Most pregnancies are normal, but some may have complications or serious health problems. Recognize the possible complications that are common during pregnancy, so you can be aware of and prevent them.
Complications of pregnancy can occur due to a number of conditions that existed before pregnancy or that occurred during pregnancy. Complications of pregnancy can affect the mother and fetus with symptoms and effects that vary, depending on the severity.
In severe cases, pregnancy complications can be life threatening for both mother and fetus. There are several factors that can increase the occurrence of pregnancy complications. One of these factors is the age of the mother during pregnancy, for example, the mother's age is too young or too old when pregnant.
The Kinds of Pregnancy Complications That Are Commonly Occur
In order to recognize and anticipate pregnancy complications, you need to first know what complications can occur, as well as their causes and symptoms. The following are five common pregnancy complications:
1. Hyperemesis gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum is similar to morning sickness, but with more severe symptoms. Nausea and vomiting in hyperemesis gravidarum will last longer, even up to the second or third trimester. The complaints are even more severe, making pregnant women dehydrated and difficult to eat or drink.
The exact cause of hyperemesis gravidarum is not known for certain, but one of the causes is thought to be an increase in hormone levels during pregnancy. Prevention efforts have not been carried out because the exact cause of this condition is unknown.
To prevent dehydration and nutritional deficiencies that can harm the fetus, when you experience severe nausea and vomiting, consult a doctor immediately. If necessary, the doctor will advise pregnant women who have hyperemesis gravidarum to be given an intravenous drip and hospitalized.
2. Miscarriage
Miscarriage is defined as the death of the fetus in the womb before the age of 20 weeks. This condition can be characterized by vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramping or extreme pain, pain radiating to the back, feeling weak, and sometimes accompanied by fever.
Most miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities or genetic components that lead to impaired fetal growth. Other things that can also cause miscarriage are hormonal disorders, immune response disorders (autoimmune), being too tired, smoking, consuming alcohol, uterine abnormalities, and cervical weakness.
The risk of miscarriage will also increase in pregnant women who have certain diseases, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and high blood pressure.
3. Anemia
The body needs iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid to form hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that functions to deliver oxygen to all body tissues.
During pregnancy, the need for blood will increase to support fetal growth. However, if the body of pregnant women is not able to produce more hemoglobin, anemia can occur. Anemia during pregnancy is generally characterized by fatigue, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, pale skin, and even shortness of breath.
Anemia in pregnant women is something to watch out for. The reason is, anemia that is not treated can cause low baby weight, premature birth, and birth defects. This condition is more common in pregnant women who experience morning sickness, are pregnant with twins, or have an unhealthy diet.
4.Bleeding
About 25-40% of pregnant women experience bleeding in the first trimester. However, not all bleeding during pregnancy is dangerous. This bleeding can be caused by the process of attaching the fertilized egg to the uterine wall or having strong enough sexual intercourse.
However, bleeding during pregnancy can be a serious condition if it is accompanied by symptoms of miscarriage, such as severe abdominal pain and cramping. In addition, bleeding that occurs due to an ectopic pregnancy or abnormal fetal growth, such as in pregnancy with grapes, also needs to be watched out for.
Therefore, bleeding during pregnancy should not be underestimated, even if it is only in the form of small blood spots. When experiencing this, immediately consult a gynecologist to get the right treatment.
5. Lack of amniotic fluid
In the womb, the fetus resides in a sac filled with amniotic fluid. The function of this fluid is to protect the fetus from impact and infection, maintain a stable uterine temperature, and help the fetal organs to develop.
This amount of fluid will continue to decrease starting at 36 weeks of gestation until the fetus is born. But be careful, the decrease in the volume of amniotic fluid that is too fast can cause pregnancy complications, such as breech babies and premature babies.
In addition to the five complications above, there are several other complications that you also need to be aware of, namely preeclampsia or pregnancy poisoning, HELLP syndrome, eclampsia, placental disorders, gestational diabetes, and infections during pregnancy.
So that these complications can be prevented and detected early on, pregnant women need to have regular prenatal check-ups. If pregnancy complications are found, the doctor will provide a number of treatments according to the disturbance that occurs.
Although there are various complications that can occur during pregnancy, pregnant women do not need to worry too much, because it will interfere with fetal growth and stress the fetus. Most importantly, take care of your health by eating nutrient-rich foods and getting enough rest, as well as having regular check-ups with your obstetrician. If you have certain pregnancy complications and want to travel by plane, pregnant women also need to consult a gynecologist first to ensure that the trip is safe.
