Majority of pregnancies are uneventful.
That said, it’s helpful to know which serious medical issues are most likely to affect expecting moms. Here are the five most common pregnancy complications.
1. Miscarriage:
A miscarriage is the loss of a fetus during early pregnancy. It happens during the first trimester of the pregnancy.
Heavy bleeding, vaginal spotting, intense cramping and severe abdominal pain are usually the first signs, call your healthcare practitioner right away if you notice it.
2. Premature labor and birth:
Premature labor is when your body starts getting ready for birth too early in your pregnancy. It starts more than three weeks before your due date.
Premature labor can lead to an early birth. The longer your baby gets to grow inside you, right up to your due date , the less likely he or she is to have problems after birth.
3. Pre-eclampsia:
Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that affects about 10 percent of pregnant women. You’re diagnosed with pre-eclampsia if you have high blood pressure and protein in your urine or liver or kidney abnormalities after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Most expectant mothers who get pre-eclampsia develop mild symptoms near their due date, and they and their babies do fine with proper care. Severe pre-eclampsia can affect many organs and cause serious or even life-threatening problems. Women whose pre-eclampsia is severe need to deliver early.
4. Gestational diabetes.
Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar (glucose). Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby’s health. For most women, gestational diabetes doesn’t cause noticeable signs or symptoms.
Expectant women can help control gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising and, if necessary, taking medication. Controlling blood sugar can prevent a difficult birth and keep you and your baby healthy.
5. Bleeding:
Bleeding in late pregnancy may be a sign of placental complications, a vaginal or cervical infection, or preterm labor. Women who bleed in late pregnancy may be at greater risk of losing the fetus and hemorrhaging (bleeding excessively).
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