Periodontal Disease & Pregnancy, Effects on Your Baby

The effects of periodontal disease can negatively impact your baby. Women who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, build-up of plaque and inflammation of the gums have a higher rate of delivering babies before the due date. This bacteria build-up not only gets into the blood stream and can impact your heart, lungs and brain, it can also be detrimental to the overall health and well being of your newborn.

 

Prostaglandin is the hormone produced to initiate labor. However, according to Dr. Denine Rice, “Women who have more advanced periodontal disease have higher levels of prostaglandin.” This higher level of prostaglandin can cause women to deliver a baby earlier. Babies who are born prematurely may have trouble breathing due to immature lung development. They may also have a higher risk of learning difficulties, behavioral troubles and get sick more often. A full term baby’s body and brain have time to develop properly. Premature babies are more likely to have vision and hearing difficulties than babies that are not born prematurely. Babies that are born premature may also have low birth weight. When your baby is born they should weigh between five to ten pounds. While babies that are born early tend to weigh between one point five to five pounds. Infants this small may have compromised immune systems and require extensive medical attention.

This situation is not hopeless, if you have periodontal disease or beginning stages call your Riverside Periodontist, Dr.Denine Rice and schedule and appointment today.