Olivia Barredo
February 20, 2023

Pregnancy symptoms and complications can range from mild and annoying discomforts to severe, sometimes life-threatening illnesses. It's not always obvious to women which symptoms are typical and which are cause for concern. Pregnancy complications may arise from a wide range of causes, some of which are medical, some of which are mental, and sometimes both. These problems can be caused by or made worse by being pregnant. Although many issues are small and resolve themselves, others might become serious and endanger the mother or the child.

 

It's important to remember that there are solutions to the challenges of pregnancy.

 

What are Pregnancy Complications?

 

Medical disorders that might compromise either your health or the health of the baby during pregnancy are referred to as pregnancy complications. Your healthcare practitioner will keep an eye out for any potential complications during your pregnancy. Attending all of your prenatal checkups will enable them to identify any possible problems. It is possible to lessen the risk of more serious complications with early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

 

Complications during pregnancy may be brought on by a wide number of factors. Pre-existing medical conditions or developing ones may contribute to pregnancy complications.

 

Mommies Be Alert: Who is at Risk of Pregnancy Complications?

 

It might be difficult to distinguish between pregnancies' typical symptoms and those caused by problems. If you are concerned about anything at any point throughout your pregnancy, you should never hesitate to make an appointment with your obstetrician, even though many complications are small and do not worsen. If timely treatment is received, the majority of pregnancy problems are controllable.

 

During pregnancy, these are the most common types of complications that a woman may experience:

 

10 Common Pregnancy Complications to be Aware of

 

Miscarriage

 

A miscarriage is a term used to describe the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. The American Pregnancy Association (APA) estimates that up to 20% of pregnancies in healthy women will result in a miscarriage. In some cases, this takes place before a woman is even aware that she is pregnant. A miscarriage is almost never something that can be avoided.

 

A stillbirth is a term used to describe a miscarriage or pregnancy loss that occurs beyond the 20th week of pregnancy. Frequently, there is no recognized reason for this. The following have been identified as potential causes of stillbirths:

 

• Pregnancy complications related to the placenta

• Problems with the mother's health that are persistent

• Infections

 

Ectopic Pregnancy

 

The development of the baby outside of the uterus is referred to as an "ectopic pregnancy." This may occur in the fallopian tubes, the cervical canal, the pelvis, or the abdomen. Scar tissue from an infection or illness in the fallopian tube is often the cause of an ectopic pregnancy. Women who have had tubal sterilization treatments, particularly those who were under the age of 30, are at a higher risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy.

 

About 1 in 50 pregnancies results in ectopic pregnancies, which may be quite risky for the mother. It's possible that you'll have cramps and spotting as symptoms. When an ectopic pregnancy continues for a longer period of time, there is an increased risk that one of the fallopian tubes may burst. The diagnosis might be confirmed by ultrasound as well as blood testing. Medicine or surgical removal of the fetus may be used to treat an ectopic pregnancy.

 

Hypertension

 

Hypertension, another name for high blood pressure, develops when the arteries that deliver blood from the heart to the body's organs become constricted. As a result, there is an increase in pressure within the arteries. When a woman is pregnant, this may make it more difficult for blood to reach the placenta, which is responsible for supplying the fetus with nutrition and oxygen. A decrease in blood flow may cause the development of the baby to slow down, which puts the mother at an increased risk of premature labor and preeclampsia.

 

 

Pregnant women with high blood pressure will need to continue monitoring and managing it throughout their pregnancy and may need to take medication if required. It is referred to as gestational hypertension when high blood pressure develops in a pregnant woman. Gestational hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects pregnant women but usually disappears after the baby is born.

 

Gestational Diabetes

 

"Gestational diabetes" is when a woman who did not have diabetes before she got pregnant gets it while she is pregnant.

 

During digestion, some of the components of the food you eat are converted into glucose, which is a kind of sugar. The glucose in your bloodstream is the main source that your body uses for energy. After digestion, the glucose gets into your bloodstream and gives your body the energy it needs to work.

 

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas, and its primary function is to transport glucose from the blood into the cells of the body. The hormonal shifts that occur during pregnancy may lead to a condition known as gestational diabetes. This condition occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not utilize the insulin in a healthy manner. Instead, the glucose causes a buildup in your blood, which may lead to diabetes, which is also known as high blood sugar.

 

The most effective method for lowering or avoiding complications related to high blood sugar levels during pregnancy is properly managing gestational diabetes by adhering to a treatment plan that has been mapped out by a medical professional. If it is not controlled, it may result in high blood pressure due to preeclampsia and delivering a big newborn, both of which increase the chance of having to deliver the baby through a cesarean section.

 

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

 

Morning sickness, often known as nausea and vomiting, affects a large percentage of pregnant women, especially in the first three months. It is thought that rapidly rising blood levels of a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which is secreted by the placenta, are the root cause of nausea and vomiting experienced by pregnant women. On the other hand, hyperemesis gravidarum describes an extreme case of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that goes beyond the typical "morning sickness." This might result in a loss of weight as well as dehydration, which may require severe medical care.

 

Low Amniotic Fluid

 

A fetus with low amniotic fluid is one that is encased in a quantity of amniotic fluid that is lower than what is typical for a fetus of its age. This increases the chances of having a preterm baby. This condition occurs more often than polyhydramnios, which refers to an excessive amount of amniotic fluid and may also lead to difficulties.

 

Preeclampsia

 

Preeclampsia, which used to be known as toxemia, is a condition that is characterized by pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. Protein may be found in the urine of a person who has this condition. Additionally, fluid retention-related edema might appear sometimes. The most serious form of this condition is known as eclampsia. This may result in coma, death, or even convulsions. Preeclampsia has an increased prevalence in first pregnancies while having no identified cause. About 5–8% of pregnant women are affected by it. Additionally, preeclampsia may be caused by the following risk factors:

 

• A pregnant mother with multiple fetuses

•  A teenage mom

• A woman above the age of 40

• A woman who was already suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, or renal disease before she got pregnant.

• Obese women with a BMI higher than 30

 

There is a possibility that symptoms will include significant swelling of the hands and face, high blood pressure, headache, dizziness, irritability, reduced urine production, stomach discomfort, and impaired vision. The treatment will change depending on the severity of the disease as well as the stage of pregnancy. Hospitalization, bed rest, blood pressure-lowering medication, and regular monitoring of both the mother and the fetus may all be part of the treatment.

 

Preterm Labor

 

Early labor, or preterm labor, is defined as the onset of contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Organs like the lungs and brain complete developing in the last weeks before a full-term birth, making babies born before 37 weeks more likely to have health complications (39 to 40 weeks). 

 

Preterm labor is more common in women who have certain health issues, such as infections, shorter cervixes, or a history of preterm birth.

 

 

Preterm birth may be avoided in some women with the aid of progesterone, a hormone that is normally generated throughout pregnancy. A 2003 study headed by NICHD researchers discovered that giving progesterone to women who are at high risk for preterm delivery because of a previous preterm birth reduced the chance of a second preterm birth by one-third.

 

Anemia

 

Anemia occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen across the body. It drains your strength and energy. It is prevalent during pregnancy because of the increased need for red blood cells to transport oxygen to the developing fetus. Anemia is often brought on by a lack of iron in the body. Taking iron supplements or increasing your intake of iron-rich foods may help you avoid an iron deficiency.

 

Infections

 

Pregnancy complications may result from a number of bacterial, viral, and parasitic illnesses. It is critical to get treatment as soon as possible for any infections that may be present since infections pose a risk to both the mother and the baby. Here are a few examples:

 

• A parasite found in cat feces, soil, and raw meat is what causes toxoplasmosis, an infection.

• Hepatitis B virus, which can spread to your baby during birth.

• Influenza

• A urinary tract infection

• Bacterial vaginosis

• Zika virus

• Cytomegalovirus

• Streptococcus group B

• A yeast infection

 

Washing your hands often might help you avoid certain diseases. Vaccination may help you avoid others, such as the hepatitis B virus and influenza.

 

5 Ways to Avoid Pregnancy Complications and High-Risk Pregnancies

 

When a woman discovers she is pregnant, she wants nothing more than a healthy pregnancy that is successfully brought to term. There are certain pregnancy complications that may occur even in women who are in ideal health, but there are also other complications that can occur during pregnancy that have the potential to be fully avoided. Following these guidelines for a healthy pregnancy can ensure that any pregnancy problems are reduced or avoided entirely.

 

Make Health Your First Priority

 

If you've just been responsible for another person, don't let that excuse you from prioritizing your own needs, especially your health. Extreme tiredness, a lot of stress, and a bad diet can all lead to serious pregnancy problems. In order to protect both you and your unborn child, it is suggested that pregnant women obtain the required amount of sleep (about 7 to 8 hours per night), eat healthily, and exercise regularly. Pregnant women should also make time in their schedules to de-stress, whether via a quick meditation session or a brisk stroll in the park.

 

Attend Appointments Regularly

 

 

Pregnant women should see their OB-GYN for regular checkups during their pregnancies so that their doctors can monitor the baby's heart rate, development, and general health, as well as the mother's. Attending all of a high-risk pregnancy specialist’s appointments will similarly increase the chances that a medical condition or issue will be detected sooner rather than later, thanks to non-invasive testing for complications and conditions and advanced imaging technologies like 3D and 4D ultrasounds. It may be both life-changing and life-saving for your kid if you take these checkups seriously and attend every single one.

 

Maintain a Healthy Weight

 

When it comes to the avoidance of complications during pregnancy, a pregnant woman's weight is one of the most important factors. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure that may directly damage the baby's capacity to receive blood and oxygen while in the womb; it may be caused by factors such as overeating, eating too many sugary foods, developing diabetes, and being overweight. On the other hand, being underweight or excessively skinny is also harmful. You may lower your risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other pregnancy-related problems by keeping your weight within a reasonable range. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are recommended for women, as determined by their individual physicians.

 

Take Supplements

 

When you are pregnant, your body has a greater requirement for specific nutrients in order to meet the demands of your developing baby. If you're pregnant and not receiving enough of certain nutrients from your diet, prenatal vitamins and supplements may help.

 

Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs

 

Consuming alcohol, smoking or using other products containing tobacco, and engaging in drug use while you are pregnant are all behaviors that pose a considerable risk to the health of your unborn child. Drinking alcohol while pregnant puts the unborn child at an increased risk of developing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, a condition that may result in severe birth abnormalities.

 

Cigarette smoking may lead to low birth weight in newborns. Birth abnormalities are only one of the many negative outcomes that may result from a mother's substance abuse during pregnancy, whether it be illegal substances or prescribed medication. During your pregnancy, you should only take the drugs that have been prescribed to you by your doctor.

 

 

Facing the terrifying reality of a pregnancy complication may be difficult. It is natural for you to be concerned about both your personal health and the health of the baby when you are pregnant. The majority of issues that might arise during pregnancy are curable, particularly if your prenatal care provider identifies them at an early stage.

 

The most important thing you can do is to make sure that you go to all of your prenatal checkups, as well as any ultrasounds and tests that are scheduled. If you have any concerns regarding your diagnosis, don't be shy about asking your doctor or healthcare professional any questions. Tell them what's wrong so they can help you as quickly as possible.