Here are nine possible pregnancy risks that you should be aware of.
Although you might dream of having a pregnancy that’s free of risks and complications, that isn’t always the case.
So many things can happen during pregnancy from aches and pains to real pregnancy complications that require medical supervision.
This post covers all of the common pregnancy risks from early pregnancy complications, to geriatric pregnancy risks, things to avoid during pregnancy, high risk pregnancy impacts and so much more!
This post is all about possible pregnancy risks.
Pregnancy Risks
Most pregnancies are free from complications but it’s good to be educated about possible risks that could impact you, your baby or both of you.
Regular prenatal care during pregnancy is always recommended. But especially in the case of pregnancy complications, it can help detect and reduce further risk to you and baby.
Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between regular pregnancy symptoms and potential pregnancy risks. It’s important that you always contact your doctor with any concerns during your pregnancy.
Every pregnancy risk is a little different but the
1 – Miscarriage
A misscariage is the loss of pregnancy in the 20 weeks.Some spotting and cramping during pregnancy is normal but it is important to call your doctor if you are experiencing painful cramping and/or heavy bleeding becuase it can be a sign of miscarriage.
A loss of pregnancy after 20 weeks is referred to as a stillbirth. The cause for a stillbirth isn’t always known but issues that have been found to cause it include problems with the placenta, chronic health issues of the mother and infections.
2 – Ectopic Pregnancy
This type of pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants itself on the outside of the uterus. It can cause painful cramping and is a serious medical condition that requires treatment from a doctor.
Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy cannot continue normally. The fertilized egg is not able to continue growing and it can cause life-threatening bleeding if it isn’t treated properly.
Signs of an ectopic pregnancy include severe abdominal or pelvic pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding, extreme lightheadedness or fainting, and shoulder pain.
3 – Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia usually occurs after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. If it isn’t treated quickly and properly, it can lead to serious complications for you including liver or renal failure and future cardiovascular issues. Symptoms include high blood pressure, protein in your urine and intense pain in your upper abdomen.
Your doctor may recommend delivery of your baby early to avoid further pregnancy risks. He or she will discuss the risks and benefits regarding the timing of delivery.
It’s possible you will be induced around 37 to 40 weeks pregnant. If you go into labor sooner, you and your baby will need to be monitored even more closely.
4 – Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a pregnancy condition that occurs when your body can’t process sugar effectively and leads to higher than normal sugar levels in your bloodstream.
It can only be detected with a blood test because it rarely causes any symptoms.
Typically, a one hour glucose test is done between 24 to 28 weeks pregnant. If you do not pass the initial glucose test, your doctor will send you for a three hour glucose test.
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you will work with your doctor and sometimes a diabetes specialist and/or nutritionist. Together you will develop a plan that covers management of gestational diabetes, a proper diet, and/or medication.
Typically, your high blood sugar goes away after pregnancy but just to be safe, those with gestational diabetes will have another glucose test about six to eight weeks after delivery.
Related: Everything You Need To Know Before Taking The Glucose Test
5 – High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure occurs when the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the organs and placenta are narrowed.
It is usually associated with higher risk of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, and puts you at an increased risk to go into preterm labor.
High blood pressure can usually be treated with medication but your doctor will want to keep a close eye on you. You may also be induced early if you experience high blood pressure during pregnancy.
6- Anemia
This is a condition where you have a lower than normal amount of red blood cells in your body. You may feel more tired and weaker than normal if you are anemic and may even have pale skin.
It is important for your doctor to treat anemia because it can have many different causes. But taking a prenatal vitamin with iron and folic acid during your pregnancy is a great start since most cases of anemia are due to deficiency.
7 – Infections
There are a variety of bacterial, viral and parasitic infections that can lead to pregnancy risks and complications.
It is very important that any infections are treated immediately because they can have a negative impact on the mother and baby.
Some infections can be prevented by washing your hands and others by vaccination.
Examples of infections during pregnancy include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Group B strep
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Toxoplasmosis
- Yeast infection
- Zika virus
8 – Placenta Previa
This is a life threatening condition that occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus prior to delivery of the baby. You will experience painful cramping that doesn’t go away. If you experience this, you should contact your doctor immediately.
9 – Premature Labor and Birth
Preterm labor occurs when you go into labor before week 37 of your pregnancy.
Up until week 37, your baby’s organs, such as the lungs and brain, are still developing.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience any increased pressure, abdominal pain or pregnancy cramps prior to 37 weeks. There are certain medications that your doctor may give you to stop labor and bed rest may be recommended too.
Geriatric Pregnancy Risks
It’s very normal for women to wait until they’re in their 30’s to start thinking about pregnancy and babies. There’s nothing magical about the age 35, but at this point a pregnancy is referred to as a geriatric pregnancy. Pregnancy risks increase by age and at 35 years old, there are various pregnancy risks that become more discussion worthy.
Geriatric pregnancy risks include:
- It may take longer to get pregnant
- You’re more likely to develop gestational diabetes
- You’re more likely to have a low birth weight baby and a premature birth
- You may have pregnancy related complications that require a c section birth
- The risk of chromosomal abnormalities is higher.
- The risk of pregnancy loss is higher.
How to Prevent Pregnancy Risks
Although you can’t always prevent pregnancy complications, the following list will help to promote a healthy pregnancy:
- Consult with your doctor before getting pregnant, especially if you have a pre existing medical condition.
- Take a prenatal vitamin
- Eat a diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, protein and fiber
- Attend all prenatal appointments and ultrasounds
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
- Reduce stress levels
- Incorporate exercise into your daily routine
You can read more about things to avoid during pregnancy here.
This post was all about possible pregnancy risks.