Pregnancy Problems

Nothing can be better than becoming a mother for an expectant woman. But, your pregnancy could involve complications, by which we mean health problems. Pregnancy problems could affect both the mother and the baby, and hence it is of primary importance that the expecting mother takes care of herself. These health problems that appear during pregnancy could be a disorder that was prevalent before the woman got pregnant or could appear during the time of pregnancy. In both the cases the expecting mother and the baby could face serious health issues, and to address this concern you can take a look at the problems that have been mentioned in this section. Get complete guidance with the most important phase of your life, being pregnant. Find help with all possible pregnancy problems, complications and ailments occurring during pregnancy. Browse to keep complications during pregnancy at bay.

Early Pregnancy Problems

There is a reason why it is said that women must be careful during the first trimester of pregnancy. In the early pregnancy days when the baby is just forming, it is a very tough time for the mother. Her body is undergoing so many changes that should be managed well. Miscarriages are common in early pregnancy along with other complications. Here are some of the common early pregnancy problems that every woman should know of and be aware of the risk factors that may risk their pregnancy and unborn baby’s well-being.

Bleeding

Most women panic upon seeing bleeding when they are pregnant. Vaginal bleeding occur in many women but that doesn’t mean they have miscarried. One in four pregnant women who witness vaginal bleeding during pregnancy deliver healthy babies. But you must see a doctor if bleeding occur to investigate if everything is alright.

Miscarriage

According to Dr. Prachi Benara, there are many reasons why miscarriage happen. If the pregnancy stops, the tissues pass out from the body causing bleeding and abdominal pain. Most miscarriages occur in the initial weeks of pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy

This pregnancy is when the fetus is growing in the wrong place or let us just say, other than uterus. A normal pregnancy is carried in the uterus whereas an ectopic pregnancy is carried other than uterus.

Molar pregnancy

This is a critical complication wherein a tumor develops in the uterus. This is a non-cancerous tumour but it should be removed. Prominent symptoms of molar pregnancy are red or dark vaginal bleeding.

Common Problems During Pregnancy

There are certain health issues that are highly common during pregnancy. Semester-wise problems are different but some issues may linger throughout the pregnancy and even after that. Doctor educate mothers about these beforehand to secure their healthy during and post-pregnancy.

Anaemia

Red blood cells are essential for human body and their healthy count keeps the body healthy. Anaemia is very common in women due to the monthly blood loss during menstruation. Anaemia is common in pregnant women due to which they feel weak and tired all the time. Getting regular blood tests done can track anaemia condition.

UTI Infection

Urinary tract infection is another common problem in pregnancy. This is a bacterial infection which can be carried during pregnancy. Pressure in lower belly, back pain, burning sensation while peeing, frequent and instant urge to urinate are some of the common symptoms that a pregnant woman may have UTI.

Preeclampsia or High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure before and during pregnancy can put the mother and her baby at risk of other complications. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or placental abruption are some of the complications that high blood pressure can cause. This not only affects during pregnancy but can also cause long-term implications. These pregnant women may have to bear preterm labor or infant death. This is why it is advised that one should keep checking her blood pressure throughout the pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes

This is a type of diabetes which occurs only during pregnancy when the blood sugar levels rise and stay high throughout the term. Gestational diabetes is limited to pregnancy period and once the baby is delivered, the blood sugar levels restore back to normal. It is better to take measures beforehand to avoid gestational diabetes, explains Dr. Nusrat A H, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Banashankari, Bangalore.

Obesity and Weight Gain

It is normal for a woman to gain weight during pregnancy but some women experience massive weight gain. In some cases, women become obese and find it hard to cope with the gained weight after delivery. Weight gain is associated with other health complications including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, stillbirth, c-section delivery, etc. One must manage her weight during pregnancy.

Mental Health Issues

A women goes through a lot during pregnancy. Excitement to welcome the baby and anxiety to carry the baby and go through delivery process goes simultaneously. Psychological and mental health conditions such as mood swings, lethargy, loss of appetite, depression, etc. can worsen during pregnancy. If these symptoms are seen in any pregnant women, they must be reported to the doctor and provided aid.

Health Complications during delivery

Talking about pregnancy problems, delivery complications or post-pregnancy problems should also be counted. Here are some complications during and after delivery

Placenta previa

Placenta previa means that the placenta is covering the cervix. This doesn’t allow normal delivery and so the doctor will usually perform a cesarean delivery.

Breech position

A baby is considered to be in a breech position when their legs are turned upside down and head in the downward position. Most babies born in this condition are healthy. Talk to your doctor if you notice signs of distress in your child. Most doctors recommend a caesarean delivery if the baby is still in the breech position when labor begins.

Low birth weight at birth

Low birth weight is usually caused by poor nutrition or the use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs during pregnancy. Such babies are at higher risk of certain diseases. Thus, pregnant women are strictly advised to stay away from drinking and smoking for their baby’s good health.

Warning signs to look out for

There are certain problematic signs that women must check out for during pregnancy. Here is a list of symptoms:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Twitching
• Severe headache
• Blurred vision
• Fever and weakness
• Severe abdominal pain
• Rapid breathing or difficulty in breathing
• Stomach ache
• Swollen face, fingers and feet

How to prevent problems during pregnancy?

Every woman wants to be a mother with a healthy and easy pregnancy. Unfortunately, some women are at higher risk of developing certain pregnancy complications. In such a situation, it is very important to know how pregnancy problems can be prevented from developing. Here are some tips:

Prevent gestational diabetes by achieving a healthy weight before you become pregnant. Women who are obese during pregnancy are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. By losing considerable amount of weight while planning pregnancy and before conception is suggested.

Control your weight while pregnant by eating a healthy diet and doing enough exercises or being physically active. 

Consuming foods rich in folic acid and increase the amount of iron in the diet to combat anaemia during pregnancy.

Consume calcium and vitamin C as these help build both mother’s and baby’s immunity.

Wash hands frequently and maintain personal hygiene to keep infections at bay.

Get tested for STDs and other chronic infections such as HIV when you plan pregnancy.

Get vaccinated before getting pregnant.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-complications.html

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/complications

https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/pregnancy-and-birth/pregnancy-problems/early-pregnancy-problems