But there are certain health hazards involved in having a baby. These include problems that can arise in both mother and child and may occur as a result of the pregnancy itself or from a prior problem that pregnancy exacerbates.
While every pregnancy has some uncomfortable issues, some are worse than others. Maternal morbidity is the umbrella term for physical and psychological conditions that come from pregnancy or are aggravated by it. More than 50,000 United States women suffer each year from severe maternal morbidity, which, as the name implies, is the worst-case scenario of pregnancy complications.
Severe maternal morbidity cases are increasing because of several factors. These include the increasing age of mothers as more women postpone childbirth for careers; the rise in pre-pregnancy obesity rates; pre-existing conditions that can complicate pregnancy, many of them caused by obesity; and a history of cesarean deliveries, which poses its own problems in delivery management.
Potential Pregnancy Problems
Here are some common problems that may occur during pregnancy:
1) Anemia – This condition decreases the red blood cell count, resulting in weakness and extreme tiredness. Iron and folic acid supplements can restore the red blood cell count to a normal number.
2) Urinary Tract Infection – This condition occurs when bacteria cause a burning sensation or pain in the urinary tract. It also can cause shakiness, extreme tiredness, fever, lower abdomen pressure, an urge to urinate frequently, nausea, back pain, and cloudy, red or bad-smelling urine. This condition can be treated with antibiotics, and the patient often recovers within a few days.
3) Psychological Problems – Many women have a bout with depression during pregnancy or after delivery. Symptoms include loss of interest in activities, sadness, moodiness, changes in appetite, sleep deprivation, low energy, feelings of shame, guilt or unworthiness, lack of focus, inability to make a decision, and suicidal thoughts. Treatments with medications and talk therapy are available, but many patients do not confide in their doctors or dismiss the items as momentary. Treatment is important to manage the condition and prevent serious consequences for the mother and child.
4) High blood pressure – The condition may have existed before pregnancy, but its presence can lead to complications like placental abruption, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Mothers may be at risk for an early birth, have a smaller-than-normal infant, or put their children at risk for death. Prenatal care for this condition is vital to its management.
5) Gestational Diabetes Mellitus – This is a condition that occurs during pregnancy and can lead to serious complications. Pregnant women suffering from gestational diabetes can’t process carbohydrates effectively, which can ratchet up the body’s sugar levels. Changing the diet to a healthier one that aims to lower blood pressure and getting regular exercise can help control it, but insulin is often required. Mothers with the condition are at risk for preeclampsia, early delivery, or a larger-than-normal baby, which can cause delivery problems, including Cesarean birth. The baby may be born with breathing issues, jaundice or low blood sugar. While this condition occurs during pregnancy, women who develop it are at higher risk for diabetes in their post-pregnancy years.
6) Weight gain – If the mother is overweight before delivery, there can be pregnancy and delivery complications, including preeclampsia, stillbirth and cesarean delivery. Women who are of average weight before pregnancy generally have healthier pregnancies.
7) Infections – While babies are protected from stomach viruses and the common cold by the natural defense systems in place during pregnancy, some infections can be problematic. Mothers should take care to practice good hygiene by washing hands, avoiding raw or uncooked foods, and taking steps to prevent infections from outside contamination.
8) Hyperemesis Gravidarum – Pregnant women who have experienced this condition might call it morning sickness on steroids. It’s a pregnancy symptom that features rapidly rising blood levels of the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, released by the placenta. Hyperemesis Gravidarum occurs when morning sickness lasts beyond the first trimester and is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss and electrolyte imbalance. The condition can lead to dehydration and mineral deprivation.
Pre- and Postpartum Care
Because of these issues, greater observation is needed during pregnancy and afterward, particularly if the mother is older than age 35. Complications can include heart disease, kidney problems, autoimmune diseases, sexually transmitted diseases and cancer.
Because there are several people involved in the health decisions of pregnancy, it is important to be monitored and advised by a trained medical professional. There are certain health problems that arise during pregnancy, but some pre-pregnancy problems can be exacerbated and cause complications.
If you are being treated for a prior condition, doctors might wish to change its management during pregnancy, such as changing or adjusting medications. Sometimes, stopping medications could be more dangerous than continuing them, which is why an evaluation is needed. It is also wise to be candid with doctors and tell them about any pre-existing pregnancy problems from the past. Doctors need to be fully armed when making decisions on treatments and potential issues, particularly in the case of older mothers and first-time deliveries.
Even normal pregnancy symptoms can be confused with more serious medical issues. Beyond the physical challenges, mental conditions can arise that can lead to negative outcomes for mother and child during and after pregnancy.
The good news is that most conditions can be managed with care and attention. But first you have to be able to confide in your doctor so that the proper management can be implemented. Maintaining a good relationship with a doctor and being candid about prior health problems or current conditions will go a long way in ensuring a healthy baby and a healthy mother.