Top 3 Common Pregnancy Complications & Their Symptoms
Every woman indeed has different experiences in pregnancy. Some of them might even experience health problems or pregnancy complications that involve the mother’s wellbeing, the fetus’s health, or both. Even if the women were healthy before pregnancy, they are also at risk of having pregnancy complications. So, what are the common pregnancy complications and their symptoms?
Gestational diabetes
What is it?
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It’s a condition that prevents your body from breaking down sugar. One of the biggest risks is that your baby may grow much larger than normal and during delivery, the baby’s shoulders can get stuck. A cesarean section will be recommended by the doctor if the baby is thought to be too big for safe vaginal delivery.
The symptoms
Unfortunately, it has no outward symptoms. Doctors will usually screen for it between 24 - 28 weeks of pregnancy, or earlier in high-risk women such as those who are overweight or with a history of diabetes.
Preeclampsia
What is it?
Preeclampsia is a condition where it can cause severe high blood pressure that is life-threatening if left untreated. It typically occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and surprisingly often amongst women with no history of high blood pressure.
The symptoms
May include severe headache, vision changes and pain under the ribs. However, many women don’t feel symptoms right away. The first alert is usually during pregnancy checkups, where the doctor will check the blood pressure. If the blood pressure is alarmingly high, the doctor will conduct a kidney and liver function test to determine whether it’s preeclampsia or just high blood pressure.
Placenta previa
What is it?
During pregnancy, the placenta will provide your baby with oxygen and nutrients for proper development. It will normally attach to the upper part of the uterus, but in the placenta previa, it will either totally or partially cover the cervix.
The symptoms
The main symptom is vaginal bleeding that is not accompanied by cramping or other pain. However, in some cases, the women do not experience any symptoms. The doctor will then confirm the diagnosis using an ultrasound or a physical exam.
Regular pregnancy checkups are important to ensure the well-being of both mother and the fetus. It can also provide early detection and treatment for any complications that may arise. Schedule regular pregnancy checkups with our doctors today.