Pregnancy is a time of change for women, both emotionally and physically. The body is breaking down to create room for the baby. This may cause feelings of depression and anxiety. Women may also feel they are too embarrassed to ask for help.

During pregnancy, women often have more difficulty breathing than they do at other times. They also have harder lungs than normal, making them more prone to infection complications. A woman’s immune system is also dialed down.

Because of this, she is more susceptible to diseases, such as diabetes. In addition, pregnancy reduces the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

The endometrium, a thin wall around the uterus, is filled with lethal immune cells. The endometrium barrier also evolved to be tough. It is packed with cells that ‘digest’ through the endometrial surface, making it difficult to pass bacteria.

Several maternally inherited genes have been found to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. These genes have been implicated in cancer as well.

Preeclampsia is one example. During pregnancy, the fetus sends signals to the mother’s brain to raise her blood pressure and increase her blood sugar. The brain responds by suppressing the mother’s immune system.

Other reproductive ills include hyperemesis gravidarum, placental abruption and miscarriage. These conditions also have a profound impact on the health of the fetus.

There are many resources available to pregnant women and their families. They include free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or CHIP.

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