Recognizing Pregnancy Complications: What to Watch Out For
Pregnancy: It’s an amazing journey, but it can also throw some curveballs. Most of the time, things go smoothly, but pregnancy complications are a reality. These can range from minor annoyances to more serious health concerns for you or your baby. This blog covers some of the most common pregnancy complications and when to know it’s time to call your doctor. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your WIN Nurse Care Advocate if you have any concerns, no matter how small they may seem.Understanding Pregnancy Complications
Miscarriage
This can be a deeply heartbreaking experience. It’s important to know that you are not alone. Unfortunately, miscarriage is a common pregnancy complication, affecting 10-20% of pregnancies, often in the early stages. In many cases, you may not even realize you were pregnant before a miscarriage occurs. It’s crucial to remember that miscarriage is rarely caused by anything the pregnant person did. In fact, chromosomal abnormalities are a significant factor in many miscarriages, occurring completely at random. Other potential causes include severe infections, major injuries, or conditions like fibroid tumors in the uterus. Women with poorly controlled diabetes may also have a slightly increased risk. If you experience a miscarriage, please know that you are not to blame. Allow yourself time to grieve and seek support from loved ones, friends, or a therapist. Support groups specifically for those who have experienced miscarriage can also be incredibly helpful.Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is high blood pressure and signs of liver or kidney damage that occur in women after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy or postpartum. It can be an extremely serious complication. Preeclampsia occurs in 3-7% percent of all women, and Black women are at higher risk than other ethnicities. It’s not known what causes preeclampsia, but factors that may lead to it include having an autoimmune disorder like lupus, blood vessel problems, your diet, or your genes. Other risk factors are obesity, having a multiple pregnancy (twins or more), your history or family history of preeclampsia, being older than 35, history of diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or thyroid disease, or first pregnancy. Most people who develop preeclampsia deliver a healthy baby and recover within 6 weeks of birth, but severe preeclampsia can result in seizures, stroke, slowing of fetal growth, or, rarely, death.Preterm Labor
Going into labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy is called preterm labor. Preterm labor doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have an early delivery, but it needs medical attention right away. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), about 3 in 10 cases of preterm labor will stop on its own, but if it doesn’t, treatments may be given to try to delay birth. Babies born before 37 weeks may have serious complications and require care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Many women who go into preterm labor don’t have any known risk factors. Some risk factors are past preterm births, multiple pregnancy (twins or more), vaginal bleeding or infections during pregnancy, smoking during pregnancy, low prepregnancy weight, dietary deficiencies, being younger than 17, or being older than 35.Placenta Previa
Placenta previa happens when the placenta covers all or part of the cervix, which is the opening to the birth canal. This occurs in 1 out of 200 births and is more common amongst women who have had several pregnancies or a multiple pregnancy, scarring on the lining of the uterus from previous surgery, C-section, or abortion, IVF, or who previously had placenta previa. Women who smoke, use cocaine, or are pregnant at an older age also have increased risk. The main symptom is sudden bleeding from the vagina. If the placenta is near the cervix, your doctor may prescribe bed rest. It’s important to know that nearly all women with placenta previa will need a C-section since a vaginal delivery can cause severe bleeding and presents high risk to both mom and baby.Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is another common pregnancy complication, affecting up to 9% of pregnancies in the US. This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy and can increase the risk of certain health problems for both you and your baby if left unmanaged. The good news? Gestational diabetes is usually manageable. Your doctor will work with you to create a personalized plan, which may include dietary changes to help lower your blood sugar levels. In some cases, insulin medication may be necessary. It’s important to manage gestational diabetes closely. High blood sugar can increase the risk of complications like preeclampsia (a serious condition affecting blood pressure), delivering a larger-than-average baby (which can make labor more challenging), cesarean section, premature birth, and potential health issues for your baby. Don’t worry! Your healthcare team will closely monitor your blood sugar levels and provide the support you need to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Open communication with your doctor is key, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions or share any concerns you may have.Depression
Many women experience emotional ups and downs during and after pregnancy. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even sad at times. However, if you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, or worthlessness that last for more than two weeks after giving birth, you may be experiencing postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can make it challenging to bond with your baby and carry out daily tasks. It’s important to remember that you are not alone. If you’re struggling, please reach out for help. Talk to your doctor, partner, family, or friends. Consider joining a support group for new mothers. There are also many resources available online and through mental health professionals. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. You deserve to feel better, and there are people who can help you on this journey.Understanding Less Common Pregnancy Complications
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
While 70% of pregnant women experience morning sickness, about 3% become more seriously ill with hyperemesis gravidarum, the most severe form of nausea and vomiting. This may be diagnosed when a woman has lost 5% of her prepregnancy weight and has other concerns due to dehydration. If you’re experiencing persistent nausea or vomiting, leading to weight loss, difficulty keeping fluids down, dark urine, dizziness, fainting, or racing heart beat, it’s crucial to contact your OB/GYN or other healthcare provider. They can help you manage your symptoms and ensure you and your baby stay healthy and hydrated.ÂEctopic Pregnancy
Occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. This can cause significant complications for the mother. Symptoms may include abdominal or pelvic pain, often one-sided, vaginal bleeding (which can vary from light spotting to heavy bleeding), dizziness, weakness, and even shoulder tip pain. Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), previous ectopic pregnancies, endometriosis, history of fallopian tube surgery, and smoking. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure hCG levels and a transvaginal ultrasound. Treatment may involve medication to stop the growth of the ectopic pregnancy or surgery to remove it, which can be performed laparoscopically or through a more extensive procedure.Placental Abruption
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta, which nourishes the developing fetus, partially or completely separates from the inner wall of the uterus before the baby is born. This separation disrupts the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby, potentially leading to serious complications. Symptoms may include vaginal bleeding (which can vary in severity), abdominal pain (cramping, sharp, or dull), uterine contractions, and changes in the baby’s heartbeat. Risk factors for placental abruption include high blood pressure (such as preeclampsia), prior history of placental abruption, trauma to the abdomen, smoking, and substance abuse. Diagnosis may involve a physical examination, fetal monitoring, and ultrasound. Treatment often involves immediate delivery of the baby, either vaginally or via cesarean section, depending on the severity of the abruption and the condition of the mother and baby.Stillbirth
When a fetus dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy. About 1 in 175 pregnancies end in stillbirth. Some risk factors are obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, substance abuse, multiple gestations, having had a previous miscarriage or stillbirth, and being older than 35. Some people who experience low income, lack of access to health care, or belong to ethnic minority groups are at higher risk of stillbirth. It’s important to be alert for signs of possible complications. Vaginal spotting or bleeding can be a symptom of several complications. Monitor your weight, watch for severe weight gain or weight loss, and notice if your hands and face are swollen. Feeling unusually fatigued or severe fatigue is another sign you may have an issue.When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience any of the following symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urge pregnant and post-partum women to call their health care provider immediately:- Headache that won’t go away or feels worse over time, or feels like the worst headache of your life
- Dizziness or fainting
- Changes in vision, like bright spots, blind spots, or blurry vision
- Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
- Extreme swelling of your hands or face, making it hard to bend your fingers or to open your eyes all the way
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, feeling very sad, hopeless, or like you don’t have control of your life
- Trouble breathing, feeling short of breath suddenly or over time
- Chest pain or tightness, or rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Severe nausea and vomiting, beyond the usual morning sickness
- Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away
- Baby’s movement stops or slows during pregnancy
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge after pregnancy
- Severe redness, swelling, or pain in your leg or arm
- Overwhelming tiredness, feeling unable to get through your day or care for your baby
