The majority of women who are expecting a child will go on to enjoy their pregnancy without experiencing the development of pregnancy related problems. When a woman does develop complications due to her pregnancy, it is important that she immediately contact her health care provider. By alerting her doctor to any signs or symptoms that could signify pregnancy complications, the doctor will be able to intervene at the early stages of the problem if it is deemed necessary. Many of the complications of pregnancy if dealt with early and effectively will not develop into serious consequences for either the mother or the unborn child.
One if the most commonly experienced signs of pregnancy is the nausea and vomiting that results shortly after conception. Normally this symptom that is referred to as morning sickness does not pose a threat to the health of either the mother or the fetus. However, there are approximately 2% of expectant mothers who will suffer from extreme pregnancy nausea. Extreme pregnancy nausea that is also known as hyperemesis gravidarum is marked by unrelenting nausea and vomiting.
Due to hyperemesis gravidarum, women have difficulty in maintaining sufficient levels of fluids and nutrients. When HG is left untreated, the resulting consequences can include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and deficient fetal growth. It is often necessary to hospitalize the pregnant mother and to provide her with intravenous treatment to alleviate dehydration, malnutrition and electrolyte disturbances. Any woman afflicted with persistent nausea and vomiting should alert her health care provider immediately; treating HG early will significantly increase the mother's chances for a healthy outcome for herself and her child.
One of the other potentially serious problems that can develop during pregnancy is preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is also known as toxemia of pregnancy. In toxemia the expectant mother will develop high blood pressure accompanied by protein in the urine. This condition emerges sometime after the 20th week of pregnancy.
A woman afflicted with preeclampsia will experience such symptoms as high blood pressure, swelling of her feet, hands and face, high levels of protein in her urine, headaches, blurred vision and dizziness. Bed rest is often prescribed for women diagnosed with toxemia; women will also be given medication to control their blood pressure. If the expectant mother has reached at least 37 weeks, it may be decided to induce her.
Despite not having a previous history of diabetes, some women will develop it during pregnancy. When diabetes develops as a result of pregnancy is termed gestational diabetes; this condition affects approximately 5% of all pregnant mothers. Once the woman has delivered, her diabetes will resolve. However, women who have suffered from gestational diabetes are more likely to have diabetes later in their life, including future pregnancies.
While not always present, signs of diabetes can include fatigue, excessive thirst and hunger. When women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is recommended that they closely adhere to the diet prescribed for them. Other treatments include getting enough exercise, carefully watching their blood sugar levels, and in some cases taking medication to help control their blood sugar levels. Just like many of the other complications of pregnancy, effective treatment at the initial stages can greatly enhance a healthy outcome for both mother and child.
One of the more common pregnancy related problems that can occur is anemia; anemia is when the red blood cell count is too low. Usually when an expectant mother is anemic, she is found to have an iron deficiency. Iron is necessary for the body to produce red blood cells.
Approximately 1/2 of all pregnant women are found to be iron deficient. Anemia can cause many side effects; these include weakness, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and pale skin. Iron deficiency is best combated by a diet containing a variety of foods that are rich in iron. Most of the prenatal vitamins that are prescribed contain iron. In some cases, the mother will also be given an additional iron supplement.
Extreme pregnancy nausea, preeclampsia, anemia and gestational diabetes are just a few of the complications that can afflict the pregnant woman after she has conceived. It is advisable for all women to have some familiarity with those signs that may be indicative of a serious pregnancy related health problem. Although these complications only occur in a relatively small number of pregnancies, any woman who notices any physical signs that she is concerned about should contact her doctor immediately.
Extreme Pregnancy Nausea - One of Several Complications of Pregnancy
