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Pregnancy is full of ups and downs, as your body changes and grows and hormones rage. If you’ve never been pregnant before, you may not be prepared for some of the things that come with pregnancy: heartburn, gingivitis, and swollen feet, just to name a few.
Fortunately, most pregnancies do not have any complications, but occasionally one of the following will occur. Following are six common pregnancy complications to watch out for.
Common Pregnancy Complications
The more you know about the pregnancy process and potential complications, the better prepared you’ll be if unusual symptoms arise. Some of these conditions mimic typical pregnancy symptoms, so be sure to talk to your doctor if anything feels unusual.
Gestational Hypertension
Gestational hypertension is different from chronic hypertension and usually occurs late in pregnancy, resulting in high blood pressure.
Women at higher risk are:
- Geriatric or Very Young
- Diabetic
- African Americans
Signs of gestational hypertension are the same as general hypertension:
- Severe Headache
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Sudden Weight Gain
- Vision Problems
If you are diagnosed with gestational hypertension, your doctor will monitor you and the baby closely, as it can develop into preeclampsia or eclampsia if left untreated. Untreated hypertension is dangerous for mother and baby.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot keep up with the amount of glucose produced by the placenta.
It differs from common diabetes, because it occurs during pregnancy and deciding on childbirth. But it is treated in the same way – either through diet or through insulin injections.
The mother can easily miss the symptoms of gestational diabetes:
- Extreme Thirst
- Increased Hunger
- Excessive urination
Regular prenatal checkups are important because the symptoms are so easy to miss. Often, regular examination during a checkup is what a doctor tips on gestational diabetes. If left untreated, the condition can lead to further pregnancy complications, putting the mother and baby at risk.
Heart Palpitations and Arrhythmias
Pregnancy causes the body to produce more blood, which makes it harder for the heart to pump it all. This can lead to heart palpitations, the feeling that the heart beats too fast, or arrhythmia, which is a heartbeat that is irregular, too fast, or too slow.
Palpitations and arrhythmia are common during pregnancy and are usually nothing to worry about. However, sometimes they point to a more significant issue, especially if accompanied by chest pain or breathing problems.
Suppose a pregnant woman has a personal or family history of heart issues or experiences frequent or prolonged palpitations or arrhythmia. In that case, his doctor will likely run tests to determine the cause.
Anemia
Women’s bodies produce more blood during pregnancy, and if the body does not receive enough iron to support the increased blood volume, it causes anemia.
Anemia can cause symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Low Energy
- Pale skin
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
If left untreated, anemia can lead to low birth weight and preterm birth, along with additional recovery time for the mother.
Fortunately, this common pregnancy complication can be easily prevented and treated through diet and iron supplements.
Placenta Previa
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta attaches itself too low in the uterus, covering part or all of the cervix. The most common sign of placenta previa is bleeding in the second and third trimester.
Often, placenta previa resolves itself early in pregnancy, but the mother is at risk of bleeding and bleeding otherwise. She may need blood transfusions and a C-section to ensure safe delivery of the baby.
Placenta previa cannot be cured, but the condition can be monitored and managed to keep mother and baby safe and healthy.
Toxemia/Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia, also called toxemia, is a complication characterized by dangerously high blood pressure and liver and kidney damage.
The condition may follow hypertension, but hypertension does not seem to be the cause. In general, the problem begins with blood vessels of the placentawhich is abnormally formed.
If preeclampsia is suspected, your doctor will look for high levels of protein in your urine. You may also suffer from:
- Hypertension
- Severe headache
- Dizziness
- Vision Issues
Preeclampsia doesn’t resolve until the baby is born, so your doctor will want to deliver the baby as soon as possible to keep you and the baby safe.
How to Perform CPR on a Pregnant Woman
In rare cases, a pregnancy complication will lead to cardiac arrest, so it’s a good idea to have your loved ones learn how to perform CPR on a pregnant woman. CPR in pregnancy involves:
- Calling 911
- Starting with chest compression and mouth-to-mouth
- Restart the heart with an Automated External Defibrillator
Remember that general CPR for a person in cardiac arrest usually only requires chest compressions, but CPR on a pregnant woman also involves rescue breathing. Otherwise, CPR is the same for pregnant women and the general population.
