Background
The time before a woman has confirmed her pregnancy
is an important time for both the woman and her unborn
baby’s wellbeing. With the period of organogenesis
largely occurring between the third and eighth week of
development, early pregnancy is a time when a woman
may have problems related to the pregnancy itself, or
where diseases have a higher risk of morbidity in the
woman or the fetus. Yet, the woman and her doctor, may
be unaware of the pregnancy.
Objective
This article outlines presenting complaints where a
doctor should specifically explore the possibility of early
pregnancy in a woman in her reproductive years, as
pregnancy may have an impact on the management, and
ultimately the wellbeing, of both the woman and the fetus.
Discussion
Identification and appropriate management of the
coexisting pregnancy and presenting condition allows the
general practitioner to provide the most appropriate care in
this clinical situation.
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