7 Important Things You Should Know About Complications During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a double-edged sword sometimes. Approaching motherhood is a joy that has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Moreover, the delicate situation calls for caution about your food, exercise, sleep, and everything else imaginable. This is partly due to the fear of complications during delivery. Complications can endanger both the mom and the unborn baby. So here, we look at seven things you need to know about pregnancy complications.

1. Ectopic Pregnancy:

Unlike common pregnancy in which the fertilized egg develops in the uterus, in an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg attaches itself to one of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are the tubes connecting the ovaries to the womb. In such a pregnancy, the egg gets stuck in one of the fallopian tubes and it won't develop into a baby. This happens as the environment for the development of the egg is unsuitable. This condition also puts the mother’s health at risk. Unfortunately, it is not possible to save the fertilized egg has to be either removed by using medicine or through an operation.

2. Rh Negative Disease:

Rhesus isoimmunization, which is an Rh disease, is determined by the presence of a protein which surrounds the red blood cells. The absence of this protein, makes a person Rh negative. This could be a complication during pregnancy as the mother being Rh negative and the fetus being Rh positive leads to Rh incompatibility. These problems usually do not occur in a first pregnancy, but they can occur in a later pregnancy.

3. Anemia

Anemia is a condition which lowers the red blood cell (RBC) count. Pregnancy-related anemia can tire the woman and leave her feeling weak, which could trigger complications. You should consider taking iron and folic acid supplements, which help increase the red blood cell count. However, as mentioned earlier, consult your doctor before you include any such supplements.

4. Diabetes

When a woman contracts diabetes during her pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. Because of the effects of hormonal changes, a pregnant woman may not make enough insulin or the insulin produced is not utilized properly. So, the remaining glucose builds up and leads to diabetes. Gestational diabetes can lead to heart disease, and also increase your chances of contracting pre-eclampsia or the chances of having a cesarean.

5. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition in which a woman has a premature delivery. While the exact cause of the condition is unknown, there are many indicators of the risk. A first-time mom is at a risk of preeclampsia, or a woman who has faced the same condition previously. Any woman with medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are also at risk. Women over the age of 35, women having twins or women who are obese are also at risk.

6. Miscarriages

If a baby is lost after 20 or more weeks of pregnancy, it is considered a miscarriage. Around 1 out of 4 pregnancies result in a miscarriage. And, some common signs of a miscarriage are excessive bleeding and cramping. While there are several reasons a woman may miscarry, it sometimes has to do with a chromosomal defect in the fetus and has nothing to do with the mother. However drinking alcohol, smoking, and eating the wrong food, could increase the risk.

7. Premature Labor

Early Labor is a condition in which labor begins in the 37th week of pregnancy. Because the baby is not yet fully developed, there may be complications, like underdeveloped organs that make it difficult for the child to survive. In certain cases, premature birth can be slowed down and even avoided altogether given the right treatment. Usually, this is the case with the use of progesterone.

As a mom-to-be, you would no doubt do everything in your power to ensure your pregnancy is hassle free and easy. Your baby's life is of the uttermost importance. However should you, or anyone you know, experience any of the above complications, make sure to keep these causes and possible treatments in mind.

References :

http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/morning-sickness/
http://www.momjunction.com/articles/serious-causes-of-frequent-urination...
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/what-foods-to-eat-and-what-foods-to-a...
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/basics/r...