Complications and Risks During Pregnancy

Most pregnancies have few or no complications but in certain cases, they do arise. Minor complications can range from nausea, vomiting, hemorrhoids, constipation, temporary hair loss and so on. A person’s overall health plays a vital role in the likelihood of complication developed during pregnancy. Women who are diabetic or those with a history of heart, lung, kidney disease, seizure disorders or hepatitis have greater chances of facing complications and risks during pregnancy.

The risk is even higher for those who are overweight, alcoholic or addicted to drugs. Complications can turn crucial if there is an incidence of high blood pressure during pregnancy. This worsens at the time of labor, and some might go into preterm labor.

Complications and Risks During Pregnancy Acute stress can prove harmful to the baby. Abnormal presentation problems with the umbilical cord, uterine inversion, prolonged labor, and infection are some of the common complications encountered during pregnancy. Placental abruption and placental previa are causes of bleeding during pregnancy. Bleeding during late pregnancy can cause complications during childbirth.

Pregnant women need to take care not to contract bladder infections. This can be all the more serious if it spreads to the kidneys. Hence, it is imperative that any infection should be treated at once to avoid problems of premature delivery.

Gestational hypertension is common in pregnant women. If monitored carefully and controlled in time, it can help avoid complications affecting organs such as the brain. Preeclampsia is decreased blood flow to vital organs and can cause maternal and foetal death. Symptoms are high blood pressure, swelling of hands and face; in case this condition is detected, treatment involves careful monitoring of mother and foetus until the baby is delivered.

Ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg does not get implanted inside the uterus, but elsewhere. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta gets detached from the uterus very early. Immediate caesarean delivery should be performed to save mother and child.

Headaches are common in pregnant women. The solution lies in making healthy lifestyle changes, reduce stress, get adequate sleep and eat a healthy diet. In case diarrhea occurs, see to it that the body does not get dehydrated. Bell’s palsy is a form of facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to a facial nerve. But thankfully, it gets rectified on its own and has no effect on the growing foetus.

Umbilical cord prolapsed is when the cord drops into the birth canal. Caesarean, forceps or vacuum delivery may be needed if it causes problems for the baby.