Pregnant women get scared at the thought of possible pregnancy complications. But it is vital to know the warning signs and symptoms of complications so you can quickly call your doctor in case you’re faced with one.
Complications of pregnancy are problems or issues associated with pregnancy. There are different types of complications. There are routine maternal problems which are normal occurrences during pregnancy and do not pose a threat and there are serious cases that when left untreated, can be dangerous to both the mother and her baby.
Routine Maternal Problems
Back Pain. Your growing uterus does 2 things. It changes your center of gravity and it puts additional strain on your spine and its surrounding muscles. These causes back pain.
Constipation.
There is an elevated progesterone level during pregnancy. This hormone relaxes the smooth muscles of the bowel and weakens contraction. As a result, foods, liquids and wastes pass slowly through the intestines causing constipation.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pregnancy edema and occurs in 21 to 62 percent of all pregnancy cases.
Edema. The additional weight gained during pregnancy can put a strain on certain veins such as the inferior vena cava and pelvic veins. This leads to an increased hydrostatic pressure in the feet and legs. Compression of the inferior vena cava can also lead to the occurrence of hemorrhoids.
Dehydration. This is caused by expanded intravascular space during pregnancy. Dehydration becomes dangerous if left untreated because it triggers the release of ADH which is a hormone similar to Oxytocin that can cause uterine contractions.
Pica. Pica is the unusual craving for non-food item. This is caused by iron deficiency and can be corrected by intake of iron supplements.
Lower Abdominal Pain. The growing uterus and stretching of ligaments can cause round ligament pain.
Serious Pregnancy Complications
Ectopic Pregnancy. After the process of fertilization, the fertilized egg travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus where it implants itself and where it grows into a fetus. In ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg does not implant on the walls of the uterus but implants itself in other places such as the fallopian tubes, hence the term tubal pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a serious complication because the pregnancy will most likely be terminated because the baby has no room to grow. Also, ectopic pregnancy can cause bleeding and severe cramping.
Miscarriage. Believe it or not, only 25 percent of all pregnancies are carried to term. Most women will not even notice they have miscarried because bleeding happens at the time they are expecting their periods to come. A miscarriage is nature’s way of terminating a pregnancy when something isn’t right. Bleeding and cramping are the usual symptoms of miscarriage. If you experience any of these 2 symptoms, it is best to consult your doctor.
Preeclampsia. Also known as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia is a serious and severe condition of pregnancy. It is characterized by an elevated blood pressure, traces of protein in the urine, vision changes, severe headache and rapid weight gain. If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia, your doctor would probably recommend an earlier delivery date.
Gestational Diabetes. As the name implies, it is diabetes during pregnancy. Pregnant women are tested with this about halfway through their pregnancy. If they tested positive, they will have to change their pregnancy diet. Health care providers will recommend dietary modifications and will give out diet guidelines and recommendations. It is vital for the mother to stick by these to prevent further complications. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are advised to deliver earlier than due date because of the rick of delivering a large baby (macrosomia).
Placenta Previa. This is a condition wherein, the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. Bleeding is the most common symptom of placenta previa. During ultrasound examination, your doctor will locate the position of your placenta and will tell you if there are any concerns. If the placenta completely covers the cervix, you will be advised to deliver visa Caesarian Section.
Preterm Labor. This is a serious complication. Babies born prematurely are at risk for a number of health conditions and developmental delays. If ever you experience preterm labor, your health care provider may administer drugs to stop it. But if this doesn’t work you will have to stay in the hospital where you can be monitored more effectively. If your baby is born prematurely, he will have to stay in the hospital for a while for medical intervention.
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