Mother, the embodiment of compassion, love, and care. Motherhood, a blessing to women, is an intense yet immeasurable feeling. There are so many women who long to be a mother. An insurmountable amount of love fills the heart of a mother upon knowing they are pregnant.
As wonderful and beautiful as the journey is, it can be a little rocky. Prenatal care is essential for a smooth pregnancy and to minimize the risks that could occur during it. There are a few complications some mothers may face during pregnancy.
Hypertension
Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension, when experienced, restricts the arteries that carry blood from the heart to other organs. This can lead to decreased oxygen supply to the fetus, and complications that may occur are preeclampsia and preterm labor.
Close monitoring and medications should help in maintaining gestational hypertension. Hypertension experienced during pregnancy is called gestational hypertension.
Gestational Diabetes
This can be developed during pregnancy and is the increased amount of glucose found in the blood. This is also referred to as high blood sugar. Glucose is a vital component in our body that sources energy, glucose that enters the bloodstream is absorbed by the cells.
During pregnancy, the hormonal changes interfere with insulin production, and the absorption capability of the blood reduces. Proper treatment can help in avoiding preeclampsia or cesarean delivery.
Infections
The common problem faced by everyone, infections during, and post-pregnancy are normal. Sexually Transmitted Infections can cause complications of the mother, baby, or both.
Most infections vaginal and urinary can be treated at early stages with proper medication. Certain viruses are linked to miscarriages, preterm labor, stillbirth, congenital disabilities, and other serious complications.
Preeclampsia
A high-risk condition that affects both the mother and the baby. This condition is usually diagnosed late into the pregnancy or post-delivery. This condition is when a part of the placenta doesn’t function properly. Gestational hypertension is a sign of this condition.
Other symptoms include swelling of feet and legs and high levels of protein in their urine. No cure makes this condition more complicated, but early detection can reduce the chances of eclampsia, which is the onset of seizures before, during, or after labor. Risks of this condition include first pregnancies, history of preeclampsia, diabetes, obesity, and age.
Preterm labor
Delivery before 37 weeks is considered preterm labor. Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk of health problems as their vital organs only fully develop in the final weeks of pregnancy.
Progesterone supplements can aid in reducing preterm labor. Infections, a shortened cervix, and a history of preterm births are all conditions that increase the chances of preterm labor.
Miscarriage
Loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks is termed as miscarriage. Diabetes, acute infections, injuries, history of miscarriages may be the reasons behind a miscarriage.
A fertilized egg has an abnormal number of chromosomes, or uterus abnormalities are some of the other reasons behind a miscarriage. Immediate treatment is necessary, or this can lead to other complications.
Symptoms include vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or severe cramping.
Stillbirth
Loss of pregnancy after 20 weeks is known as a stillbirth. Causes behind a stillbirth are often unknown, but they may be health conditions such as infection, poor fetal development, and lifestyle. This pregnancy complication can affect the mother mentally, emotionally, and physically and is often the hardest to overcome.
Other complications
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is one of the other complications. It is continuous vomiting that can continue into the third trimester or iron-deficiency anemia. Signs of anemia include feeling tired, shortness of breath, and fainting.
These are the eight commonly experienced complications. These can be avoided by taking the necessary precautions, some of which are discussed below.
Precautions
The proverb “Prevention is better than cure” is known for its accuracy. There are a few precautions pregnant ladies can take to avoid being a part of the high-risk pregnancy group and to have a good pregnancy.
First and foremost, have good personal hygiene and to practice a maintainable hygienic routine. This not only reduces the chances of an infection but also ensures good overall health. Infections can lead to stillbirths or miscarriage.
Alcohol and smoking are harmful to the mother’s as well as the baby’s health. Avoiding these as much as possible is advisable. Stillbirths, miscarriages, sudden infant death syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome that causes fetus development problems are some of the complications and consequences of consumption of alcohol and smoking during pregnancy.
Being consistent with your medication and considering getting a flu shot are some of the best precautionary measures during pregnancy.
Taking multivitamins is vital as this ensures the good health of the baby. A high fever during pregnancy can cause neural tube defects; a flu shot during the flu season will be helpful.
Healthy eating habits and kitchen safety is yet another important precautionary measure. Maintaining good health and avoiding unhealthy food as much as possible will be beneficial in the long run. Food-borne infections from under-cooked, unwashed, and contaminated food are very common.
Ensuring proper cooking and cleaning before eating is a healthy practice and helps regulate blood- sugar levels and weight.
Prenatal care is a necessity to help tackle any challenges in the early stages. These challenges left untreated can lead to complications later on.
Practicing safe sex cannot be stressed enough. Sexually active women have a higher chance of contracting an STI, which can lead to stillbirth or ectopic pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy is when the egg attaches itself outside the uterus. Vaginal check-ups done frequently can help detect any urinary or vaginal infections.
Maintaining a healthy weight is a necessity during pregnancy. Though, women gain weight during pregnancy, those who make conscious efforts to maintain it often avoid complications.
Many challenges, such as obesity, diabetes, premature birth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes, are linked to overweight.
Motherhood is a boon to women, and the mother must take the necessary steps to avoid any complications. Though inevitable, sometimes, complications can still be minimized. Taking the necessary steps will be helpful and make the journey of pregnancy enjoyable and memorable.
Consult a highly experienced IVF doctor in Noida for the best suitable advice.
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