Common Complications During Pregnancy: Overview

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.

What Is Termed As Pregnancy Complication?

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

What Causes Complications During Pregnancy?

It may happen due to several reasons, including ¹

1. Pre-Pregnancy Health Conditions

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

2. Pregnancy-Related Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can develop during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or placenta previa. These conditions can affect both mom and baby. ¹

3. Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle choices and environmental exposures, such as tobacco use, unhealthy eating habits, substance abuse, and excessive alcohol consumption, can negatively impact your health.¹

What Are The Most Common Complications Of Pregnancy?

Gestational Diabetes

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}

• Premature birth (giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
• Your baby growing larger than normal (may lead to difficulty in childbirth, increasing C-section chances)
• Too much amniotic fluid (a fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb) which can cause premature labour
• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure)

Pregnant women with gestational diabetes usually do not experience any symptoms. But, high blood sugar levels can cause the following symptoms¹

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Tiredness 
• Blurred vision

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

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

• Severe headache
• Changes in vision like blurring or flashing
• Pain under the ribs
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen face, hands or feet
• Nausea and vomiting

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

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

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

• Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting
• Excessive salivation
• Dehydration signs such as dark urine, skin dryness, lightheadedness or weakness
• Inability to consume adequate amounts of fluids
• Constipation 

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

Infections

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

• Refrain from consuming raw or undercooked meat 
• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid being around people who are not feeling well
• Speak to your doctor about recommended vaccinations during pregnancy
• Avoid changing the litter box of your pet to avoid infections

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.

Who Is At Risk For Pregnancy Complications?

If an expectant mother ticks the following boxes, then she may be at risk of pregnancy complications. ¹

• Women older than 35
• Habitual smoker or alcoholic
• Being pregnant with twins, triplets or more
• History of miscarriages
• Overweight or obese

Pregnancy Complications: A Leading Cause of Maternal Death

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 

The Risks of Teen Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Girls under 15 who become pregnant are more likely to experience serious health problems including ¹

• Premature delivery.
• Anemia.
• Pregnancy-related high blood pressure, also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) or toxaemia.
• Cephalopelvic disproportion ( a pregnancy complication that occurs when the baby's head is too large to fit through the pelvis).

Studies indicate that teenage parents also have a greater chance of infant mortality.¹

Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Pregnancy Complications?

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

Can Birth Control Pills Cause Pregnancy Complications?

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

How Do I Prevent Pregnancy Complications?

While some complications can't be prevented. However, you can take steps to reduce the risk and ensure a healthy pregnancy. ¹

• Attend all your prenatal appointments, ultrasounds and tests regularly
• If you’re experiencing any trouble or unusual symptoms, tell your doctor right away.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle - eat a nutritious meal and exercise regularly.
• Quit habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes.
• Reduce your stress levels.
• Get plenty of rest during pregnancy.
• Take prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor. 

When Should I Call My Doctor?

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-

• Heavy bleeding or fluid leakage from your vagina. 
• Severe and ongoing headaches. 
• Sudden or extreme swelling. 
• Dizziness or blurred vision. 
• Abdominal pain or cramping. 
• Fever, chills, or vomiting. 
• Reduced fetal movement.

Conclusion

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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