Pregnancy : Risks and Complications

Introduction

Ensuring optimal prenatal health for both the mother and child is of foremost priority during pregnancy. However, it is crucial to be aware that complications can arise along the journey of pregnancy, potentially affecting the well-being of both mother and baby. Factors such as pre-existing medical conditions (for example, diabetes or hypertension), lifestyle factors, maternal age, and multiple pregnancies can lead to complications. By understanding the underlying causes and one's risk profile, expectant mothers can gain insights into the risk factors and, most importantly, take appropriate measures to mitigate them. Let's delve deep into the factors contributing to these pregnancy complications and look at the proactive steps to prevent such complications and ensure overall prenatal health.

Common risks & complications

Some of the common pregnancy risks and complications are:

1. Gestational diabetes

Many women develop this condition during pregnancy. If the condition is not managed and blood sugar levels are uncontrolled, it can harm both the mother and baby. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of birth anomalies, stillbirth, and premature birth. To avoid complications due to diabetes, it is important to keep blood sugar levels under control by following your doctor’s advice, along with the right diet and exercise, and medications if required. The condition usually resolves after pregnancy. All women are tested for gestational diabetes at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy.

2. Pre-eclampsia

This a serious medical condition in which the mother develops high blood pressure and has high levels of protein in the urine. Pre-eclampsia can affect other organs of the body, such as the kidneys, liver, and brain. If not treated, it can be fatal for the mother or baby.

3. Depression

During pregnancy, some women may be diagnosed with depression due to hormonal changes, fatigue, stress, and lack of support at home. One of the common pregnancy complications, depression, can impact the health of the mother and child, leading to preterm birth, low birth weight and problems during delivery.

To Know More, Read - Everything to Know About Perinatal Depression.

4. Premature labour

If premature labour starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy, you must consult your doctor immediately. Babies born prematurely are at increased risk of health problems because some organs, like the brain and lungs, are not fully developed at this stage.

5. Anaemia

If the mother is anaemic or iron-deficient, it can lead to preterm labour and low birth weight of the baby. Common symptoms are feeling tired, weak, shortness of breath, and fainting. If you are iron-deficient, your doctor will prescribe iron supplements.

6. Bleeding

Excessive bleeding during pregnancy can cause pregnancy complications. Contact your gynaecologist if there’s bleeding during pregnancy.

7. Infections

Viral, bacterial, and also sexually transmitted infections can cause miscarriages, birth defects, low birth weight, stillbirth, preterm labour, etc. Some infections can get transmitted from a mother to her child during delivery, while certain infections can be passed to the foetus during pregnancy. However, many of these infections can be prevented or treated.

8. Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Women with this condition have severe nausea and vomiting, leading to other health issues like dehydration, weight loss, anxiety, depression, and difficulty performing daily activities. In such cases, they may need intensive medical treatment, including intravenous (IV) fluids.

What causes complications during pregnancy?

The causes can be many. In some cases, the mother can develop complications due to any pre-existing health conditions she may have before pregnancy; some complications can also develop during pregnancy. Early detection of complications and prenatal care can help in healthy deliveries.

Who is at risk for pregnancy complications?

Anyone can be at risk for pregnancy complications. However, for those with the below medical conditions, the risk is high:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cancer
• Infections
• Anaemia
• Epilepsy
• Kidney problems
• Sexually transmitted infections

Other factors which contribute to high-risk pregnancy are:

• History of miscarriage or preterm birth
• Carrying twins or triplets
• Obesity
• Smoking, consumption of alcohol or drugs
• Being pregnant after the age of 35 or below 20

How do I prevent pregnancy complications?

A healthy lifestyle before, during, and after pregnancy can help prevent pregnancy risks and complications. Here are some steps that you can take to avoid a high-risk pregnancy:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout pregnancy with a healthy diet comprising fruits, vegetables, fibre, lean protein, and regular exercises that are safe during pregnancy.
• Give up smoking and consumption of alcohol & illegal drugs.
• Take care of your mental health. Avoid taking stress throughout pregnancy. Practice yoga, meditation and listen to music to reduce stress.
• Take prenatal vitamins.
• Don’t take any medication unless your doctor prescribes it.
• If you experience any discomfort or unusual symptoms, see your doctor at the earliest.
• Do not skip your routine prenatal appointments with the doctor. Talk to your doctor about any health condition that you currently have or had in the past.

When should I call my doctor?

During your prenatal appointments, openly discuss your symptoms and other health issues with your doctor to treat any possible pregnancy complications. However, if you experience any of the below issues, consult your doctor immediately:

• Pain and cramps in your abdomen
• Fever, chills, or vomiting
• Sudden swelling of hands or face
• Dizziness, blurred vision
• Heavy bleeding or fluid leakage from the vagina
• Chronic and painful headache
• If you feel the baby is not moving as it should

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a beautiful feeling. Even after all the pampering and being extra careful, anyone can be at risk of pregnancy complications that can harm the mother and baby. Most pregnancy risks and complications can be treated if detected early. So, keeping your doctor posted about any symptoms and health issues is important to prevent any possible complications.