Complications in Pregnancy

95% of pregnancies are considered normal, meaning no significant abnormalities occur. A “normal” pregnancy may include nausea, frequent urination, emotional changes, shortness of breath, and heartburn. However, certain conditions can cause complications. Read on to learn more about some common conditions such as asthma, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and sickle cell disease.

Bronchial asthma is characterized by bronchospasm (manifested mainly by wheezing and shortness of breath) and airway hypersecretion (manifested by coughing). It is due to allergic and other factors (respiratory infections, cold air, emotional reasons, etc.). While the incidence of asthma was reported at 1% during pregnancy, it is now an increasingly common condition. Avoiding identified allergens is recommended.

Many complex issues arise when cancer is diagnosed in a pregnant woman. The duration of treatment depends on the circumstances of the pregnancy and whether the cancer was diagnosed before or during pregnancy.

Cervical insufficiency is a condition where the cervix dilates prematurely due to pressure from the developing fetus and uterus, posing an immediate risk of miscarriage.

Skin changes are expected during pregnancy due to hormonal and metabolic effects. These changes include hyperpigmentation, chloasma, vascular changes, and changes in hair, nails, and glands. Chloasma (melasma or pregnancy mask) affects up to 70% of pregnant women.

Lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis are autoimmune disorders affecting collagen. Both conditions are more likely to occur during a woman’s reproductive years.

This term includes various conditions associated with placental abnormalities.

Many women experience mild headaches early in pregnancy. However, this symptom should not be ignored.

HELLP syndrome is characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. It occurs in 50% of pregnant women with eclampsia but can also occur with a moderate increase in blood pressure. Predisposing factors include advanced maternal age.

Anemia is a common issue worldwide and one of the most frequent complications during pregnancy. Due to physiological changes, anemia is even more common in pregnant women. It is often associated with poor nutrition and lack of medication. Anemia during pregnancy is usually due to iron deficiency or a lack of folic acid or vitamin B12.

Various types of thrombocytopenia and hemoglobinopathies can occur during pregnancy. Although rare, they can have serious complications.

This genetic condition is characterized by the rapid destruction of red blood cells. Normal bone marrow function cannot keep up with this rate of destruction. Diagnosis is made through hemoglobin electrophoresis and the sickle test. This condition presents unique challenges during pregnancy.

Thrombophlebitis is caused by inflammation and clot formation in one or more veins. Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis involves thrombosis of the pelvic vessels with inflammation. Premature rupture of membranes and cesarean sections are predisposing factors.

Although rare, kidney disease during pregnancy can have serious consequences.

Multiple sclerosis is a common neurological disorder that generally affects young adults. The exact cause is unclear.

Serious periodontal disease in pregnant women increases the risk of premature and low birth weight newborns. A dental examination is recommended as part of prenatal care.

ABO incompatibility occurs when the blood type of the fetus is different from the mother’s. The mother’s body may produce antibodies against the fetus, which can cross the placenta and destroy fetal blood cells.

Amniotic bands (fibrous bands that can trap the fetus) result from premature rupture of the amniotic sac. Findings vary and can include missing fingers or toes, facial deformities, abdominal wall abnormalities, or cerebral hernia.

Paralysis of the brachial plexus and clavicle fractures can occur during difficult vaginal deliveries, especially in cases of shoulder dystocia in large babies.

Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) is a chromosomal abnormality characterized by congenital physical, mental, and psychosocial development issues. It is the most common genetic abnormality, occurring in about 1 in 900 births.

IUGR is a condition where the fetus lags in development and nutrition compared to the expected gestational age.

Macrosomia describes fetuses larger than the gestational age. About 5% of fetuses weigh more than 4000 grams, and 0.5-1% weigh more than 4500 grams.

Fetal death is defined as death occurring after the twentieth week of pregnancy and accounts for 50% of all perinatal deaths. Before the 20th week, it is considered a miscarriage.

These tests check the placenta to assess if the necessary nutrients and oxygen are being transferred to the fetus.

This occurs when the fetus or newborn inhales meconium (a substance that accumulates in the fetus’s gut and forms its first stool). Meconium can enter the lungs, moving from the upper to the lower airways, and result in worsening respiratory function.

This condition occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterus before the fetus is born. Normally, detachment happens after the complete birth of the fetus.

This condition occurs when the placenta attaches in the lower part of the uterus. It can be very close to or cover the inner cervix, making normal delivery difficult or often impossible.

Childbirth that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy is considered premature. Premature birth is one of the most serious obstetric complications, with about 1 in 10 pregnancies resulting in the premature birth of a small baby.

The term “repeated miscarriages” is used when there are three or more consecutive miscarriages without childbirth. These are fetal losses at a gestational age of less than 20 weeks and with fetuses weighing less than 500 grams.

Health scientists have issued new guidelines on the risks associated with consuming fish during pregnancy. The increased concentration of mercury in certain species of fish can affect the normal development of the fetus. Therefore, fish should be consumed with caution.

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