Pregnancy is a time of great anticipation and joy, but can also be a time of uncertainty and worry. Pregnancy complications can create unexpected challenges for expectant mothers. These issues can affect both - the health of the mother and the baby. Studies show that nearly 1 in 12 pregnancies - around 8% - involve complications that require prompt medical attention to ensure a healthy outcome. Common complications include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and premature labour. Understanding these risks is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. 1
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the types of pregnancy complications, their causes, and the best ways to manage them.
Pregnancy complication refers to a medical condition that may affect you or your baby inside the womb. Usually, your doctor checks your overall health during pregnancy and watches for any pregnancy complications. Early detection and prompt treatment may help reduce the chances of any serious complication. 1
It may happen due to several reasons, including 1
Health conditions that existed before you became pregnant can impact your pregnancy journey. These may include chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma. 1
Certain health conditions can develop during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or placenta previa. These conditions can affect both mom and baby. 1
Lifestyle choices and environmental exposures, such as tobacco use, unhealthy eating habits, substance abuse, and excessive alcohol consumption, can negatively impact your health.1
Gestational diabetes refers to high blood sugar levels during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth. It can develop during any trimester but commonly occurs in the second or third trimester. This condition develops when enough insulin (a hormone that controls the amount of glucose in your blood) isn’t produced by your body. Gestational diabetes can cause problems such as 2 3 4
Pregnant women with gestational diabetes usually do not experience any symptoms. But, high blood sugar levels can cause the following symptoms1
It is during the first prenatal visit that your doctor usually determines whether you’re at risk of developing gestational diabetes. If you develop this condition, you might have to visit your doctor more frequently for checkups to monitor your blood sugar levels. And to manage it better, make sure you follow the treatment plan provided by your doctor to reduce complications during pregnancy.1, 2
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects pregnant women usually after the 20th week of pregnancy or soon after childbirth.3 A few early signs of preeclampsia include high blood pressure and proteinuria (protein in urine). These signs will often be detected during your routine prenatal visits. However, if symptoms further develop, they may include:3,4
If symptoms of pre-eclampsia are left untreated, it can lead to serious complications for you and your baby. So, if you notice any signs, visit your healthcare provider immediately to avoid further risks. 3,4
It is common for pregnant women to experience nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), especially in the first trimester. But, hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition more extreme than morning sickness. Women with this condition experience persistent nausea and vomiting which can lead to dehydration, weight loss as well as electrolyte imbalance. A few symptoms to look out for include:5,6
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is advised to seek medical care immediately to avoid further complications during pregnancy. Your doctor will help you manage symptoms better with appropriate treatment options.5
Some common infections during pregnancy such as a cold or skin infection might not cause a serious problem. However, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can complicate the pregnancy. These infections might lead to premature birth, low birth weight babies, birth defects and certain lifelong disabilities in the child such as hearing loss or learning disabilities.7
Nonetheless, by following some preventative steps you can stay away from these infections that might cause complications during pregnancy. Here are some precautionary tips to consider:8
If you think you might have an infection or are at risk of contracting any, then seek medical attention as soon as possible. The healthcare provider can provide a treatment plan that will help keep you and your baby healthy.
If an expectant mother ticks the following boxes, then she may be at risk of pregnancy complications. 1
Each year, around 700 people die due to pregnancy-related complications. Many of these deaths could be avoided if complications were identified and treated early. The leading causes of death during or after pregnancy include heart and blood vessel problems, such as high blood pressure, infections or sepsis, severe bleeding and pulmonary embolism (PE). 1
Girls under 15 who become pregnant are more likely to experience serious health problems including 1
Studies indicate that teenage parents also have a greater chance of infant mortality.1
Uterine fibroids rarely cause issues during pregnancy. However, they can increase the risk of certain complications like premature labour and breech position (baby's feet or buttocks positioned to exit the birth canal first). In some cases, a fibroid may block the baby's passage during delivery, making cesarean section (C-section) a safer option. 1
There is no strong proof that using birth control pills early in pregnancy harms the fetus. Still, it is best to stop all hormonal contraception as soon as you find out you are pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test as soon as possible. 1
While some complications can't be prevented. However, you can take steps to reduce the risk and ensure a healthy pregnancy. 1
Discussing all your symptoms with your doctor during pregnancy is crucial. This allows them to identify and manage any complications. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as you experience the following-
Whether you're in week 1 or week 40, prioritising your health and safety throughout pregnancy is essential. Regular prenatal checkups, a nutritious diet, staying physically active, and being informed about potential pregnancy complications can make a significant difference for you and your baby.
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