What are the Common Complications of Pregnancy?

 

What are the Common Complications of Pregnancy? Being pregnant is a beautiful and potent experience of carrying a new human soul until the onset of sickness, exhaustion, and mood swings. As it becomes more difficult to tell the difference between pregnancy problems and typical symptoms, it is possible to overlook some issues that may affect the health of the mother, the fetus, or even both, leading to a high-risk pregnancy. Complications can arise even in pregnant women who were in good health before.  Though these symptoms typically subside once the body is adjusted to the higher levels of these hormones, some pregnant women continue to suffer even after giving birth. It is possible to reduce the probability of complications by receiving regular and early prenatal care that includes spotting, controlling, or treating disorders before they progress.  Some of the common complications of pregnancy include: High Blood Pressure  Hypertension, another name for high blood pressure, develops when the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the body's organs become constricted. As a result, the arteries experience an increase in pressure. During pregnancy, this may make it difficult for blood to reach the placenta, which supplies the foetus with nutrients and oxygen. Reduced blood flow can stunt foetal growth and increase the mother's risk of preterm labour and preeclampsia.   If a woman has high blood pressure before becoming pregnant, she will need to monitor it throughout the pregnancy and, if necessary, treat it with medication. Gestational hypertension typically develops in the second trimester and disappears after delivery.  Gestational Diabetes Gestational diabetes is a condition that develops in a pregnant woman who never had diabetes before. The body typically converts portions of the food it digests into the primary energy source called glucose. Glucose enters the blood after digestion and helps the body produce energy. The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which is used to move glucose from the blood into the body's cells. Hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy result in gestational diabetes when the body either produces insufficient insulin or does not use it properly. In contrast, the glucose accumulates in the blood, leading to diabetes, also known as high blood sugar.  The best way to lessen or avoid issues caused by high blood sugar during pregnancy is to manage gestational diabetes by adhering to a treatment plan. If it is not controlled, it can result in preeclampsia, which raises blood pressure.  Preeclampsia Preeclampsia is a serious medical condition that can lead to preterm delivery and death. Some of the risk factors include first pregnancies, preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus, being 35 years of age or older and obesity.  Infections Infections, including some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can happen during pregnancy or delivery and can cause problems for both the expectant mother and the baby after delivery. While some infections can infect a foetus during pregnancy, others can infect a newborn during delivery when the baby passes through the birth canal. With the right pre-pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum follow-up care, many of these infections can be avoided or treated. Preterm Labour  When labour starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is referred to as preterm labour. Preterm delivery is more likely in those who have certain health issues, such as infections, cervix shortening, or past preterm births. Some pregnant women may benefit from the usage of the hormone progesterone, which is produced naturally during pregnancy, to help avoid preterm birth.  Depression & Anxiety There are several depression symptoms that are comparable to pregnancy symptoms, such as changes in sleep, energy level, appetite, and libido. The stigma surrounding depression may also make women hesitant to discuss mood changes during pregnancy with their medical professionals. Psychotherapy or antidepressants may also be used in conjunction with psychotherapy, depending on the severity of your depression.  Miscarriage  The term "miscarriage" refers to a pregnancy loss that occurs naturally before 20 weeks. Vaginal spotting or bleeding, cramps, or the passage of fluid or tissue from the vagina are all indications. Vaginal bleeding, however, does not necessarily indicate that a miscarriage has occurred or is occurring.  Nausea and Vomiting While some nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, are typical, some women endure more severe symptoms that linger into the third trimester. In addition to persistent nausea, weight loss, decreased appetite, dehydration, and dizziness, women with hyperemesis gravidarum(severe, prolonged nausea and vomiting) also experience weight loss.  Anemia Fatigue, weakness, and pale complexion are some of the symptoms of anemia, a condition in which the body's red blood cell count is below normal. The body creates extra blood during pregnancy to support the baby's growth. In order to develop enough red blood cells to keep up with the creation of blood, it is essential to consume foods high in folic acid and iron as well as taking supplements.  In order to have a healthy pregnancy, it is recommended to consult a doctor regularly during the pregnancy and eat healthy food, maintain a weight within a recommended range, avoid alcohol, smoking, do regular exercise and take only doctor recommended medicines and supplements.  Courtesy: Yashoda Hospital