It’s a moment filled with excitement when you find out that you’re expecting a child. Even decades in the future, you’ll be able to feel that tremendous sense of joy the minute you reminisce about this very moment.
Every expecting mother hopes for a healthy and smooth pregnancy journey. So, it’s scary for a mother to be diagnosed with a pregnancy complication but the truth is, at times, these complications are unavoidable and most of the time, the complication is not anyone’s fault.
Only a small percentage of women will experience pregnancy complications. The good news is, pregnancy complications can be managed and treated well. Plus, in most cases, the complication will subside after you’ve given birth.
From anaemia to severe morning sickness, there’s a long list of pregnancy complications but here are 3 common conditions.
1. Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes in general refers to the body’s inability to break down glucose. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. A woman does not need to have a history of high blood sugar levels to be at risk of gestational diabetes.
Who is at risk?
Pregnant mothers who are overweight, have a history of gestational diabetes from previous
pregnancies and women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.
What are the symptoms?
There are usually no symptoms of gestational diabetes and most women will find out about the diagnosis after a blood glucose test that will be conducted around your 24th week of pregnancy. At times, some women may experience extreme thirst, hunger or fatigue and this could be a sign of gestational diabetes.
How is it treated?
For most moms-to-be with gestational diabetes, the condition can be controlled through a well-planned diet throughout your pregnancy. Some women may require insulin to manage the condition. Poorly managed gestational diabetes can increase your risk of early delivery, a baby that may grow larger than normal which could lead to difficulties during childbirth and a baby born with low blood sugar.
2. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia causes dangerously high blood pressure among expecting mothers. This condition starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Preeclampsia can affect the kidneys as well as other organs.
Who is at risk?
Women with a medical history of high blood pressure, those who are obese and pregnant with multiple pregnancies may have an increased chance of preeclampsia.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of preeclampsia include severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision and stomachache. Though, in most cases, a woman may not experience these symptoms right away. The first sign of a preeclampsia is usually detected during your prenatal visit, which records that you have high blood pressure.
How is it treated?
Preeclampsia goes away after you’ve given birth. There is no specific method for treating this pregnancy complication. Generally, it all depends on how far along your pregnancy is. There is a possibility that you might deliver earlier than your estimated due date but this does have its risk towards the baby’s health too. Women diagnosed with preeclampsia will usually be required to be hospitalised so that a medical team can monitor your condition closely.
3. Placenta Previa
The placenta is the source of food and oxygen for your baby. In most pregnancies, the placenta is naturally attached to the upper part of the uterus to prepare your body for a natural birth. However, placenta previa occurs when the placenta is attached to the lower part of the uterus. Hence, totally or partially covering the cervix.
Who is at risk?
If you have scars on your uterus due to a previous surgery or c-section, have had a baby, smoke and about the age of 35, these risk factors could increase your risk of placenta previa.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of placenta previa is vaginal bleeding but it is not accompanied by any pain or cramps. However, some women do not experience any bleeding and this pregnancy complication will be detected during your routine prenatal ultrasound examination.
How is it treated?
Your doctor will ask for you to go under bed rest until you’re ready for delivery. However, if the bleeding does not stop despite bed rest, your doctor might schedule for a c-section to deliver your baby.
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