Patterns:

• The deleterious effects of DM1 on both smooth and striated muscle can complicate pregnancy, labor and delivery.

• Added to these maternal complications is the possibility that the baby may have congenital-onset DM1, with severe neonatal complications, including respiratory and swallowing abnormalities.

• Women with DM1 have a higher than average rate of spontaneous abortion and stillbirth, although most can expect to have a normal vaginal delivery.

Symptoms:

• Mothers with DM1 are more likely than the general population to experience the following:

  • Ectopic pregnancy.

  • Premature delivery.

  • Prolonged labor and delivery.

  • Postpartum hemorrhage.

  • Uterine over distention with polyhydramnios which can lead to preterm labor, inadequate contractions during labor, premature rupture of the membranes or postpartum hemorrhage.

  • Untoward reactions to analgesia or anesthesia during labor and delivery.

  • Diminished ovarian reserve with delayed appearance of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) due to gonadal insufficiency.

• Reproductive history and DM1-related personal and family history, including current DM1 symptoms.

• Fatigue with more rapid onset than average during labor and increased risk of post-partum hemorrhage (PPH).

Diagnosis:

• Discuss the following tests with your doctor:

  • Preimplantation genetic diagnosis to determine whether the embryo is affected.

  • Prenatal genetic diagnosis to determine if the fetus has the DM1 genetic expansion (see Genetic counseling).

Treatment:

• Preimplantation genetic diagnosis can allow selective implantation of unaffected embryos.

• Prenatal diagnosis by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling can allow for termination of an affected pregnancy.

• High-risk obstetrician (Maternal-fetal medicine specialist) for prenatal care and delivery.

• Analgesics or sedating anesthetic drugs should be used extremely.

• Emergency medical alert devices.

• Pediatric or neonatal specialist at delivery if the mother is affected with DM1.

• Availability of neonatal intensive care, including possible tube feeding or ventilatory support, for neonates known, or suspected to have DM1.

• Consulting obstetrician before a decision to induce labor is made.

• Genetic counseling services and family planning services.