A pregnancy complication is a health problem that arises during pregnancy. These can affect the mother's health, the baby's health, or both. Some women have complications during pregnancy, while others have health problems that could lead to concerns before becoming pregnant. To reduce the risk of pregnancy difficulties, women should seek medical attention before and during their pregnancy.1
According to the World Health Organization, every day, 800 women die as a result of childbirth problems. A pregnant woman from a developing nation is 36 times more likely than a pregnant woman from a developed country to experience pregnancy-related problems. Severe bleeding, hypertension, sepsis, unsafe abortion, and obstructed labour are the major causes of death in developing countries, all of which have simple, life-saving, and cost-effective treatments.2
What forms a part of the pregnancy complications list?
If you have a chronic illness or condition, talk to your doctor about how to avoid difficulties before becoming pregnant. If you are already pregnant, your doctor may need to monitor your pregnancy.
Diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, infections, sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV), kidney problems, epilepsy, and anemia are just a few examples of common diseases and conditions that might cause complications during your pregnancy.
Other risk factors that could increase your problems include:
- having a child at an early age
- having a child at the age of 35 or older
- having an eating disorder such as anorexia
- carrying multiples, such as twins or triplets
- history of preterm birth or pregnancy loss.
- cigarette smoking, illegal substance use (drugs), and alcohol consumption
What are the most common pregnancy problems?
It might be difficult to tell the difference between normal pregnancy symptoms and symptoms of complications. Although many problems are minor and do not progress, if you have any concerns during your pregnancy, you should always consult your doctor. With prompt treatment, the majority of pregnancy problems can be avoided.
The following are the most common pregnancy complications that women face:
1. Hypertension or high blood pressure:
When the arteries that transport blood from the heart to the organs and the placenta contract, high blood pressure develops. High blood pressure is linked to a higher risk of a variety of additional problems, including preeclampsia. It increases the chances of you conceiving before your due date. This is referred to as premature labour. It also raises your chances of having a small baby. It's critical to keep your blood pressure under control with medication in order to have a healthy pregnancy.
2. Anemia:
Anemia is a condition characterised by a low number of healthy red blood cells. The quantity of healthy red blood cells can be restored by treating the underlying cause of anemia. Anemia caused by pregnancy can make women feel fatigued and weak. Taking iron and folic acid supplements can help with this. Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor or nurse will monitor your iron levels.
3. Obesity and weight gain:
According to recent studies, the heavier a woman is in her pre-pregnancy, the higher her chance of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, stillbirth, and cesarean delivery. Obesity during pregnancy has also been linked to increased use of health care and physician services, as well as longer hospital stays for delivery. Reducing weight before pregnancy increases the likelihood of a healthier pregnancy.
4. Gestational diabetes:
When your body can't process sugars properly, you have gestational diabetes. This results in blood sugar levels that are greater than normal. To help control blood sugar levels, some women will need to change their meal plans. Others may require the use of insulin to maintain blood sugar control. Normally, gestational diabetes disappears after the birth of the baby.
5. Infections:
Many infections, such as the common cold or a passing stomach bug, are protected from your baby during pregnancy. However, you, your baby, or both of you can suffer serious health consequences from some infections. You can avoid infections by taking simple precautions like washing your hands and avoiding specific foods. You won't always be able to tell whether you have an infection because you won't feel sick. Consult your health care professional if you suspect you have an infection or are at risk.
Infections with HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, and tuberculosis can all affect pregnancy and have serious consequences for the mother, her pregnancy outcomes, and her baby. Many negative consequences can be avoided by screening and treating these infections, as well as immunizations against viruses like hepatitis B and the human papillomavirus.
6. Preterm labour:
When you go into labour before week 37 of your pregnancy, it is known as preterm labour. This happens before your baby's organs, such as the lungs and brain, have completed their development. Certain medications have the ability to stop labour. Doctors frequently suggest bed rest to avoid the baby from being born too early.
7. Preeclampsia:
Toxemia is another name for preeclampsia. It happens after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and results in excessive blood pressure as well as probable kidney problems. The birth of the baby and placenta is the recommended treatment for preeclampsia to prevent the disease from progressing. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of having a baby at a specific time. If you're 37 to 40 weeks pregnant, your doctor may decide to induce labour.
If it's too soon to deliver your baby, your doctor will need to maintain a consistent eye on both you and your child. If you are not full term, they may prescribe medications to help lower your blood pressure and help the baby mature. You may be admitted to the hospital for observation and treatment.3 4
Call your doctor when:
If you're pregnant, don't hesitate to contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away to avoid any high-risk pregnancy complications - vaginal bleeding, sudden swelling of the hands or face, abdominal pain, fever, severe headaches, dizziness, persistent vomiting, or blurred vision.
If you notice your baby moving less frequently than usual during the third trimester, you should contact your doctor.5
1,3 - Pregnancy Complications, From CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-complications.html). Retrieved on 27.05.2022
2 - Pregnancy-related complications, From WHO
(https://www.who.int/teams/integrated-health-services/clinical-services-and-systems/surgical-care/pregnancy-related-complications). Retrieved on 27.05.2022
4, 5 - Complications During Pregnancy and Delivery; From Healthline
(https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/delivery-complications). Retrieved on 27.05.2022
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