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What are the common complications during pregnancy?
Pristyn Care Team
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Most females have a normal pregnancy without any major complications. However, some pregnant females experience complications involving their own health or the baby’s health, or in some cases, both. Sometimes, diseases or conditions the pregnant female had before she got pregnant can lead to complications during pregnancy. Some complications can also occur during labor and delivery.
Even in case of complications, early detection and the needed prenatal care can reduce further risk to the female and the baby.
Some of the most common complications during pregnancy include:
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Preterm labor
- High blood pressure
- Loss of pregnancy, or miscarriage
Table of Contents
What are the most common pregnancy complications?
The normal signs of pregnancy and symptoms of complications are at times hard to distinguish. Although many pregnancy problems are mild and do not progress, a female should always contact her doctor if she has any concerns during her pregnancy. Most pregnancy complications can be managed with prompt and timely treatment.
Below are the most common complications during pregnancy-
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes happens when a female’s body cannot process sugars effectively. This can lead to higher than normal sugar levels in the bloodstream. Some females will need to change their diet to help control their blood sugar levels. In some cases, a female may need to take insulin in order to keep her blood sugar levels in control.
Also Read-
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is also known as toxemia. It occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy and causes high blood pressure and possible complications with the kidneys. The recommended treatment option for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby to prevent the disease from progressing any further.
If it is too early to deliver the baby, the doctor will need to closely monitor the female and her baby and may prescribe medications in order to help lower the blood pressure. If needed, the female may be hospitalized for proper monitoring and care.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure happens when the arteries which carry blood from the heart to other organs and placenta are narrowed. High blood pressure is linked to a higher risk of many other pregnancy complications, like preeclampsia. It puts a pregnant female at a higher risk of preterm delivery, which means having her baby before her due date. This can also increase the female’s risk of having a small baby (smaller than the normal). It is important to control the blood pressure in pregnancy with precautions and medications (if needed).
Also Read- How you can get rid of High Blood Pressure without medication?
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is the loss of pregnancy in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, up to 20 % of pregnancies among healthy females are likely to end in a miscarriage. Sometimes, miscarriage happens before a female is even aware of her pregnancy. In most cases, miscarriage is not preventable.
Loss of pregnancy after 20 weeks of pregnancy is known as a stillbirth. Many times the cause for miscarriage is not known.
Preterm labor
Preterm labor occurs when the female goes into labor before week 37 of pregnancy. This is before the baby’s organs, like lungs and brain, have completed developing. Certain medications can stop preterm labor. Doctors usually suggest the female take proper bed rest to keep her baby from being born too early.
Anemia
Anemia is the condition when the female has a lower-than-normal number of RBCs (red blood cells) in her body. There can be many possible causes of anemia. The female and her doctor will need to treat the underlying cause of the anemia to treat this condition. Taking iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy can help prevent anemia as most cases of anemia occur due to a deficiency during pregnancy.
Also Read- Pregnancy with Anemia- Causes, Risks and Preventive steps
Infections
A variety of viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can lead to complications in pregnancy. Infections can be harmful for both the pregnant and the developing baby. So, it is important to get treatment for infections right away. Some common infections during pregnancy include:
- UTI (urinary tract infection)
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Influenza
- Toxoplasmosis
- Yeast infection
- Zika virus
- Hepatitis B virus
Also Read- Risks, Complications and Preventions of UTI and BV during pregnancy
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Who is at risk for complications in pregnancy?
If a female already has a chronic condition, disease or illness, before she gets pregnant, she should talk to her doctor about what she can do to minimise the risk of complications during pregnancy. If a female is already pregnant, her doctor will asses the pregnancy regularly with proper tests, screenings or required ultrasounds to prevent any further risks or complications.
Some common diseases and conditions that can cause complications during your pregnancy include:
- Epilepsy
- Anemia
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Infections
- Cancer
- STDs (Sexually transmitted diseases)
- Kidney problems
What factors can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy?
Other factors that can increase a female’s risk for pregnancy complications include:
- Pregnancy at a young age
- Pregnancy at age of 35 or older
- Smoking or use of illegal drugs
- Alcohol consumption
- Carrying multiples, like twins or triplets
- Having an eating disorder such as anorexia
- A history of pregnancy loss (miscarriage) or preterm birth
Warning signs that you should visit your doctor
If you are pregnant, make sure to monitor your health and stay in touch with your doctor. Watch out for any warning signs and call your doctor if you notice any signs of a problem. Consult your doctor right away if you notice any of the following-
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Sudden swelling in hands or face
- Persistent vomiting or severe nausea
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision
In case of any warning signs or other concerns that you have regarding your pregnancy or the baby, consult a doctor. You can also consult a doctor online and discuss your health and what measures you need to take further.
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