While it is unlikely that a fetus will develop an infection from a calcium deposit, the presence of calcium deposits may indicate that your unborn baby is at a higher risk for certain infections and complications. Educating yourself about the effect of calcium deposits can help you ask your doctor the right questions and enable you to plan for future tests and diagnoses.
Calcium Deposits
An unborn baby may develop calcium deposits for a number of reasons. Typically worrisome calcium deposits show up your baby's heart, but they can also grow on her brain. Calcium deposits can develop as an effect of scarring or where abnormal tissue growth has taken place. Baby Zone reports that calcium deposits can also be harmless growths or caused by hormone disruptions. If your baby is growing well and has no other health issues, it is most likely that any calcium deposits are not dangerous.
Calcium Deposits on the Heart
A calcium deposit on your unborn baby's heart is unlikely to cause an infection. More likely, your doctor may tell you that your baby is at an increased risk for Down's syndrome. Pregnancy.org notes that the angle of an ultrasound may make it appear that there is a calcium deposit, when in fact there is nothing to worry about. Your doctor can educate you about your increased risk and may suggest genetic counseling.
Calcium Deposits on the Brain
Like calcium deposits on the heart, calcium deposits on your unborn baby's brain are unlikely to cause an infection, but they may signal that an infection is already present. According to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health," the presence of calcium deposits on your baby's brain may require testing when he is delivered. The TORCH test looks for certain infections that could negatively affect your newborn baby's health. These include toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex and other viruses. The calcium deposits may develop as a result of these infections. The results of this test help your doctor determine whether you need additional testing or not.
Coping with Uncertainty
If you are worried about the presence of calcium deposits, your obstetrician can answer any questions you may have about what it means for your unborn baby. Your obstetrician can also guide you as you make future appointments with specialists.
