The majority of pregnancies end without any complications. However, some pregnant women will have health issues that could affect their health, the health of their unborn child, or both. Pregnancy complications can occasionally result from illnesses or ailments that the mother had before becoming pregnant.
Physical and emotional disorders that impact the health of the expectant or new mother, their unborn child, or both are examples of pregnancy complications. Pregnancy-related physical and mental disorders can develop before, during, or after delivery. To reduce the risk of pregnancy difficulties, everyone who may become pregnant must receive medical attention before, during, and after becoming pregnant.
Early detection and prenatal care can lower any further risk to you and your unborn child, even in the event of complications. The most common complications are as follows.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is a frequent heart condition in which your blood pressure rises over normal limits. Chronic hypertension is characterized as high blood pressure before getting pregnant or before the 20th week of pregnancy. Gestational hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that develops after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Preeclampsia occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy when a woman with normal blood pressure develops high levels of protein in her urine, high blood pressure, or other complications. If you have persistent hypertension, you may develop preeclampsia.
High blood pressure increases the risk of low birth weight and premature delivery, and more serious conditions include stroke, eclampsia, and placental abruption,( which is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall).
It is possible to prevent and cure high blood pressure. You may control your high blood pressure with the help of your healthcare professional and these 7 heart-healthy lifestyle tips, as well as at-home self-measured blood pressure monitoring.
The seven heart-healthy lifestyle tips include:
- Learn your health history
- Make healthy dietary choices by eating more fruits, veggies, whole cereals, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats. Consume less salt, added sugar, and saturated fat.
- Be more physically active. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.
- Quit smoking
- Choose your drinks wisely. Replace sugary drinks with water. If you drink alcohol, quit completely during pregnancy.
- Monitor your blood pressure at home.
- Take medications as directed and follow the doctor’s instructions.
Infections
Pregnancy complications can arise from infections, which might harm pregnancy. Numerous negative consequences can be avoided by getting recommended vaccinations, getting screened for and treated for infections like HIV and other STIs, and receiving treatment for these conditions.
Simple precautions like washing your hands and avoiding particular foods might also help shield you against some diseases. You can maintain your immunization records with the assistance of your healthcare practitioner.
Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to use food as energy. Type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes are the three types of the disease. High blood sugar levels around the time of conception increase the risk of birth abnormalities, stillbirth, and preterm delivery in pregnant individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can also raise the risk of preeclampsia, cesarean birth, and an overly large baby in those with diabetes of any kind.
See your doctor as often as advised, check your blood sugar levels, follow a healthy eating plan created in consultation with a nutritionist or your provider, engage in physical activity, and take medication as prescribed to manage your diabetes effectively. Controlling your blood sugar levels can make your pregnancy healthier.
It’s critical to keep visiting your doctor after pregnancy to monitor your blood sugar levels and general health, regardless of whether you had diabetes before becoming pregnant or developed it during pregnancy.
Anemia
Anemia is having a lower-than-normal concentration of healthy red blood cells. Patients suffering from anemia may experience weakness and fatigue. Because your body requires more iron than usual while you are pregnant, you are more susceptible to developing iron-deficiency anemia.
During your pregnancy, your healthcare professional will check your red blood cell count. Restoring the quantity of healthy red blood cells may be facilitated by treating the underlying cause of the anemia, if that is possible. To assist in preventing and treating anemia, your doctor could also advise you to take iron or folic acid supplements.
Depression and anxiety
Pregnancy-related anxiety disorders are prevalent before, during, and after pregnancy. Uncontrollable sensations of anxiety, uneasiness, fear, concern, and/or panic might be a symptom of an anxiety disorder. These emotions have the potential to be strong and protracted.
They may also cause problems in interpersonal interactions and day-to-day tasks like jobs or school. Depression and anxiety problems frequently coexist. It’s critical to receive anxiety treatment before, throughout, and following pregnancy. If you suspect an anxiety problem, consult your physician as soon as possible.
Pregnancy can lead to various health complications, impacting the health of the mother and her unborn child. Common complications include high blood pressure, infections, gestational diabetes, anemia, and depression. High blood pressure can lead to low birth weight, premature delivery, stroke, eclampsia, and placental abruption.
Preventing and curing high blood pressure involves a healthy lifestyle, including dietary changes, physical activity, and quitting smoking. Infections can also pose a risk, and prevention can be achieved through vaccinations, screening, and treatment.
Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of birth abnormalities, stillbirth, and preterm delivery. Depression and anxiety disorders are common during pregnancy, and treatment is crucial. Early detection and prenatal care can help reduce the risk of complications.