While pregnancy is a beautiful period in a woman’s life some possible complications and problems can create difficulties during the pregnancy period and delivery as well. Pregnancy problems can be effectively handled if they are identified in time and proper medical attention and treatment is taken. Regular medical checkup is therefore quite crucial for pregnant women. Certain screening and tests done during the first trimester can help identify pregnancy problems.
Some possible pregnancy problems include the following:
Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is one of the major pregnancy problems and in this situation the fertilized egg is seem to be implanted outside the uterus usually within the fallopian tube. Women having ectopic pregnancy often experience vaginal bleeding. Such a bleeding may be brownish and is accompanied with pain in the region of the lower abdomen.
The pain may be on one side and there may also be shoulder pain accompanied by dizziness. Blood tests and ultrasound examination can help identify an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy needs to be removed surgically or a cancer drug called methotrexate is used to treat the woman and this helps in dissolving the pregnancy.
Placenta Previa:
In placenta previa the placenta covers all or part of the cervix and this can result in severe bleeding particularly towards the end part of the second trimester and even later. An ultrasound examination can reveal this problem. Symptoms of Placenta previa include vaginal bleeding particularly in the second or the third trimester. This situation can be diagnosed through an ultrasound examination. Bed rest is often advised if there is no bleeding and in case of bleeding hospitalization may be needed.
Placenta abruption
Placenta abruption is also one of the common pregnancy problems. In this problem the placenta is often seen to be separate from the wall of the uterus and this deprives the fetus of oxygen. Vaginal bleeding and cramping along with abdominal pain and tenderness in the uterus may be the symptoms in this problem and an ultrasound examination can reveal this problem. If the separation is regarded to be minor then bed rest can stop the bleeding but in severe cases immediate delivery of the baby may be required.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes usually occurs in individuals within the second half period of the pregnancy. In this problem usually the pregnant woman displays symptoms of extreme hunger, thirst and it is accompanied with a feeling of fatigue. The blood sugar levels are also elevated. This is one of the most common pregnancy problems but with treatment, proper diet and moderate exercise the blood sugar level can be controlled.
Hepatitis B
This is one of the most serious pregnancy problems and the symptoms include mild fever, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, headache, diarrhea, stomach pain and dark colored urine. Hepatitis B can be diagnosed through a blood test and this can be passed on to the child. For this purpose, it is important to give a baby an HBIG shot after birth along with a Hepatitis B shot.
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection should be promptly treated otherwise it can travel to the kidneys and cause premature labor. The symptoms include burning sensation while urinating, pain in the lower pelvic region, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting. The urge to urinate also increases. This infection can be diagnosed through a urine test and an antibiotic treatment involving amoxicillin needs to be given.
Toxoplasmosis
This is one of the major pregnancy problems and is caused because of eating undercooked or raw food. It may also be contracted through soil or cat feces. This infection can be passed on to the fetus and so the mother and the child need treatment. Toxoplasmosis can be identified through a blood test.
Some other pregnancy problems include the situation where the fetus stops moving or kicking. Such a situation occurring after the 26th week may be because of the baby possibly being in distress. The heart rate of the baby is monitored in such a case and special care needs to be taken depending on the condition of the mother and the child. High blood pressure during pregnancy can also be one of the pregnancy problems.
Monitoring of the child and mother is essential and if the mother is near the end of the pregnancy term then labor may be induced. Preterm labor is also one of the most common pregnancy problems and it may occur after the 20th week and before completion of the 37th week. Uterine contractions are monitored and treatment can be provided to stop the contractions. Depression after delivery is also a common problem in pregnant women and can be treated with appropriate counseling.
