Pre-existing medical conditions and pregnancy

1. Big picture

Pre-existing medical conditions and pregnancy means chronic maternal diseases that are already present before conception and may affect pregnancy, fetal development, delivery, anesthesia, postpartum recovery, and long-term maternal health.

The key exam idea is:

Pregnancy is a physiological stress test. A disease that is stable outside pregnancy may decompensate during pregnancy.

The correct oral-exam approach is always:

Pre-existing maternal disease
        ↓
Preconception counselling if possible
        ↓
Optimize disease control before pregnancy
        ↓
Stop teratogenic drugs / switch to pregnancy-safe drugs
        ↓
Risk-stratify mot