baby blues - a mild case of depression in mothers. Anxiety, sadness and mood swings are common signs of baby blues.
Postpartum depression lasts longer than baby blues and presents severe symptoms of depression. Women often cry, withdraw from their social circles, develop fatigue and become restless. This is typically a cause of declining hormones from the thyroid. Because of the lack of thyroid-producing hormones, mothers experience fatigue and depression.