Pregnancy is often a joyous and exciting time for expectant mothers, filled with anticipation and plans for the future. Usually, pregnancies progress without significant issues, leading to the birth of healthy babies. However, some moms experience pregnancy complications that can arise due to various factors such as pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle choices, or unforeseen medical issues. Knowing about these risks and how to manage them can really help have a safer and healthier pregnancy.

Complications During Pregnancy Every Expectant Mom Should Know

Understanding these potential pregnancy risks can help you navigate pregnancy with greater awareness – ensuring your well-being and preparedness.

1. Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and affects how your body processes sugar. It can cause higher than normal blood sugar levels, which isn’t good for you or the baby. During pregnancy, hormones can affect how insulin works, making your body less responsive to it and leading to high blood sugar levels.

Signs to watch out for include feeling really thirsty all the time, needing to pee more often than usual, and feeling more tired than usual, even with enough rest.

Managing it means paying close attention to what you eat— consider whole grains, veggies, fruits, and lean proteins. Staying active with regular exercise is also important because it helps keep your blood sugar levels steady.

Your doctor will keep an eye on your blood sugar levels and might suggest insulin shots if needed. But the good thing is, with the right steps, you can manage it and keep you and the baby healthy throughout your pregnancy!

2. Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition during pregnancy marked by high blood pressure, and it often includes protein in the urine and swelling, known as edema. This pregnancy complication typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The exact cause is not fully understood but involves issues with placental function and blood vessel changes.

When you have preeclampsia, your blood pressure can get dangerously high, which isn’t good for you or the baby. Sometimes, it can affect other organs like your kidneys and liver.

Common signs and symptoms of this complication during pregnancy, in addition to high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling (edema), include: 

sudden swelling in your hands and face, severe headaches that don’t go away with rest, and seeing spots or changes in vision.

You can manage preeclampsia by closely monitoring your condition and following your doctor’s recommendations – which may include bed rest or medication to lower blood pressure. In severe cases, delivering the baby early might be necessary to prioritize the safety of both you and your baby.

Medical experts emphasize that early detection and proper management are key to effectively handling preeclampsia and ensuring a safe pregnancy.

3. Preterm Labor

Preterm labor occurs when a woman experiences regular contractions and changes in the cervix before she’s 37 weeks pregnant. It’s characterized by symptoms such as pelvic pressure, abdominal cramping, and contractions that occur at consistent intervals.

Several factors can contribute to preterm labor, including infections, carrying multiple babies (like twins or triplets), or abnormalities in the placenta. These conditions can make your uterus start contracting too soon, which can lead to labor starting early.

Detecting this pregnancy complication early is crucial for managing it effectively. Healthcare providers can monitor symptoms closely and may recommend medications or steroids if early delivery is needed.

4. Placenta Previa

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, which can cause painless vaginal bleeding – especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. This condition occurs when the placenta implants in the lower part of the uterus instead of higher up where it should be.

It’s important to note that placenta previa can sometimes correct itself as the uterus grows during pregnancy. However, if it persists, it can pose pregnancy risks such as heavy bleeding during labor – Which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.

Doctors usually diagnose this complication during pregnancy through ultrasound scans. Depending on the severity of the condition and other factors, they may recommend bed rest and avoiding activities that could trigger bleeding. In more severe cases, early delivery via cesarean section might be necessary to ensure a safe delivery.

5. Anemia

Anemia during pregnancy arises when there aren’t enough red blood cells to effectively carry oxygen to your body’s tissues and organs. This can lead to common symptoms such as feeling constantly tired, weak, and having noticeably pale skin.

A primary reason for anemia in pregnancy is iron deficiency, as the body requires more iron to support the developing baby and placenta. Without sufficient iron, your body struggles to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport.

In addition to iron deficiency, anemia can also be caused by deficiencies in vitamins like folate or vitamin B12, chronic illnesses such as kidney disease or autoimmune disorders, or genetic conditions.

Managing this pregnancy complication typically involves dietary adjustments to include more iron-rich foods such as lean meats, beans, and leafy greens. Your healthcare provider may recommend iron supplements to ensure you meet your daily iron needs. Throughout pregnancy, regular blood tests are conducted to monitor your iron levels and adjust treatment as necessary.

6. Infections

Pregnant women are more prone to infections because of hormonal changes and a weakened immune system, which heighten the risk of pregnancy complications. Some common infections during pregnancy include:

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): These can make it painful to pee and are more common because pregnancy hormones relax the urinary tract, making it easier for bacteria to travel up.
  • Bacterial Vaginosis: This happens when there’s an imbalance in the bacteria in the vagina, causing unusual discharge. Pregnancy changes the pH balance in the vagina, which can lead to this condition.
  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS): Many expectant moms don’t have symptoms, but GBS can pass to the baby during birth and cause serious infections. Screening during pregnancy helps identify carriers to prevent neonatal complications.

Doctors keep a close watch for these infections during prenatal visits. If they find one, they’ll start treatment right away with antibiotics to protect both the mom and the baby. Keeping up good hygiene habits and going to all your prenatal check-ups are really important to stay healthy during pregnancy.

7. Hyperemesis Gravidarum

This complication during pregnancy is an intense form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can cause dehydration and weight loss. It’s not just typical morning sickness—it’s much more severe. Women with hyperemesis gravidarum often experience relentless vomiting, severe nausea that doesn’t seem to ease up, and dehydration, which can be dangerous if not managed promptly.

While the exact reasons for hyperemesis gravidarum aren’t completely clear, doctors think it might be linked to heightened sensitivity to hormones like hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. These hormonal changes can trigger the extreme nausea and vomiting seen in this condition.

Managing this severe pregnancy risk usually involves medical intervention. Healthcare experts might recommend IV fluids to rehydrate the body and medications to ease nausea and vomiting. 

Labor Complications That Require Medical Attention

During childbirth, some women may encounter complications that call for medical attention for a safe delivery. Here are a few common labor complications:

  • Prolonged labor: Labor progressing slowly can lead to exhaustion and increase the risk of infection or distress for the baby.
  • Fetal distress: This occurs when the baby shows signs of distress during labor, such as an abnormal heart rate, necessitating interventions to ensure the baby’s safety.
  • Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD): When the baby’s head is too large or the mother’s pelvis is too small, it can obstruct a vaginal delivery, often requiring a cesarean section.
  • Umbilical cord prolapse: The umbilical cord slipping through the cervix ahead of the baby can cut off oxygen and blood flow, requiring immediate medical attention.
  • Placental abruption: Premature detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall can cause heavy bleeding, endangering both mother and baby.
  • Prolonged labor: Labor progressing slowly can lead to exhaustion and increase the risk of infection or distress for the baby.
  • Fetal distress: This occurs when the baby shows signs of distress during labor, such as an abnormal heart rate, necessitating interventions to ensure the baby’s safety.
  • Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD): When the baby’s head is too large or the mother’s pelvis is too small, it can obstruct a vaginal delivery, often requiring a cesarean section.
  • Umbilical cord prolapse: The umbilical cord slipping through the cervix ahead of the baby can cut off oxygen and blood flow, requiring immediate medical attention.
  • Placental abruption: Premature detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall can cause heavy bleeding, endangering both mother and baby.
  • Ineffective contractions: Contractions that are too weak or irregular can prolong labor or make it difficult for the baby to move through the birth canal.

10 Most Essential Tips To Prevent Complications

If you’re planning to start a family, here are 10 essential tips to help prevent complications before and during pregnancy.

  • 1. Maintain a healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to provide essential nutrients for you and your baby.
  • 2. Take folic acid: Start taking a daily folic acid supplement (400-800 micrograms) before conception and during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
  • 3. Maintain a healthy weight: Achieve a healthy weight before pregnancy and aim to gain weight within recommended guidelines during pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications.
  • 4. Exercise regularly: Engage in moderate exercise most days of the week to improve overall health and prepare your body for pregnancy.
  • 5. Manage chronic conditions: Control chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders before pregnancy with guidance from your healthcare provider.
  • 6. Avoid smoking: Quit smoking before conception and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke to reduce the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other complications.
  • 7. Limit alcohol: Avoid alcohol completely when trying to conceive and during pregnancy to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other complications.
  • 8. Screen for infections: Get tested and treated for infections such as STIs before pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications.
  • 9. Manage medications: Review medications with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe to use during pregnancy and make any necessary adjustments.
  • 10. Seek prenatal care early: Schedule a prenatal visit as soon as you think you’re pregnant to monitor your health and address any potential issues early on.

Understanding these complications during pregnancy, their signs, symptoms, and why they happen is really important for moms-to-be and doctors too. Spotting them early and managing them well can make a big difference in keeping both mom and baby healthy. Remember, it’s always best to talk to your doctor for personalized care during pregnancy.