Pregnancy, a journey filled with anticipation and preparation to welcome a new life. Throughout the stages, the woman’s body went through profound changes, which obviously no one can predict exactly, but through knowledge, you can make an informed decision and prevent complications.
For families in Jaipur, it is crucial to understand the early signs of pregnancy complications. And if your family has a history of pregnancy complications, no matter whether it is low or high-risk, make sure to start visiting a gynecologist.
Till then, this guide will guide you on pregnancy complications, early signs, and when to seek medical help.
At Cradle Children’s Hospital, our focus is on providing evidence-based guidance to support women throughout every step of their journey.
Understanding Pregnancy Complications
A medical condition that impacts the mother as well as the fetus during pregnancy, and it can happen in the prenatal period, labor, or delivery, and even after the baby is born. The complications vary from mild to life-threatening, which is why doctors recommend regular antenatal check-ups to ensure a safe pregnancy. 92% of the maternal deaths happen because of pregnancy complications. This indicates that the majority of women are unable to identify the issue during that phase, leading to death.
Crucial Knowledge You Should Know
-
What Are The Early Signs?
Here are some of the signs that women should not ignore during their pregnancy-
-
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Severe abdominal and pelvic pain
- Unusual discharge
- Infection with fever
- Extreme dizziness, fainting, weakness, nausea, and vomiting
- Unexplained swelling in the body
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Persistent headaches
- Decreased foetal movement
-
What Issues Can Occur If Symptoms Are Ignored?
-
- Severe morning sickness (Hyperemesis gravidarum)- a severe morning sickness which comes with nausea, vomiting, dizziness, reduced urination, extreme tiredness, fainting, and weight loss (more than 5% of pre-pregnancy weight). The cause of HG is still not fully clear, but doctors believe that it is because of the pregnancy hormones.
- Gestational diabetes- when the body prevents from breaking of sugar, and its main risk is that your baby may grow much larger than normal (macrosomia). This can result in spotting or bleeding throughout the pregnancy.
- Placenta previa- it is not a preventable complication, but through regular antenatal checkups, you can know the situation. The placenta provides oxygen and nutrition to the baby, but if this covers the cervix partially or completely, then it increases the risks. Women with scarred uterus or had uterine surgery might have this.
- Preeclampsia- this happens within the first 20 weeks, and is caused by high blood pressure. If the issue is not treated on time, then it can be life-threatening for both the mother and the child. The woman started to experience severe headaches, a change in vision, and pain under the ribs. It mainly happens to those with a history of high BP, obesity, age, and had pregnancies before.
- Miscarriage– it can happen due to an ignored infection, chromosomal issues, or hormonal imbalance.
- Molar pregnancy- this is one of the rare pregnancy complications where abnormal tissue starts to grow in the uterus (actually, it is not a baby that is growing, it is a fluid sac which is predicted as a baby). This happens due to high hCG levels, preeclampsia, ovarian issues, and risk of developing gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) (a rare form of cancer).
-
Factors Increase The Risk.
If you have any of these, make sure not to avoid visiting your gynecologist or obstetrician-
-
- Pre-existing health conditions- health issues like high blood pressure, PCOS, diabetes, autoimmune disorder, HIV, cancer, thyroid, obesity, or infertility should not be ignored.
- Lifestyle- if the mother used to drink alcohol before pregnancy, then there are high chances that it will impact the fetus’s development, growth, and potentially increase the risk of metabolic issues.
- Age- by age, the quality of egg starts to decline, and this increases the likelihood of maternal complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, miscarriage, stillbirth, delivery complications, placenta previa, and many more.
- Mother’s weight- obese women tend to have a higher risk of blood clots, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, infection, premature birth, stillbirth, and c-sections. It can also impact the development of the baby because of fatty acid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in the mother.
When To Visit A Gynecologist?
First of all, pregnancy issues should not be ignored, even if you start to experience the slightest problem. Moreover, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, then make sure to consult with your gynecologist. Also, some emergency signs include-
- Breathlessness or severe chest pain
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness
- Heavy bleeding with weakness
- Having pale, cold skin and having a rapid pulse.
Practical Guidance
Pregnancy is a long 9-month journey, and with proper guidance and awareness, it can become an easy journey for you-
- Make sure to choose a hospital that provides 24*7 services like emergency care, ambulance, which you will get in Cradle Children’s Hospital.
- Make sure to carry all your reports, medications, and scans while visiting the hospital.
- Make sure to take a proper diet throughout the pregnancy, because whatever you eat, your baby absorbs too.
- Don’t miss antenatal appointments, because they will only help you to get to know your body.
FAQ’s
Can stress cause complications?
Yes, chronic stress increases the cortisol level in the body, which affects the delicate balance that is crucial for fetal organ and brain maturation. It is also linked with low birth weight, postpartum depression, preterm birth, and hemorrhage.
Are all complications dangerous?
Not all are dangerous, but they can become serious if not managed. It started with indications like nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, but it can turn into preeclampsia, placental abruption, and many more. That’s why Cradle Children’s Hospital wants mothers-to-be to be more conscious about their health.
How often should women visit a gynecologist?
In the first two trimesters, the doctor recommends monthly visits, then every two weeks between 28 and 36 weeks, and then weekly till the time of delivery. However, if you feel so inclined, you can visit a gynecologist at your convenience. And those who have pre-existing conditions, kindly talk to their gynecologist openly without hesitation.
Are over-the-counter medications good?
No. Make sure to avoid having over-the-counter medication during pregnancy. Your gynecologist or obstetricians recommend the medications based on your health and condition.
Conclusion
Choosing the right children’s hospital in Jaipur can be overwhelming, especially when embarking on a new journey to parenthood. However, it is essential to choose the right time and schedule a visit promptly, as the sooner you start, the sooner you can understand and prevent major complications.
Why Choose Cradle Children’s Hospital?
Cradle Children’s Hospital focused on a mother-centric and safety-driven approach, ensuring mothers’ and babies’ health. Professional staff ensure that women receive the best guidance and treatment if needed in their maternity phase. But women should also be aware that not all pregnancy discomfort is dangerous, but it is necessary to watch the signs so that they can save themselves and their child.
Book your antenatal consultation today, because early detection leads to early diagnosis, which can prevent several complications.
