Common Pregnancy Complications: Understanding Risks and Management

Congratulations on your pregnancy! This is a joyful time in your life, but it can also be overwhelming. Sure, there are countless pieces of advice out there, but how do you know what is true and what’s not?

A great place to start is to understand the common pregnancy complications that could arise and how to manage them effectively.

Here is some information of the most common pregnancy complications, their risks, and how to manage them. Remember, being informed is the best way to ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.

5 Common Pregnancy Complications

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition that affects pregnant women and causes high blood sugar levels. Women who suffer from gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. To lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes, it’s advisable to maintain a healthy weight before pregnancy. Symptoms of gestational diabetes include frequent urination, fatigue, and dry mouth. A doctor may recommend insulin therapy or dietary changes to manage the complications of gestational diabetes.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure condition that occurs during pregnancy and can affect the liver, kidneys, and brain. It’s advisable to have regular prenatal appointments to check for this condition.

Symptoms of preeclampsia include headaches, blurred vision, and swelling of the hands and feet. Your doctor may recommend bed rest in extreme cases or prescribe medication to manage the condition.

Preterm Labor

Preterm labor is when a woman experiences labor before the 37th week of pregnancy. It’s the leading cause of infant death in the United States. In many cases, no cause can be identified for this condition. However, it’s advisable to avoid high-risk behaviors such as smoking and drug use.

Symptoms of preterm labor include pain in the lower back and abdomen and vaginal bleeding. Your doctor may recommend bed rest or medication to manage the condition.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the loss of pregnancy within the first 20 weeks. Regrettably, miscarriages are unpreventable in most cases. Symptoms range from heavy bleeding to no symptoms at all. It’s advisable to have regular prenatal appointments to check for this issue.

It’s important to keep in mind that a miscarriage is not the mother’s fault and doesn’t mean that she won’t have a healthy pregnancy in the future.

Placenta Previa

Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, which can cause bleeding during pregnancy. Symptoms can include sudden and bright red vaginal bleeding without pain or abdominal contractions.

In some cases, the condition may resolve itself before delivery. However, in some cases, c-section delivery may be necessary.

Obstetrician in Wooster, Ohio

Pregnancy complications can be a scary topic, but knowing the common risks and how to manage them can ease your mind and help ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying informed, and keeping regular prenatal appointments with your doctor can help manage and prevent pregnancy complications. Remember, your doctor is there to help you throughout your pregnancy, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns.

Your obstetrician can identify factors that indicate yours will be a high-risk pregnancy. These include:

• If you are older than 35.
• If you smoke, drink, or use illegal drugs.
• If you have certain health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid disease, a heart or blood disorder, asthma, obesity, or infections.
• Multiple pregnancies (carrying more than one fetus).
• A history of pregnancy-related disorders, such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure) or if you previously gave birth prematurely.

At Wooster Community Hospital, our board-certified and highly skilled team of obstetricians offer a number of effective treatment options for high-risk pregnancies and complications. Some of these services include:

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine: The hospital offers preconception planning, pregnancy management (primary or consultative), and delivery for high-risk pregnancies. This specialized care is provided by experts in maternal-fetal medicine.
• Obstetrics & Maternity Care: Wooster Community Hospital provides comprehensive obstetric care for pregnant women, including monitoring high-risk pregnancies, managing complications, and ensuring a safe delivery.
• Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery: The hospital’s board-certified surgeons offer patient-specific treatment options for various medical conditions, including those related to high-risk pregnancies and complications.

Please note that it is always recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional at Wooster Community Hospital for personalized advice and guidance regarding high-risk pregnancies and complications.

For more information and to inquire about specific treatment options, contact Wooster Community Hospital’s Women’s Pavilion at (330) 202-5540.