Pregnancy and labour complication guide – how to deal with the unexpected  

Mums Tips

Fitness & Health

Published on Tuesday, 29 March 2022 14:15

Last Updated on 29 March 2022

Monica Costa

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Pregnancy is wonderful news, but parents may experience a mix of feelings and emotions. You will deal with fear, confusion, stress, joy and excitement, wondering how to act next.

Numerous body and emotional changes occur during pregnancy, being crucial to understand and accept them. It may be scary at first, but remember to research anything related to your mental health, diet, necessary vitamins, new habits, and potential pregnancy complications. 

Most pregnancies progress without complications, but you should ensure everything goes according to plan to avoid unpleasant incidents. After finding out you are about to become a mom, an essential step is to start collaborating with a healthcare professional. Yes, a test can be an accurate diagnostic method, but a prenatal appointment with a doctor will confirm the pregnancy and help you discover what to do next.

Don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as possible because this journey may seem challenging without receiving medical support if you are at your first pregnancy. Besides, inform your healthcare provider about any bleeding or pain because these symptoms can foreshadow severe complications or even a miscarriage.

Knowing about pregnancy dangers can reduce potential mother and baby health problems. Some complications can manifest unexpectedly during the nine months, even if you don’t confront health problems before. This is why you should take action immediately and ask for specialised help. Fortunately, most complications can be successfully treated if discovered on time. Proper prenatal care will protect you and your baby, increasing the chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

Here are some complications that can occur during pregnancy:

Infections 

Everyday people confront various infections caused by bacteria and viruses. During pregnancy, women are more vulnerable than usual because their immune system function and hormone levels change. Plus, labour and delivery accentuate the risk of contracting pathogens.

The infections can harm you and your baby, so it’s essential to treat them correctly. Prevent some of them by keeping your hands clean or vaccination if possible. Here are some examples:

• Urinary tract infections;
• Bacterial vaginosis;
• Group B streptococcus;
• Influenza;
• Yeast infections;
• Hepatitis B.

  

Gestational diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people’s bodies by unbalancing insulin levels. Insulin is the most important hormone that breaks down carbohydrates. When you have diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin or use it correctly.

 

During pregnancy, women can develop gestational diabetes, which can cause baby macrosomia, a condition that makes them grow much larger than normal. The risks rise once the due date comes, and the delivery may become problematic because of the baby’s height and weight.

The doctor will monitor your blood sugar level in the last trimester of pregnancy when the risk of developing gestational diabetes increases. Though, if you notice some of the following symptoms, don’t hesitate to ask for an extra appointment:

• Frequent urination;
• Increased thirst and appetite;
• Fatigue and blurred vision;
• Weight loss;
• Yeast infections.

 

The good news is you can prevent the development of this type of diabetes by having a healthy diet and regular exercise.

 

Placenta previa

The placenta is a vital element of pregnancy, developing in the uterus, generally on the upper side and providing oxygen and nutrients to your baby. Placenta previa is a condition that determines the placenta to cover totally or partially the cervix.

 

Vaginal bleeding is the main sign that something goes wrong. But you may not experience any symptoms, so ensure you stick to the doctor appointments for a correct diagnosis. Medical professionals will confirm if you have placenta previa, whether during physical exams or ultrasound. If the bleeding is severe, you may need permanent medical care. Besides, the doctor will deliver the baby by a C-section to avoid birth complications.

 

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition that suddenly occurs during pregnancy, often in women who didn’t experience health problems before. It is characterised by high blood pressure, which can become life-threatening if not treated on time.

 

You may wonder how to identify if you risk developing preeclampsia. Usually, the risk is increased by pre-existing conditions, so here are some examples:

• High-blood pressure history;
• BMI (body mass index) higher than 30 that indicates obesity;
• Age. Pay more attention if you are a teenage mom or in your forties;
• Multiple pregnancies.

 

Foetal problems

Unborn babies can develop various health conditions. Here are some examples:

• Poor growth;
• Heart problems;
• Congenital disabilities;
• Genetic problems.

 

If the doctor suspects one of the mentioned above health problems, they can suggest extra tests to ensure everything is alright. Besides, if you notice any changes regarding baby movements or pregnancy evolution, the tests will confirm if there is indeed a problem that requires special care.

 

Sometimes, foetal problems may occur after medical negligence, so it’s essential to know how you should act in this situation. The risks include wrong or lack of prenatal health problems identification or delivery complications, including infections, fractures, or asphyxia. So, after confronting medical negligence during birth, you can start the compensation claim process. An attorney will offer all the legal support you need, assisting you during trials. For more information about how to claim compensation, you can access www.medicalnegligenceassist.co.uk.

 

Hyperemesis gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is characterised by severe nausea that can cause dehydration and weight loss. Yes, morning sickness is expected during the first trimester of pregnancy, but it doesn’t result in significant weight loss and extra health problems. If you lose more than 5 percent of the current weight, ask for medical support.

 

The major risk of this condition is that your body will not manage to acquire all the necessary nutrients for your baby, which can seriously harm both of you. If you experience the unpleasant effects of this condition, ensure your body has all the nutrients it needs. For some women having a balanced diet may be enough, but others may need medication, or even intravenous treatment, to prevent dehydration and fainting.

 

Pregnancy is a beautiful but challenging journey. So, if you ever feel scared about potential complications, don’t hesitate to ask for medical care and your family and friends’ support.