Appendicitis occurs during pregnancy at rates that are comparable to the general non pregnant population. In fact, appendicitis and gall bladder surgeries account for the vast majority of all pregnancy unrelated surgeries in pregnant women. Although appendicitis does happen, it is not very common. The condition occurs in about one in one thousand pregnancies. Although the incidence of appendicitis is about the same whether a woman is pregnant or not, one thing is different during pregnancy, a perforation is more likely. Diagnosis is often delayed because the earliest symptoms of appendicitis are similar to pregnancy symptoms. This includes nausea, vomiting … Continue reading →

While tuberculosis isn’t terribly common, it is still around. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of tuberculosis infection in the United States is about 5.3 per 100,000 for women of child bearing age. It stands to reason that some diagnosed will be pregnant women. The rate of TB is much higher within certain populations. For example, the rate of TB in foreign born people in the year 2007 was 20.7 per 100,000, compared with 2.1 per 100,000 in American born people. Women born in Africa, Asia or Latin America are at higher risk … Continue reading →

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by a bacteria known as mycobacterium tuberculosis. In most cases of active TB, the lungs are affected with pneumonia symptoms including fever, chronic cough and weight loss. Worldwide, it is estimated that over two million people have been infected with tuberculosis. In general, there appears to be a lack of awareness about tuberculosis, particularly among women most at risk. Studies in the US and UK have found minority, mostly immigrant, women are most at risk of testing positive for tuberculosis during pregnancy. Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis is essential for preventing complications for mother and … Continue reading →