Pregnancy Complications FAQ

If you are pregnant for the first time, you may be concerned about developing serious pregnancy complications. Take heart: Most pregnancies are complication-free, and most complications are easily controlled by regular visits to your doctor and following his or her advice. Though morning sickness and edema may be worrying, the chances are good that you and your family will be just fine.

What are common complications of pregnancy?

Common complications of pregnancy include:

• High blood pressure disorders. This is includes pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia or toxemia, HELLP and PIH. Preeclampsia is the most common pregnancy complication, affecting five to eight percent of all expectant mothers. High blood pressure can sometimes be quite serious because it causes blood vessels to constrict, restricting blood to both the mother’s organs and the baby.

• Gestational diabetes. This is also quite common, occurring in two to seven percent of pregnancies, but usually disappears after you give birth. Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes can be controlled by diet and exercise. If it is not well-controlled, you are both at risk for a birth injury; the baby may end up absorbing the extra sugar in your blood, which could make him or her too big to fit down the birth canal, cause asphyxia and necessitate a cesarean section. The sugar also puts your newborn infant at risk for hypoglycemia, jaundice and other diseases.

• Iron-deficiency anemia. Because a pregnant woman has almost 50 percent more blood in her body than a non-pregnant one, her iron needs shoot up from 18 milligrams to 27 milligrams a day. If they do not change their diets, some women become anemic – tired and dizzy, with a rapid pulse and sometimes strange cravings. Your doctor or midwife should test your blood several times throughout your pregnancy and prescribe iron supplements if necessary.

• Cervical insufficiency, or incompetent cervix. This is when the cervix, the gateway between the uterus and the vagina, opens before the mother is ready to go into labor. Women with cervical insufficiency are more likely to have a second-trimester miscarriage, have their water break too early or have preterm or early preterm (before 32 weeks) deliveries.

• Ectopic, or tubal, pregnancy, with occurs in one in every sixty pregnancies. Normally when a woman becomes pregnant, the fertilized egg travels down her Fallopian tube and implants in the uterus. In an ectopic, oe tubal, pregnancy, the egg implants in the Fallopian tube,or very rarely in another inappropriate place. This gives the fetus no room to grow; ending the pregnancy is the only way to avoid rupturing the mother’s organs, which can cause infertility or death.

• Placental problems. In placenta previa, the placenta implants too low in the uterus; it eventually moves into place in most women. In placental abruption, it separates from the uterus before it is time to give birth, putting your baby at risk for miscarriage or growth problems. In both cases, vaginal bleeding is often the first sign that something is wrong; you should contact your doctor or midwife immediately and expect to be closely monitored through the rest of your pregnancy.

• Infections. Most contagious diseases do not affect a growing fetus, but a few that do cross the placenta can pose serious risks to your child, including provoking preterm labor.

Who is at Risk for Pregnancy Complications?

Risk factors for pregnancy complications include:

• A family history of pregnancy complications, or a history of complications during a previous pregnancy.

• Pre-existing health problems, such as blood pressure problems, diabetes, obesity, STDs, or immune disorders.

• High-risk lifestyle choices, such as heavy drinking, drugs or smoking.

• Other kinds of complications.

• Carrying multiple fetuses.

• Being pregnant for the first time.

How can I avoid pregnancy complications?

Concerned women can avoid some complications from pregnancy by getting regular prenatal care and discussing any unusual symptoms with their doctors or midwives. Many complications can be handled with frequent monitoring of the growing infant and watching your diet and activity level. Only a few could require bed rest, medications or restricted physical activity.

What are my options if I’ve had a complicated pregnancy or miscarriage?

If you think you or your infant has been victim of pregnancy complications, miscarriage or birth injury due to medical malpractice or negligence, you may have a personal injury law. You can try to visit Chicago personal injury lawyer to reach a qualified birth injury lawyer who can help with your claim.

(Article from Birth Injury and Medical Malpractice Legal View)