IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS) e-ISSN: 2279-0853, p-ISSN: 2279-0861.Volume 17, Issue 01 Ver. XI January. (2018), PP 51-58 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/0853-1701115158 www.iosrjournals.org 51 | Page Awareness of Systemic Manifestations and Oral Infections during Pregnancy among Women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Kawkab M.A. AL-Turck, BDS, MSc, 1 Dania M. AlMadi, 2 Malak A. Al- Hadlaq, 2 Raghad B. Al-Ahmadi 2 , Rawan K. Ateeq 2 , Safa M. Al-Rashed, 2 Shahd S. AlZahrani 2 , Waad R. Al-Amri 2 , (BDS) 1 Associate Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University Riyadh ,Saudi Arabia. 2 Dental Interns, College of Dentistry, King Saud Universit, Riyadh ,Saudi Arabia Correspondence to: Dr. Kawkab M.A. Al-Turck, Associate Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, P.O. Box 5967 , Riyadh 11432, King Saud University, KSA. Corresponding Author: Kawkab M.A. AL-Turck __________________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the awareness among married women on the effects' of systemic changes and oral infections on pregnancy status in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was prepared online by Google Forms containing the following three sections; 1. demographic data, 2. knowledge regarding systemic changes and oral infections’ effects on pregnancy outcome, and 3. dental treatment and myths during conception. A rating scale format was applied with agree, don't agree, and do not know options. The questionnaire was distributed through social media networks targeting married women across Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of (491) women in Riyadh area responded to the questionnaire, with 60.3% acquiring Bachelor’s degree and 40.4 % were among 25 to 34 years of age. Among the sample, 45.2% reported acquired health complications during pregnancy. Anemia, gestational diabetes, and preterm delivery were most reported in 33.9%, 27.9% and 24.3%, respectively. They recognized the risk of gestational diabetes (p = 0.025) , anemia ( p = 0.047), and for the increased iron demand during pregnancy (p= 0.012). 65% of respondents lack the knowledge on the effect of hypertension on fetus growth and death . More than half of the sample did not recognize periodontitis as a risk factor for low birth weight or fetus death. More than 2/3 acknowledge that linking tooth loss with pregnancy is a myth (p = 0.000). Yet, 63.1 % owed that to calcium withdraw from mother teeth to supply fetus demand (p = 0.293). More than 70 % knew that pregnancy will not cause hypersensitivity of teeth , and that dental radiographs are not safe in the first 3 months (p= 0.041), as well as ibuprofen is not a safe analgesic. Around 65% agreed on that pregnant women can be treated in a dental clinic (p = 0.032). A considerable portion of the sample were confused about the safety of dental local anesthesia , and that pregnancy may cause a swollen gum requiring surgical removal. Keywords: awareness, oral infections, pregnancy, systemic changes, women. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 12-01-2018 Date of acceptance: 25-01-2018 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. INTRODUCTION Pregnancy or gestation can be defined as; the state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body. 1 Throughout the pregnancy period, the body is encountered with many physiological changes including respiratory, hematologic, cardiovascular, and immunological shifts. 2 These changes can directly impact the pregnant woman by increasing susceptibility to various oral and systemic infections. Moreover, the exposure of pregnant woman to different oral and systemic infections, poses a direct risk on the developing fetus leading to undesired pregnancy outcomes. 3 During pregnancy, various hormonal changes occur resulting in the alteration of the physiologic functions of the body, therefore, numerous systemic changes are enhanced "Fig.1". The first of the most common systemic manifestations associated with pregnancy is hematological changes which include hypercoagulation due to increased pro-coagulant action and anemia usually necessitating the use of iron and folic acid supplements. 4,5 Second, are the different respiratory changes that occur during pregnancy such as increased rate of respiration (tachypnea) and dyspnea that is aggravated by the supine position. Subsequently, prevention is necessary within the dental practice through the implementation of stress reduction and avoidance of rubber dam utilization which may lead to exacerbation of dyspnea. 5 Third, are the cardiovascular changes that might occur during gestation. Such changes are associated with hypertension, tachycardia, heart murmurs, glomerulopathies, peripartum cardiomyopathy, arterial aneurysms, and arteriovenous malformations. 5 Furthermore, during pregnancy, hormonal changes contribute to several