Obstetric medicine
For example,[5] in Wales and England, under 1% of people delivered their babies at home, which was a testament to the rise of midwives, that led to the present day professional field of Obstetrics.
The roles of physicians in the process in delivering babies expanded as 17th century aristocrats utilized the best medical practitioners they could find.
A challenge facing many pregnant women is the lack of access to specialized obstetric care, often resulting in untimely deaths and an increasing rate of maternal morbidity.
By the 1950s, women were having given contraceptive pills to begin regulating their hormones and fertility,[3] which effectively allowed couples to have planned pregnancies.
Treating the ailments of pregnant mothers requires a unique approach, since medicines commonly used may have an adverse effect on the fetus.
The use of medicine to treat postpartum depression is a subject for debate, since some research indicates that the use of antidepressants during pregnancy can lead to physical malformations and long-term health problems of the baby[10] Other forms of treatment include support groups and psychotherapy.
This form of diabetes occurs when placental hormones interfere with insulin produced by the mother, resulting in an excess of glucose in the blood.
[11] Gestational diabetes is treated by a diet and exercise regiment the goal of maintaining lower levels of glucose in the body.
Hypertension is treated in pregnant mothers by adjusting their diet to contain less fat and salt, consuming enough water, and getting regular exercise.
Obesity leads pregnant women to develop gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and increase the risk of stillbirth and numerous congenital anomalies.
Beyond the immediate risks during pregnancy, the obesity of the mother tends to create a predisposition for the baby to have the inclination to develop conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
[16] A body mass index of 25 or higher as a pregnant woman is associated with an increased risk of offspring macrosomia (birth weight in excess of 4,000 grams or 8 pounds).
Puerperal Sepsis is a bacterial infection that affects the genital tract, commonly occurring after the birth of a baby.
This was a leading factor in maternal mortality, as 80%-90% of women in some hospitals did not survive after receiving their diagnosis due to the rapidly spreading nature of the infection.
[19] HIV positive women who become pregnant require special types of treatment in order to prevent transmission from mother to fetus.
[21] In the case of Angela Carter, In re A.C., a court order to perform an emergency cesarean section resulted in the death of the severely premature fetus and the terminally ill mother.
In addition, obstetricians and pediatricians face challenges when a pregnant HIV positive woman refuses treatment to prevent transmission from mother to baby.
In these cases, mothers have the right to refuse treatments during pregnancy, but may subsequently face custody battles from the government to prevent the transmission of HIV via breastfeeding.
