What are Some Common Complications of Pregnancy in Women?

Pregnancy is a joyful time for couples and families. Most women do not experience any serious pregnancy related complications. But there are few common pregnancy complications that may arise depending on the health of the mother before and during the pregnancy. While medicine is unable to prevent certain types of pregnancy-related complications, they can be treated by monitoring the health of the baby and the mother. Awareness about these complications and information on how they can be managed helps ease the anxiety and stress for women who are at high risk of developing these complications.

 

On international Mother’s Day, it is important to acknowledge and raise awareness about the risk that pregnancy can pose to women’s lives. Celebrating Mother’s Day by drawing attention to the various complications that can arise is a great way to honour and show respect for mothers worldover.

 

Who is at Risk of Developing Complications?

Women with pre-existing health conditions are more likely to develop health complications that affect them and may affect the baby.  Women over a certain age or very young mothers are also more likely to develop certain complications.

 

Some of the Common Health Conditions that May Lead to Complications Include:

1. Infections

2. High blood pressure

3. Diabetes

4. Sexually Transmitted Infections

5. Anemia

6. Epilepsy

7. Kidney problems

 

What Are Some Common Complications that Arise During Pregnancy?

 

Here’s a look at some of the most common complications that may arise during pregnancy:

1. Anemia

Anemia is a common occurrence in pregnant women. Women who suffer from anemia prior to their pregnancy are more likely to experience it during their pregnancy as well. Anemia is caused due to the lack of adequate red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to different parts of the body. Pregnant women’s bodies need to produce RBCs for themselves and their baby. Less than normal levels of red blood cells cause fatigue and weakness in pregnant women. Low RBC counts are linked with iron deficiency.

 

Doctors recommend supplements such as folic acid and iron to help boost the production of RBCs and maintain normal levels of haemoglobin during and after the pregnancy.

 

2. Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious condition caused due to hypertension. Preeclampsia occurs due to a sudden increase in blood pressure after the 20th week. Increase in blood pressure may be a sign that the liver and kidney are not functioning properly. Increased blood pressure can cause damage to blood vessels and is linked to pre-term birth, low birth weight, damage to kidney, liver, etc.

 

Chances of developing preeclampsia can be reduced by maintaining a healthy body weight and following a healthy diet. Keeping up with doctor prescribed medication is essential.

 

3. Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes triggered by pregnancy. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is responsible for converting the sugar in our blood to energy. When there isn’t enough insulin in the body, blood sugar levels spike.

 

Women who develop gestational diabetes are at higher risk of having to undergo C-section, giving birth to an overweight baby (over 9 pounds) or giving birth prematurely. Women who develop gestational diabetes are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.

 

4. Infections

Infections - whether viral or bacterial can cause serious complications. Sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, food borne diseases, influenza, tuberculosis and other viral infections can affect not only the health of the mother but also the wellbeing of the baby at a prenatal stage. It can cause complications at the time of birth as well.  Getting a vaccination prior to pregnancy is one way to prevent certain viral infections.

 

5. Obesity

Being overweight can give rise to many complications during pregnancy. Women that are overweight are more likely to develop gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. While it is normal to gain weight during a pregnancy, your doctor will advise you how much weight gain is advisable. Maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising daily and finding ways to relax and release stress are crucial to the physical well-being of a pregnant woman. Losing a lot of weight during the pregnancy is difficult, losing weight prior to getting pregnant is a better strategy to deal with obesity.

 

6. Depression and Anxiety

Pregnancy can be a difficult time for many women. The body undergoes many changes all within a short period of time to make room for a baby. Fluctuation in energy levels, visible change in your hair, skin and weight, and increase in anxiety are common in pregnant women. In addition to this they experience difficulty in concentrating on tasks and experience frequent back aches and tiredness.

 

All these changes can induce depression in women. The alteration in moods and hormones can influence self-esteem, confidence and decision making. Consulting a therapist or actively working on ways to reduce depression through exercise, meditation and making time for uplifting activities is as important as the physical well-being of a pregnant woman.

 

7. Hyperemsis Gravidarum

Hyperemsis Gravidarum is an extreme form of morning sickness. Morning sickness is common in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is normal to feel nauseous and throw up due to the elevated levels of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropins) released by the placenta. Hyperemsis gravidarum is a severe type of morning sickness where the bouts of nausea or vomiting occur frequently and last beyond the first trimester.

 

In some cases, hospitalization for hyperemsis gravidarum is required as excessive vomiting can cause dehydration, fatigue, loss appetite which can be detrimental to the health of the mother and the baby.

 

Pregnancy can be a happy time, but it can also be a period of unplanned expenses. Especially if you experience health-related complications during that time. Health insurance can take care of pregnancy related expenses and hospitalization expenses when you give birth. Selecting the right health insurance that covers pregnancy under its ambit can save you money at this delicate time in your life. Health insurance plans for family and women’s health insurance plans provide better coverage where pregnancy related expenses are concerned. To find affordable health insurance premiums that provide health insurance for pregnant women, you can speak to your agent or browse plans online.

 

Conclusion

If you want to reap the benefits of women’s health insurance during pregnancy, the right time to start looking for a maternity cover is when you plan your pregnancy. There are a lot of options available when you search health insurance for women. The easiest way is to look them up online.