Pregnancy Problems

The nine month journey to pregnancy can be both challenging and exciting to any mother, but then no matter how careful a mother can be during pregnancy it cannot be avoided that some minor or even major complications may arise. With immediate attention and proper care most complications can be treated and the safety of both the mother and the baby can be ensured.

Some common minor pregnancy complications are nausea, vomiting, heartburn, fatigue, constipation, urinary problems, breast soreness, itchy skin and some leg cramps. These happen because of the additional weight that the mother gains together with the growing baby. Also the rise in hormones plays a big part in the changes that happens in the body of the expectant mother.

These minor complications seldom need medical attention, but if it is already causing much difficulty during the pregnancy, some prescriptions may be given by the physician to alleviate the problems.

Any major complications or problems that happen during pregnancy need immediate supervision of a physician. Some major pregnancy complications are anemia, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.

Anemia can be treated with iron supplements and folic vitamins. This may lead to serious complications if left untreated since iron is very important in the development of the baby.

Chronic hypertension or high blood pressure can be a serious condition during pregnancy. The kidneys and other organs of the mother may be affected and may also lead to low birth weight of the baby and early delivery.

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects the placenta, this condition happens as complication of yet another illnesses such as hypertension. The rate that this complication happens is more frequent now because of the growing rate of older mothers and the higher rate of multiple births. There is no treatment for this condition but to deliver the baby even if it is not yet due. If immediate delivery will not be done this may lead to seizure and a condition known as eclampsia. Eclampsia is the leading cause of maternal death.