Pregnancy is a time of much joy and anticipation! However, it is always good to pay attention to the most common complications that can occur during this phase, so we can be alert to any signs of danger. Let’s find out, then, what are the most common complications that can arise?
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a complication related to high blood pressure during pregnancy. When this condition is present, women have a high risk of delivering prematurely. Usually, this complication arises in the 20th week and its causes are not yet very clear.
Among the symptoms of pre-eclampsia, we can mention:
- high blood pressure;
- body swelling, especially in the legs and feet;
- constant headaches.
Risk factors such as obesity and smoking are commonly linked to pre-eclampsia, and in these cases, medical monitoring is necessary throughout the pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes
Basically, gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Through diet and regular physical exercise, it is often possible to manage this condition. However, some women also need to use insulin, and in these cases the doctor will determine the best course of treatment.
Gestational diabetes is a warning sign for every pregnant woman, since the baby’s health can be affected, as they will receive more glucose than normal, which can cause them to gain excess weight while still in the womb.
Among the symptoms of gestational diabetes, we can mention:
- constant physical fatigue;
- development of infections;
- sudden weight loss.
Risk factors such as obesity are commonly linked to gestational diabetes; however, other risk factors can also be cited, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, PCOS, and a family history of diabetes.
Low amniotic fluid
Amniotic fluid allows the fetus to grow safely, as it ensures that sudden movements or even bumps to the belly are not felt by the baby.
Throughout pregnancy, it is normal for the volume of amniotic fluid to gradually increase and then decrease until the day the baby is born. However, some women experience this decrease too early, putting the continued development of the pregnancy at risk.
To diagnose this, it is necessary for the woman to have regular medical appointments in order for the amount of amniotic fluid to be periodically evaluated.
Risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes are related to the occurrence of low amniotic fluid, so if you are in this group it is important to be extra careful.
Placenta previa
The placenta serves as support for the developing fetus. It is through the placenta that the baby receives all the nutrients needed to grow strong and healthy!
When a woman has her placenta positioned low in the uterus, it is called placenta previa. Usually, this improper position leads to symptoms such as bleeding and, in some cases, lack of oxygen for the baby. That’s why we need to highlight again the importance of regular medical monitoring, so that this condition can be diagnosed as early as possible.
Bleeding caused by placenta previa is usually painless; however, if the bleeding is excessive, it can induce premature labor. It’s important to remain alert!
Preterm labor
When regular contractions result in dilation before 37 weeks, we have what is known as preterm labor. Among the most common causes leading to preterm labor are:
- gestational diabetes;
- pre-eclampsia;
- anemia;
- uterine infections;
- obesity.
To reduce the chance of preterm labor, it is important to have regular medical follow-ups so every stage of pregnancy development is closely watched. In addition, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, exercise, and avoid harmful habits like drinking alcohol and smoking.
Well, now that you know some complications that can occur during pregnancy, the best thing is to be alert to any abnormal symptoms or discomfort so you can contact a doctor immediately. Even though some conditions cannot be 100% prevented, you can make lifestyle changes to reduce your chances of experiencing them.
