Common Problems In Pregnancy

Pregnant women could go through numerous health problems during pregnancy, which could be simple and don’t affect neither the mother nor the fetus, or they could be severe and might impact the mother, the fetus, or both.

Common problems in pregnancy

Numerous simple or severe pregnancy complications could affect numerous pregnant women, such as:

First-trimester vaginal bleeding

It could occur as a result of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or a ruptured ovarian cyst, and it’s managed according to the cause.

Third-trimester vaginal bleeding

It usually occurs as a result of placental abruption or placenta previa. If the bleeding is life-threatening for the mother or the fetus, a cesarean section should be performed immediately.

Contractions

They could lead to preterm birth, and they’re managed with specific medications to stop these contractions.

Rapid heartbeat

In simple cases, it’s managed by changing the lifestyle and making it healthier, while in severe cases, it’s managed with specific medicines.

Nausea and vomiting

They’re normal symptoms result from pregnancy hormone (β-hCG) and estrogen hormone, or as a side effect of pregnancy vitamins. They’re considered normal if they weren’t associated with other symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, headache, and jaundice.

Nausea and vomiting can be managed by having small, salty meals if the woman doesn’t suffer from hypertension, and these meals must be high in carbohydrates and low in fat. Pregnant women can also have ginger and peppermint. They also must avoid surprising moves, odors, and iron supplements if they’re causative.

In severe cases, the specialist could prescribe specific medicines.

Heartburn

Heartburn is caused by the effect of progesterone on the opening between the stomach and the esophagus, and it’s often worsened after meals. It’s managed by having several small meals, keeping the head up while sleeping, and taking some medicines if needed.

Dyspnea of pregnancy

It mostly occurs as a result of the uterine pressure on the diaphragm, and it’s worsened in the late stages of pregnancy. The condition improves with sitting and managing other conditions if they exist.

Fatigue and syncope

They could occur as a result of hypotension (hypovolemic shock) or hormonal effects. Pregnant women should rise slowly and drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

Anemia

Anemia is managed with iron-containing foods and oral iron supplements.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes a result of the secretion of diabetogenic hormones by the placenta, and it’s managed by following a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and insulin when needed.

Gestational hypertension

It mostly occurs because of a condition called preeclampsia or eclampsia, or if the pregnant woman already suffers from hypertension. It’s managed by following a healthy lifestyle if it’s mild or moderate, while in severe cases, it needs specific medicines.

Headaches, back pain, and abdominal and pelvic pain

They’re very common. Headaches often occur as a result of pregnancy hormones, and they can be a symptom of other conditions. Back pain occurs as a result of pregnancy progression, and abdominal pain occurs because of pregnancy stretching. They’re managed with rest and massages in most cases, and with some medications (like paracetamol) when needed.

Edemas

They mostly occur as a result of uterine pressure on blood vessels, and they’re managed with pads and resting in a horizontal position.

Leg cramps

The cause is mostly unknown, and they’re managed with rest and magnesium supplements.

Respiratory infections

They could be viral or bacterial, and they’re managed with saline nasal spray and other medicines when needed. In the case of pneumonia, the patient must be hospitalized.

Urinary infections

The most common symptom is frequent urination, and they could also be asymptomatic. They’re managed with specific antibiotics.

Vaginal discharge

They occur as a result of the estrogen hormone, changes in vaginal flora, or vaginal fungus. It’s managed according to the cause.

Dental problems

Edema and hyperemia in the gum could occur and might lead to gingivitis. They’re managed with teeth cleaning and some medications.

Dermatologic problems

Such as hyperpigmentation and striae. They often go after the pregnancy, and some medications are used when needed.

Depression and anxiety

They occur because of hormonal changes and some external factors. They’re managed by providing support from family and close people, in addition to some depression and anxiety medications if needed.

Factors that affect common problems in pregnancy

• Some diseases could increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), kidney problems, epilepsy, and anemia.
• There are also some factors that increase the risk of problems in pregnancy, such as being older than 35 years old or younger than 20 years old, smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy, twins or more pregnancies, previous miscarriages, obesity, and anorexia.

Preventing common problems in pregnancy

Pregnancy complications can’t be prevented completely, yet we can reduce the risk of having them through:

• Taking care of your health and following a healthy lifestyle.
• Attending all the prenatal appointments.
• Inform the doctors of any symptom or health problem immediately.
• Resting and reducing stress as much as possible.
• Taking the prescribed vitamins and supplements.