Pregnancy is an important phase of a woman’s life. But it brings along with it some health problems which one must be aware of. A regular visit to doctor helps identify such problems and taking proper steps to manage them is required to protect the mother and the unborn child. Let us try and become aware of some of these health problems and get to know the symptoms and the prenatal care which can be taken to avoid such situation.
Read the article to know about some health problems that develop during pregnancy!!!!!
Iron deficiency anemia
This is the most common type of anemia. Pregnant women require iron more than the normal level to carry the oxygen for their developing child too.
Symptoms: Pale look, feeling faint, shortening of breath, feeling tired or exhausted.
Treatment: Supplements containing Iron and folic acid.
Gestational diabetes
This happens when blood sugar levels increase too much during pregnancy. Almost 10% of the pregnant women suffer through this. It increases the chances of preeclampsia, caesarean birth, and macrosomia.
Treatment: Control blood sugar level through healthy diet, exercise regularly, and medication.
Depression and anxiety
Pregnant women experience a lot of anxiety and depression pre-and post the birth of the child which can affect the health of the mother as well as the baby. It can harm the developing fetus. Change in hormones, stress, family history etc. are some of the causes of this depression and anxiety.
Treatment: Support from partner, friends, and family, avoid alcohol and tobacco.
Fetal problems
There can develop increased problems in the fetus such as decreased movement after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Proper follow-up should be done and tests such as ultrasounds and others should be conducted regularly to avoid such fetal problems.
High blood pressure related to pregnancy
Pregnant women develop high blood pressure and may lead to a condition known as preeclampsia. Such women should be monitored for the same very closely.
Infections
A lot of infections affect pregnancy these days, the main being STIs i.e. sexually transmitted infections. These infections occur during pregnancy can cause a lot of complications for the mother as well as the baby and hence should be managed and treated with care.
Hyperemesis gravidarum
This is a condition which is experienced by generally a lot of pregnant women and lessen by the end of 20th week.
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting or what is called morning sickness
Treatment: Medication
Miscarriage
A miscarriage is a condition which is caused if there occurs a loss in pregnancy due to natural reasons before the 20th week. According to facts, 20% of the pregnancies end up in miscarriage. It is a very disheartening and an unbearable situation for the family and especially for the mother.
Symptoms: Cramps, and bleeding.
Placenta previa
It is a condition in which placenta covers a part of the opening of the cervix in the uterus and affects the way delivery of the baby occurs. This may lead to excessive bleeding during pregnancy.
Treatment: Bed rest and hospitalization.
Placental abruption
There may occur a separation of the placenta from the inner wall of the uterine which might be mild, moderate or severe.
Symptoms: Bleeding, and cramping
Preeclampsia
There may occur a sudden increase in high blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy which is known as preeclampsia.
Symptoms: Swelling of hands and face, dizziness, blurring of vision, and headache.
Treatment: Early delivery of the child
Preterm labor
A healthy infant is the one which is born after 39-40 weeks which is the full term of pregnancy and has fully developed lungs, brain and liver. Sometimes there may occur some complications due to which birth might have to be given before 39 weeks I.e. in the 37th week or so. This is known as preterm labor.
Now that you know some of the common health problems that can develop during pregnancy, do not just ignore them. Identify the symptoms, make regular visits to the healthcare provider and protect the mother and the developing fetus and have a happy and a healthy life ahead!!!!!
