Complication/disorders associated with pregnancy are health problems experienced by pregnant women. Some of the most common complications/disorders are:
- Anaemia
Anaemia in pregnancy occurs when there is lower than normal number of healthy red blood cells by a pregnant woman
Signs and symptom of anaemia include:
- Feel tired or weak
- Look pale
- Feeling like fainting always
- Shortness of breath
Management of anaemia
Treating the underlying cause of the anaemia to restore the number of healthy red blood cells. Women with pregnancy related anaemia are helped by taking iron and folic acid supplements.
- Ectopic pregnancy
When a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.
Signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include:
- Abdominal pain
- Shoulder pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Feeling dizzy or faint
Management of ectopic pregnant
With ectopic pregnancy, the egg cannot develop. Drugs or surgery is used to remove the ectopic tissue.
- Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs when there is too high blood sugar level during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually does not show any symptom. While in some cases it is sometimes associated with extreme thirst, hunger, or fatigue. It is only a screening test that can show high blood sugar levels
Management of gestational diabetes
Most women with pregnancy related diabetes can control their blood sugar levels by a following a healthy meal plan from the doctor. Some women also need insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control. Doing so is important because poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of:
- Preeclampsia
- Early delivery
- Caesarean birth
- Having a big baby, which can complicate delivery
- Baby born with low blood sugar, breathing problems, and jaundice
- High blood pressure
This is high blood pressure that starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy and goes away after birth
Signs and symptoms of high blood pressure include
High blood pressure without other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia
Management of high blood pressure
The health of the mother and baby are closely watched to make sure high blood pressure is not preeclampsia.
- Problem with unborn child
Unborn baby has a health issue, such as poor growth or heart problems.
Signs and symptoms of problem with unborn child include:
- Baby moving less than normal.
- Baby is smaller than normal for gestational age
- Some problems have no symptoms, but are found with prenatal tests
Management of problem with unborn child
Treatment depends on results of tests to monitor baby’s health. If a test suggests a problem, this does not always mean the baby is in trouble. It may only mean that the mother needs special care until the baby is delivered. This can include a wide variety of things, such as bed rest, depending on the mother’s condition. Sometimes, the baby has to be delivered early.
- Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy — more extreme than “morning sickness”
Sign and symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum include:
- Nausea that does not go away
- Vomiting several times every day
- Weight loss
- Reduced appetite
- Dehydration
- Feeling faint or fainting
Management of hyperemesis gravidarum
Dry, bland foods and fluids together is the first line of treatment. Sometimes, medicines are prescribed to help nausea. Many women with HG have to be hospitalized so they can be fed fluids and nutrients through a tube in their veins. Usually, women with HG begin to feel better by the 20th week of pregnancy. But some women vomit and feel nauseated throughout all three trimesters.
- Miscarriage
Pregnancy loss from natural causes before 20 weeks. Often, miscarriage occurs before a woman even knows she is pregnant
Signs and symptoms of miscarriage include:
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Fluid or tissue passing from the vagina
Spotting early in pregnancy doesn’t mean miscarriage is certain. Still, contact your doctor right away if you have any bleeding.
Management of miscarriage
In most cases, miscarriage cannot be prevented. Sometimes, a woman must undergo treatment to remove pregnancy tissue in the uterus. Counselling can also help with emotional healing
- Depression
Extreme sadness during pregnancy or after birth (postpartum)
Signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Intense sadness
- Helplessness and irritability
- Appetite changes
- Thoughts of harming self or baby
Management of depression during pregnancy
Women who experience depression during pregnancy can be helped with one or a combination of treatment options, including:
- Therapy
- Support groups
- Medicines
A mother’s depression can affect her baby’s development, so getting treatment is important for both mother and baby.
- Placental abruption
Placenta separates from uterine wall before delivery, which can mean the unborn baby doesn’t get enough oxygen.
Signs and symptoms of placenta abruption include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Cramping, abdominal pain, and uterine tenderness
Management of placenta abruption
When the separation is minor, bed rest for a few days usually stops the bleeding. Moderate cases may require complete bed rest. Severe cases (when more than half of the placenta separates) can require immediate medical attention and early delivery of the baby.
- Preeclampsia
A condition starting after 20 weeks of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and problems with the kidneys and other organs. Also called toxemia.
Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include
- High blood pressure
- Swelling of hands and face
- Too much protein in urine
- Stomach pain
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Headaches
Management of preeclampsia
The only cure is delivery, which may not be best for the baby. Labour will probably be induced if condition is mild and the woman is near term (37 to 40 weeks of pregnancy). If it is too early to deliver, the doctor will watch the health of the mother and her baby very closely. She may need medicines and bed rest at home or in the hospital to lower her blood pressure. Medicines also might be used to prevent the mother from having seizures.
- Preterm labour
Going into labour before 37 weeks of pregnancy
Signs and symptoms of preterm labour include:
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pressure and cramping
- Back pain radiating to the abdomen
- Contractions
Management of preterm labour
Medicines can stop labour from progressing. Bed rest is often advised. Sometimes, a woman must deliver early. Giving birth before 37 weeks is called “preterm birth.” Preterm birth is a major risk factor for future preterm births.