Common Pregnancy Complications
As you are probably well aware, body changes and some discomforts along the way are part of every pregnancy. But for the most part, pregnancy and childbirth should be viewed as a wellness, not an illness. To improve the likelihood of a health pregnancy, reduce the chance of problems and help catch potential complications early, regular prenatal visits with your healthcare provider and good nutrition and exercise habits are important. However, not everything is within your control and you may not always know what is normal and when to be concerned. Here are some of the most common pregnancy complications to be aware of.
Nausea and Vomiting
Unfortunately nausea and even vomiting can be a normal part of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Although unpleasant, they are not harmful unless your vomiting is severe enough to cause significant weight loss or dehydration. Eating bland foods, opting for smaller snacks instead of large meals and eating foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates may help. If you experience severe, persistent nausea and vomiting (more than three or four times a day and can’t keep any food or fluids down in a 24-hour period), contact your healthcare provider.
Vaginal Bleeding
Between 20 and 30 percent of women experience some vaginal bleeding during their first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Up to 10 percent of women have vaginal bleeding in their third trimester. Vaginal bleeding can be a normal part of pregnancy, as a result of the fertilized egg implanting in the uterus or caused by hormonal changes. Spotting, which is periodic drops of blood, is also common and not usually cause for concern. It is best to let your healthcare provider know if you experience vaginal bleeding to help determine if it is normal or warrants an exam or testing to rule out something more serious. Bleeding that is as heavy as a period or associated with pain should certainly be evaluated by your practitioner.
Early Pregnancy Loss
Early miscarriage during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is very common. As many as 30 percent of women will experience one, often before they even realize they are pregnant. A miscarriage is typically the result of a fertilized egg that fails to implant properly in the uterus or an unhealthy conception often associated with abnormal chromosomes or genes. Although it can be emotionally difficult, it is important to remember that a miscarriage is a natural part of reproduction and not usually something we can prevent.
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a form of high blood pressure brought on by pregnancy that affects about 7 out of 100 pregnant women. It causes your blood vessels to constrict and can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to your developing baby. Pre-eclampsia typically appears during the second half of pregnancy and is more likely with first pregnancies, multiple births and in women pregnant in their teen years or over age 35. Certain existing conditions including chronic high blood pressure, a kidney disorder and diabetes also put you at higher risk for developing it.
Your healthcare provider will watch for early signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia as part of your regular prenatal visits, including checking your blood pressure, testing your urine for protein and monitoring for unusual swelling. The cure for pre-eclampsia is usually delivery, so if you are close to your due date and your baby can be safely delivered, your doctor may induce labor. If you are earlier in your pregnancy or your doctor feels delivery is not a safe option, he or she may recommend bed rest or medications to try to control your blood pressure.
Gestational Diabetes
As part of normal prenatal care, most women should receive an oral glucose test between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. The test screens for gestational diabetes, which is high blood sugar that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. Since it has no symptoms, the glucose test is the only way it is diagnosed.
Gestational diabetes can increase the chance of a larger baby at birth and create delivery complications, increase your risk for high blood pressure and cause the baby to have blood sugar problems after birth. If you are diagnosed, it’s important to work with your doctor to control your blood sugar level, which can often be done through diet and exercise. Most women who develop gestational diabetes are able to successfully control their blood sugar and avoid harm to themselves or their baby. Frequently, their blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery, but these women also need to be aware that they are at greater risk for diabetes to develop later in life.
A Healthy Pregnancy
In the end, the best way to ensure a healthy pregnancy is to focus on the things you can control and don’t obsess about what could happen. Take good care of yourself and your developing baby and talk with you healthcare provider when you have concerns.