SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT and information
FOR PREGNANT WOMEN WITH SPECIAL medical NEEDS:
The number of diseases where a termination of pregnancy used to be recommended has decreased drastically in the last decade. Not all doctors are up on the changes. Some referrals and examples are listed below:
Informational (some sites have some support):
Complications & Chronic Conditions of Pregnancy - Pregnancy/Childbirth Net Links
Pregnancy and autoimmune diseases:
Pregnancy and cancer:
Pregnancy & Breast Cancer, University of PA
PubMed medline --cervical cancer treatment and pregnancy
PubMed medline -- more on cervical cancer treatment and pregnancy
PubMed medline --article on CIN treatment and pregnancy
PubMed medline query -- abstract of article dealing with abnormal pap smears in pregnancy
PubMed medline query -- another abstract on CIN and treatment of pregnancy women
OR try your own search on Medline at:
Pregnancy and Diabetes:
children with DIABETES - Ask the Diabetes Team: Gestational Diabetes
Understanding Gestational Diabetes
American Diabetes Association Customization Page
Pregnancy Complications - Gestational Diabetes
Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy:
MS and Pregnancy Complications
Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy
Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy - National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Pre-eclampsia, Eclampsia and related problems:
Facts about Preeclampsia / AAFP Patient Information Handout
Motherstuff - Things Which Might Complicate Pregnancy
March of Dimes: Pregnancy After Age 30
Pregnancy and Liver Disease:
Pregnancy and Renal Disease:
Pregnancy, contraception in renal disease
Chronic and Acute Kidney Failure in Pregnancy
Morning sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum:
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (contains advice on reducing nausea)
Support for pregnancy complications:
Pregnancy Complications Support Groups
Group B Streptococcal Disease:
Pregnancy and TB:
HIV/AIDS and pregnancy-related sites and information:
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation-Ariel project (search under pregnancy and then find the link)
Importance of AZT Therapy for All HIV-Infected Pregnant Women
Maternal Viral Load, Zidovudine Treatment, and the Risk of Transmission of HIV
Bay Area Perinatal AIDS Center (BAPAC) - San Francisco, CitySearch
Molar pregnancies, etc.
Issues and Procedures in Womens Health: Molar Pregnancy
Getstation Trophoblastic disease
Ectopic Pregnancy:
Pregnancy and Depression:
Postpartum Depression Can Be Detected, Prevented
Drugs & Pregnancy:
Pregnancy and the Drug Dilemma
AND FOR WOMEN EXPECTING A SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD:
Support for, and personal stories of women with a poor prenatal diagnosis:
Turner's Syndrome:
The Turner's Syndrome Society of the US
Down's Syndrome:
Special Music: Links to Down Syndrome Resources
Links to Other Internet Resources
Mosaic Down Syndrome Personal Stories
Down Syndrome Research Foundation
Spina Bifida:
Welcoming Babies with Spina Bifida
Klinefelter's Syndrome (extra "X" chromosome)
Klinefelter's Syndrome support
Growth disorders:
Human Growth Foundation (support for those with growth disorders)
Trisomy 18:
Trisomy 18 is a genetic problem that is frequently fatal. Many believe that it is always fatal. Apparently, that is not the case.
Often a doctor will recomend an abortion or termination of pregnancy if you are diagnosed with Trisomy 18. This is usually under the mistaken notion that it is "better" for the mother or to "spare" her pain. Unfortunately, such a termination can often interfere with the natural grieving process and add additional issues to deal with for the mother. With Trisomy 18, and other usually fatal conditions of pregnancy, you can prepare and find support, protect your health, and still carry to term, in many cases.
Following are some support sites, and informational sites for Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, Anencephaly and other often fatal conditions:
Support Organization for Trisomy (SOFT)
Left Heart Matters - Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Other Support groups and services:
Parent Matching and Support Groups
Help for the unborn child who is seriously ill/Fetal surgery:
The Florida Institute for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy
Fetal Surgery for Spina Bifida
Fetal Surgery for Spina Bifida webring
Fetal Surgery part of care at Wayne State University physician group
Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment
Surgery for Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Personal Stories:
When There's a Problem with the Baby
Carrying a baby to term with a poor diagnosis
Waiting With Love - Parent Letters
Links updated, April 26, 2003