Pregnancy Concerns

Complications can arise in pregnancies for many reasons. Sometimes a woman’s existing health conditions contribute to problems. Other times, new conditions arise because of hormonal and body changes that occur during pregnancy.

Always talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your risk of complications during pregnancy. Some of the most common complications include the following.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. The reasons for miscarriage are not always known. Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester, which is the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Chromosomal abnormalities can prevent proper development of the fertilized egg. Or physical problems with a woman’s reproductive system can make it difficult for a healthy baby to grow.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A fertilized egg implanted outside of the uterus is an ectopic pregnancy. The egg generally settles in one of the fallopian tubes. Because of the space limitations and the lack of nurturing tissues there, a fetus cannot properly grow. An ectopic pregnancy can cause severe pain and damage to a woman’s reproductive system, and is potentially life-threatening. As the fetus continues to grow, it can cause the fallopian tube to burst, leading to severe internal bleeding (hemorrhage).

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy. It means that you are also at higher risk for diabetes after pregnancy. Like type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes is caused by insulin resistance (your body doesn’t respond correctly to the hormone insulin). For most women, gestational diabetes doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms.

While the majority of women with gestational diabetes give birth to healthy babies, the condition can increase the risk that the baby will have a larger-than-normal body.

Other health risks to the baby include:

• jaundice
• respiratory distress syndrome
• abnormally low levels of minerals in the blood
• hypoglycaemia

Placental abruption

Placental abruption occurs when the placenta completely or partially separates from the uterus before a baby is born. This separation means a fetus cannot receive proper nutrients and oxygen. A placental abruption happens most commonly in the third trimester of pregnancy. Common symptoms include vaginal bleeding, contractions, and abdominal pain.

There is no definitive answer as to why abruptions occur. It’s thought that physical trauma can disrupt the placenta. High blood pressure can also damage the connection between the placenta and the uterus.

Low or excess amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid cushions the womb to keep a fetus safe from trauma. It also helps maintain the temperature inside the womb. Having too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) or too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) interferes with some of the normal functions of the womb.

Low amniotic fluid can prevent a baby from properly developing muscles, limbs, lungs, and affect the digestive system.

Most cases of excess amniotic fluid are mild and don’t cause problems. In rare cases, too much amniotic fluid can cause:

• premature rupture of amniotic membranes
• placental abruption
• preterm labor and delivery
• postpartum hemorrhage (bleeding after delivery) 

Journal of Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine is an interdisciplinary journal that explores clinical, medical, social and economic aspects of female reproductive health and medication worldwide.

Authors can submit manuscript as an e-mail attachment to the Editorial Office at https://www.imedpub.com/submissions/womens-health-reproductive-medicine.html

Media Contact
John Kimberly
Associate Managing Editor
Journal of Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine
Email: womenshealth@emedscholar.com