Common Problems During Pregnancy
Common problems during pregnancy include pregnancy bleeding, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure. We can help prepare you to know some of the signs. Early Pregnancy Bleeding If you bleed during early pregnancy, there are two things we worry about: However, just because you have bleeding early in pregnancy does not mean you automatically have one of these conditions. To know for sure, you will need to see your OB – usually several times – to receive the correct diagnosis and the care you need. Bleeding during early pregnancy can be just a scary situation and your pregnancy turns out fine. However, sadly, this is not always the case. Miscarriage A miscarriage is when a woman loses an early pregnancy. Sometimes a woman does not even know she was pregnant – her period might be a few days late and then she has a heavy flow. Other times she had a positive pregnancy test before miscarrying. Even though miscarrying can be daunting to think about, it’s important to be informed for both yourself and your loved ones. Miscarriage occurs in about twenty percent or more of pregnancies for a variety of reasons. The reason most women miscarry is because the pregnancy did not develop correctly. This means, usually, there are too few or too many chromosomes. This is fundamental damage that does not allow the pregnancy to continue. If you’re concerned about miscarrying, definitely talk to your doctor and take the appropriate steps to avoid miscarrying such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking regular prenatal care, and avoiding known miscarriage risk factors (smoking, drinking alcohol, and illicit drug use). Miscarriage is a relatively common experience but that doesn’t make it any easier. It can have a profound emotional impact, not only on the woman herself, but also on her partner, friends, and family. We are sad to give the diagnosis of miscarriage and grieve right along with you and your loved ones. Getting support from loved ones or professional counseling is often necessary in helping with the healing process. There are also many support groups online or at your local hospital. The following are resources you may find helpful for your recovery process: Ectopic Pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy is when a pregnancy has not developed inside the uterus or womb but instead is located outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy occurs in less than one percent of all pregnancies and is a serious diagnosis. The uterus or womb is the only place a pregnancy can grow into a healthy baby, and it can be life threatening. The most common location for an ectopic pregnancy to implant is inside the fallopian tube. If the pregnancy implants anywhere other than the uterus, you will likely experience pain and internal bleeding. Heavy bleeding inside the abdomen is why an ectopic pregnancy is so dangerous. Similar to miscarriage, there are no ways to completely prevent ectopic pregnancies, but it is possible to decrease the risk. This is possible through maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking regular prenatal care, and avoiding known risk factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and illicit drug use. Potential Treatments for Miscarriage and Ectopic Pregnancy Treatments for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy can include medication, surgery, or simply close observation. Our recommendation will depend upon your symptoms, examinations, and medical history. Bleeding Later in Pregnancy The causes of bleeding later in pregnancy, usually after the 20th week, are more varied than the causes of early pregnancy bleeding. It can be normal and a sign of labor if you are close to your due date. However, if you are not close, this can be dangerous to the health of your unborn baby. *Overall, if you bleed during your pregnancy, seek immediate medical care. High Blood Pressure High blood pressure is another common problem during pregnancy. This condition goes by several names such as toxemia of pregnancy, gestational hypertension, or pre-eclampsia, and it can affect the health of your pregnancy. There are times your blood pressure is supposed to go up, such as during exercising, but it shouldn’t be high during rest or most of the time. If your blood pressure is high all the time, the increased pressure can damage your organs such as your kidneys, eyes, and heart. High blood pressure during your pregnancy could damage your placenta as well, posing a problem for the pregnancy. Most importantly, try not to stress. Fewer than ten percent of pregnant women develop high blood pressure, and we will monitor you closely at every visit. Risk Factors of High Blood Pressure Those most at risk for high blood pressure include: Symptoms of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy If you experience the following symptoms, your blood pressure could be elevated: These warning signs can commonly occur during normal pregnancy too, so you’ll be evaluated on a regular basis at your appointments. Management of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy There are several tests used to determine how to manage high blood pressure during pregnancy. The only real cure for hypertension during pregnancy is the delivery of your baby. Our timing of when to recommend this will depend upon the severity of your symptoms and the gestational age of your baby. We are always weighing one against the other, trying to determine the best time to act. In more serious cases, we may admit you to the hospital for closer observation. Gestational Diabetes Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only occurs when blood sugar levels remain elevated in pregnant women. The condition usually subsides after pregnancy, but women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop permanent diabetes later in life. It is a serious condition because it can lead to the birth of a large baby, which may mean a difficult vaginal birth or cesarean birth. Babies born to gestational diabetics are also prone to having low blood sugar levels and jaundice after birth, which can lead to permanent neurological problems. Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes Some women are more likely to
