Getting pregnant comes with its own set of health complications. Awareness of the problem will help when you describe your symptoms to a doctor. Complications during pregnancy are overwhelming to deal with, even when you’re prepared. Brace yourself by learning about the most common risks associated with pregnancy complications.

Pregnancy Health

Diabetes

Diabetes creeps up during pregnancy even if the mother has no previous history of it. Usually, it is gestational diabetes. Health care providers have plans set up to prevent problems associated with the condition. When untreated, gestational diabetes leads to dangerous blood pressure levels.

High Blood Pressure

When blood pressure gets too high, the mother is at risk of developing hypertension. The resulting loss of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus can cause problems with the pregnancy. Monitoring and controlling blood pressure keeps this from becoming a long-term issue.

Stillbirth

When the pregnancy is lost after the 20th week, it is called a stillbirth. There are several causes of stillbirth, but it is hard to determine that cause for a specific case. Removal of a stillborn baby will depend heavily on the length of the current pregnancy.

Infections

Infections harm both the mother and child. Infections cause complications during the pregnancy and after delivering a child. Since infections can pass from mother to infant, it’s best to discover them as early as possible. Some infections can be prevented with medicine or appropriate care.  

Preterm Labor

When labor begins before the 37-week mark, it is known as preterm labor. Infants born this early are at a higher risk for health problems. Infections and a previous history of preterm births increase the risk of giving birth early. Some women can receive hormones to prevent preterm labor, but it is not available for all pregnancies. There are a lot of variables that determine whether the hormones are appropriate for a specific pregnancy. If problems present themselves, healthcare personnel have to consider using alternate methods.

Miscarriage

Miscarriages are not the most common pregnancy complication, but it is the most well-known term. Natural causes before the 20-week mark are considered a miscarriage. This is different from stillbirth which happens after 20 weeks. Miscarriage causes are better defined and can be explained in greater detail than stillbirths. The details are helpful in preventing a miscarriage from happening again in the future.

Iron Deficiency

When pregnant, more iron than normal is required. A lot of extra blood is produced during pregnancy, so low iron can be a cause for developmental problems after delivering. Mothers with an iron deficiency need at least 27 milligrams of iron a day through the use of supplements, vitamins or recommended foods. This is a common but easily solvable pregnancy risk.

Wrap Up

Getting pregnant is always wonderful news to learn about. After the good feeling wears off, everyone involved should make it a point to learn about the pros and cons. With this information, expecting mothers can protect the health of their unborn child.