Lyme disease is a harmful infection caused by a spirochete (bacteria), which if left untreated may cause heart damage and arthritis.
It is transmitted to humans by ticks and can cross the placentaThe placenta is a large disk shaped membrane responsible for providing nourishment to the fetus during pregnancy. It consists of three parts, the fetal part made up from the chorion membrane surrounding the fetus, the maternal part, formed from the decidua basalis layer of the uterine lining, and the intervillous space between the two plates. It is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord and consists of tissue from both the mother and the embryo.
Its function is complex. It has been described as a simple organ that combines the functions of a kidney-dialysis machine, heart and lung machine and intravenous drip. It consists of enormous numbers of blood vessel branches that permit the exchange of nutrition and oxygen, from the mother's bloodstream to the fetus and the removal of wastes to the mother to be excreted. The placenta's remarkable quality is that it does so without the blood of the mother mixing with that of the baby.
It also is responsible for the production of vital hormones including, estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin. After birth, the placenta is delivered, and is sometimes referred to as the afterbirth.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., which makes it especially dangerous during pregnancy.
Lyme disease progresses in several stages. Most people, about eighty percent (8 in 10), develop a skin lesion with a distinctive 'bull's eye' rash where they were bitten. Some people also experience flu like symptoms. Symptoms increase in severity after four to six weeks and may include heart and neurologic problems, and later arthritis.
It may be impossible to confirm the diagnosis using a blood test during the early stages of the disease. Your doctor will use a blood test later in the development of Lyme disease the confirm the diagnosis.
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Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. In order to minimize your risk of contracting Lyme disease, during pregnancy or at any other time, you should avoid heavily wooded areas or any other locations known to have ticks.
Protect yourself by covering all exposed skin with long sleeved shirts, long pants, a hat or scarf, socks and boots or shoes. When you return indoors you should check your hair and clothes including folds, cuffs and pockets to ensure that none are attached to your hair or scalp.
It is known that Lyme disease crosses the placentaThe placenta is a large disk shaped membrane responsible for providing nourishment to the fetus during pregnancy. It consists of three parts, the fetal part made up from the chorion membrane surrounding the fetus, the maternal part, formed from the decidua basalis layer of the uterine lining, and the intervillous space between the two plates. It is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord and consists of tissue from both the mother and the embryo.
Its function is complex. It has been described as a simple organ that combines the functions of a kidney-dialysis machine, heart and lung machine and intravenous drip. It consists of enormous numbers of blood vessel branches that permit the exchange of nutrition and oxygen, from the mother's bloodstream to the fetus and the removal of wastes to the mother to be excreted. The placenta's remarkable quality is that it does so without the blood of the mother mixing with that of the baby.
It also is responsible for the production of vital hormones including, estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin. After birth, the placenta is delivered, and is sometimes referred to as the afterbirth.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.. Researchers are studying the extent of the effects on the fetus. Potential complications include premature labor, fetal death or rashes in the in the newborn. There is currently insufficient information about the frequency of fetal infection to recommend any definitive actions during pregnancy.
If you contract or are diagnosed with Lyme disease during pregnancy your doctor will your doctor will recommend treatment using long term, and in some cases intravenous, antibiotic therapy. There are many medications used to treat Lyme disease that are safe for use during pregnancy.
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