Regular prenatal care is critical. It is designed to monitor your and your baby’s health and catch any pregnancy complications quickly. Pregnancy complications can arise at any stage and vary in severity. Here are some common pregnancy complications:
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, typically in the second or third trimester. It occurs when the body becomes less responsive to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This leads to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, which can affect both the mother and the baby. It can lead to high birth weight, preterm birth, and breathing issues for the baby. Luckily, it is often managed through diet, exercise, and sometimes insulin.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) and often signs of damage to other organs, typically the liver or kidneys. It usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and can affect both the mother and the developing baby. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious or even life-threatening complications. It can be dangerous for both mother and baby if untreated, potentially leading to eclampsia. Work with your doctor to monitor signs and symptoms of possible preeclampsia. However regular monitoring, medications, and even an early delivery can help stop the condition from damaging organs.
Preterm Labor
Preterm labor occurs when a pregnant individual begins to experience regular contractions that cause changes in the cervix (thinning, dilation, or both) before reaching 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm labor can lead to preterm birth, where the baby is born earlier than expected, potentially resulting in health challenges due to incomplete development. Having your baby preterm can lead to potential health problems, such as respiratory issues, developmental delays, and other complications. If your doctor is concerned about preterm labor, they can give you medications to help delay labor, give you steroid shots to help develop your baby’s lungs, and strict bed rest.
Placenta Previa
This condition happens during pregnancy where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, the opening of the uterus that leads to the birth canal. This condition can cause complications because the placenta’s placement obstructs the baby’s path during delivery and may result in bleeding. Your doctor will most likely recommend a C-section. It would be the safest way to deliver your baby without worrying about excessive bleeding.
Placental Abruption
It is a serious medical condition that occurs during pregnancy when the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterine wall before the baby is born. This can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause significant bleeding in the mother. If you have a placental abruption, you need an ultrasound immediately to determine the course of action. Get immediate attention because you may need to deliver the baby early.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy. It is more intense than typical morning sickness and can lead to significant complications if not managed properly. Some complications can include dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalance. You most likely will need to be hospitalized to get IV fluids and medications.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
This is a severe condition in which a fetus does not grow at the expected rate during pregnancy, resulting in a weight below the 10th percentile for its gestational age. It reflects poor fetal growth due to various underlying factors and can have significant implications for the baby’s health both before and after birth. If this condition is left untreated, your baby can have complications during delivery, long-term health issues, and possibly low birth weight. If your doctor suspects IUGR, you will need frequent monitoring, nutritional support, and possible an early delivery.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a medical condition in which a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. Most often, this occurs in one of the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This type of ectopic pregnancy is called a tubal pregnancy, but ectopic pregnancies can also occur in other areas, such as the ovary, abdominal cavity, or the cervix. It can cause life-threatening bleeding. You will most likely need to have immediate surgery or take medication to remove the topic tissue.
Stillbirth
A stillbirth is the loss of a baby during pregnancy at or after 20 weeks of gestation. It is a tragic event where the baby is born without signs of life. Stillbirth differs from miscarriage, which typically occurs before 20 weeks. It can happen due to a variety of factors including placental problems, birth defections, and possible infections. Unfortunately, you will have to deliver the baby. Then you need to follow up with a therapist to help you with both emotional and psychological support. It is expected that you will experience deep loss and a therapist can help you heal.
Infections
During pregnancy, a woman’s immune system undergoes changes, making her more susceptible to certain infections. Some infections can affect both the mother and the developing baby. You can get infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs), Bacterial vaginosis, Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Group B Streptococcus, Toxoplasmosis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Influenza (Flu), Listeriosis, Rubella (German Measles), Chickenpox (Varicella), Hepatitis B and C, Malaria, and Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease). These diseases can affect both mother and baby so talk to your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms. Leaving these diseases untreated can lead to preterm labor and birth defects.
Anemia
Anemia during pregnancy is a common condition in which a pregnant woman has a lower-than-normal level of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the tissues. It’s essential for both the health of the mother and the baby to be properly managed. It can cause fatigue, weakness, and possible complications during delivery. This is very easily treatable with an iron supplement and dietary changes.
Multiple Pregnancies (Twins, Triplets, etc.)
Carrying twins or triplets can present a number of complications for the mother and babies due to the increased demands on the body. Your doctor may send you to a high risk doctor to help monitor you and your babies. A pregnancy with multiple babies increase your risk of preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. You will have more doctor visits compared to having a singleton, expect bed rest as you get further along in your pregnancy, and you will most likely deliver early too.
Regular prenatal care and early detection are crucial in managing these common pregnancy complications effectively. If you have concerns about your pregnancy, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider.
