That moment the test shows positive… it’s pure magic, isn’t it? A rush of joy, excitement, maybe a little bit of “Oh wow, this is really happening!” I see that beautiful mix of emotions in my clinic all the time. And right alongside that joy, it’s perfectly natural for a few worries to creep in. You start thinking about keeping yourself and your tiny, growing baby healthy. Part of that journey involves understanding that sometimes, little bumps can appear on the road – we call these pregnancy complications.
It sounds a bit scary, I know. But really, pregnancy complications are simply medical conditions that might pop up and could affect your health or your baby’s health during these nine months. The good news? We, your healthcare team, are always on the lookout for these. That’s why those regular prenatal check-ups are so important. Catching things early often means we can manage them well and reduce any serious risks. And honestly, most pregnancies go wonderfully smoothly!
So, What Are We Talking About with Pregnancy Complications?
Think of pregnancy as a unique time when your body is doing incredible work. Sometimes, existing health issues you had before getting pregnant can act up a bit differently. Other times, new conditions can develop specifically because of the pregnancy itself. Both can lead to complications.
It’s my job, and the job of your whole pregnancy care team, to keep a gentle eye on how things are progressing. If we do spot something, we’ll talk you through it every step of the way.
Potential Hiccups Along the Way
Pregnancy is a journey, and like any journey, it can have different phases. Some complications are more common earlier on, while others might show up later.
Early Pregnancy Watch-Outs:
- Ectopic Pregnancy: This is when a fertilized egg, unfortunately, settles and starts to grow outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. Because it can’t develop properly there, we need to treat this with medication or sometimes surgery to remove the tissue. It’s a tough situation, and we’re here to support you through it.
- Miscarriage: This is the term for losing a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks. It’s more common than many people realize, affecting about 10% to 20% of known pregnancies, with most happening in the first trimester. It’s a heartbreaking experience, and please know, it’s not your fault.
- Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG): This isn’t your typical morning sickness. HG is when vomiting is so severe and constant that it can lead to dehydration and significant weight loss. It needs medical attention to keep you and baby safe.
- Concerns about Baby’s Development (Congenital Disorders): Sometimes, early scans or tests might suggest that your baby could have a health issue they’re born with. If this is the case, it means we’ll monitor you and your baby extra closely, and plan for any special care your little one might need at birth.
Later Pregnancy Considerations:
- Preeclampsia: This condition involves high blood pressure and can affect your organs. It usually shows up in the second half of pregnancy, or even up to six weeks after delivery. About 1 in 10 pregnant women might develop it. If you had high blood pressure before pregnancy, your risk is a bit higher. The good news is, it usually starts to resolve after your baby arrives.
- Gestational Diabetes: Pregnancy hormones can sometimes make it tricky for your body to manage blood sugar. We screen for this during pregnancy. Often, diet and exercise are enough to keep blood sugar in check, but some women might need medication. Like preeclampsia, it typically goes away after delivery.
- Preterm Labor: This is when labor starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy. If your baby is born early, they might have a low birth weight or need a bit of extra help as their organs finish developing.
- Infections: Pesky infections can sometimes cause trouble. Things like urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, Group B Strep, or bacterial vaginosis can complicate pregnancy. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also pose risks. And some infections, often called TORCH infections, can even pass to the baby during pregnancy. We test for many of these as part of routine care.
- Vaginal Bleeding: Any heavy bleeding during pregnancy needs to be checked out right away. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you notice this.
- Placenta Issues: The placenta is baby’s lifeline. Sometimes problems like placenta previa (where it covers the cervix) or placenta accreta (where it attaches too deeply) can occur and affect pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
- Amniotic Fluid Levels: If there’s too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) or too much (polyhydramnios), it can increase certain risks. We keep an eye on this with ultrasounds.
- Depression and Anxiety: Your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health. Feeling extremely sad or worried during pregnancy, or after the baby is born (postpartum depression/anxiety), can affect you and your baby. Please, please reach out if you’re struggling. We have ways to help.
- Anemia: This means you don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen effectively, often making you feel tired and weak. It’s quite common in pregnancy because your body is working overtime for two! Iron deficiency is a frequent culprit. We often recommend iron supplements or iron-rich foods.
This list might seem long, but remember, these are potential issues, not definite ones. And if something does come up, you might be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist – these are doctors who have extra training in high-risk pregnancies. They’re fantastic!
Who Might Be at a Higher Risk for Pregnancy Complications?
Honestly, anyone can experience a complication during pregnancy. But certain factors can sometimes increase the chances. If you have an ongoing health condition before you even conceive, that’s something we’ll want to manage carefully together.
Some examples include:
- Diabetes (either type 1 or type 2)
- Cancer
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Kidney problems
- Epilepsy
- Anemia (existing before pregnancy)
If you’re taking medications for these conditions, don’t stop or change anything without talking to us first. Many medications are safe during pregnancy, or we can find alternatives.
Other things that might play a role:
- Your age: Being older than 35 or younger than 20.
- Lifestyle choices: Smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol.
- Expecting multiples: Being pregnant with twins, triplets, or more. It’s more work for your body!
- A history of miscarriage.
- Your weight: Having obesity or anorexia.
A Quick Word on Uterine Fibroids and Birth Control
I sometimes get asked about uterine fibroids. Usually, they don’t cause issues during pregnancy. But, occasionally, they might lead to early labor or cause the baby to be in a breech (bottom-first) position. If a fibroid is blocking the baby’s way out, a C-section might be the safest delivery option.
And what if you were on birth control pills and then found out you were pregnant? Try not to worry. There isn’t strong evidence that taking birth control pills in very early pregnancy harms the baby. However, it’s best to stop any hormonal contraception as soon as you know you’re expecting.
Can We Prevent Pregnancy Complications?
While we can’t control everything (wouldn’t that be nice?), there’s a lot you can do to give yourself and your baby the best possible start and help prevent pregnancy complications.
- Pre-Pregnancy Health: If you’re planning a pregnancy, it’s a great idea to chat with your doctor beforehand. We can help you manage any existing conditions, discuss healthy weight, help you quit smoking, and get you started on prenatal vitamins.
- Attend All Your Appointments: Those check-ups, ultrasounds, and tests are our best tools for early detection.
- Speak Up! If something feels off, unusual, or worrying, tell us. No concern is too small.
- Healthy Habits: Eating nutritious foods, getting regular, safe exercise (we can talk about what’s good for you!), and avoiding alcohol and smoking are huge.
- Rest and De-Stress: Pregnancy is demanding. Try to get plenty of sleep and find healthy ways to manage stress.
- Medication Safety: Only take medications (even over-the-counter ones) or supplements if your pregnancy care provider says they’re okay.
Most women have healthy pregnancies. Studies suggest about 8% of pregnancies might have complications that could cause harm if not treated. So, while the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor, being proactive is key.
I also want to briefly mention teen pregnancies. Younger moms, especially those under 15, can sometimes face higher risks for things like premature birth, anemia, and a type of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. Sadly, infant mortality rates can also be higher. This just underscores the importance of good support and medical care for all expectant mothers, whatever their age.
You might also hear statistics about women dying from pregnancy complications. In the U.S., about 700 women a year die from such issues. It’s a sobering number, and many of these deaths are considered preventable with early recognition and treatment. The most common culprits are heart conditions, infections, severe bleeding, and blood clots. This is why we’re so vigilant. If you have a chronic health issue like high blood pressure or diabetes before pregnancy, it’s especially important to work closely with us.
When Should You Call Your Doctor? Right Away!
During your pregnancy, we’re partners. Your observations are vital. Call your doctor or midwife immediately if you experience any of these:
- Heavy bleeding from your vagina, or if you think your water broke (leaking fluid).
- A severe headache that just won’t quit.
- Sudden or severe swelling, especially in your face, hands, or feet.
- Feeling dizzy or having blurred vision.
- Significant pain or cramping in your abdomen.
- A fever, chills, or persistent vomiting.
- A noticeable decrease in your baby’s movements.
Trust your instincts. It’s always better to call and have it be nothing than to wait and worry.
Take-Home Message: Your Guide to a Healthier Pregnancy
Okay, let’s quickly recap the main things I’d love for you to remember about pregnancy complications:
- Most pregnancies are healthy! Complications aren’t the norm, but it’s good to be aware.
- Early detection is key. Regular prenatal care helps us spot and manage potential issues early on.
- Your health before pregnancy matters. Managing existing conditions and adopting a healthy lifestyle can make a big difference.
- Listen to your body. If something feels wrong, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or midwife.
- We’re a team. Open communication with your healthcare providers is crucial.
Pregnancy is such a special time. While the thought of complications can be a bit unsettling, remember that knowledge is power. By understanding what to look for and working closely with your care team, you’re doing everything you can to ensure the healthiest possible journey for you and your baby.
You’re not alone in this. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
