Finding out your family medical history, especially as it pertains to pregnancy can be very important in making sure you and your prenatal care team are on top of any potential issues.  Usually the best person to get this information from is your mother.  I’m sure your mom is super excited about your pregnancy and loves to talk about it every time the two of you have any type of conversation.  Talking to your mom about her pregnancies and your grandmother’s pregnancies is very important and you should be sure to work it into the conversation. 

A few of the topics you want to address with your mother are:

Family history of preeclampsia or high blood pressure: A woman’s chances of having high blood pressure or preeclampsia during her pregnancy are higher if there is a family history of either.  Ask your mother if she or your grandmother had either preeclampsia (also known as toxemia) or high blood pressure during any of their pregnancies.  If you do have a family history be sure to advise your doctor or midwife so you can be more closely monitored.

Family history of diabetes: any family history of diabetes, gestational or regular, puts you at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes during your pregnancy.  Ask your mother if she had gestational diabetes during any of her pregnancies or if she is aware of any family history of diabetes.  Talk to your doctor if you do have a family history, likely your doctor will send you for a glucose screening earlier in your pregnancy than is typical.

Family history of premature birth:  premature births tend to run in families, so if there is a family history of preterm delivery you are at an increased risk of having a preterm delivery yourself.  Ask your mother if all of her pregnancies were full term and if she is aware if your grandmother’s pregnancies were full term as well.  There isn’t much that can be done if a family history if identified but it is good for your doctor to be aware of the family history so you can be more closely monitored and your care adjusted as needed.

Family history of depression or mental illness:  having a family history of mental illness or depression can put you at an increased risk of suffering postpartum depression.  Being aware of a family history can allow you the opportunity to discuss this with your doctor and spouse, and also to educate yourself about the warning signs. 

These are just a few of the things you definitely want to be sure to discuss with your mother.  If you become aware of a family history of any of these or any other common pregnancy complications, be sure to discuss this family history with your prenatal care provider. 

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