➝ Early detection is key for pregnancy complication treatment.

➝ There are lots of open support groups for pregnant women who are experiencing complications.

➝ Remember to contact your doctor if you are experiencing any negative symptoms!

Lots of women experience complications throughout their pregnancy journey. While this experience is overwhelming sometimes, learning more about it can help you feel informed about your pregnancy health. Your doctors, family, friends, and Pickles & Ice Cream Georgia are here to support you through your pregnancy journey, no matter what difficulties arise.

Hypertension

During pregnancy, some women can develop high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. If this happens to you, it is important to talk to your doctor about any ways to control your blood pressure to keep you and your baby healthy. High blood pressure can make pregnancy difficult because it can lead to preterm delivery because of organ damage, so your doctor may recommend that you take blood pressure medication and monitor your blood pressure at home. High blood pressure during pregnancy is very common, so if you experience this condition, you are not alone.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is another disorder where pregnant women develop high blood pressure, usually showing up after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Doctors can check if you have preeclampsia by measuring your blood pressure during regular prenatal appointments and assessing protein levels in urine, and may recommend blood pressure medication, bedrest, or even early delivery. These treatments will help you prevent preeclampsia from progressing, which is important because it can cause damage to your liver, kidneys, and baby if it isn’t treated. You might feel frustrated if you are put on bedrest and you are unable to the things you love, but relying on your support system can help you through your pregnancy journey. Above all, listen to your doctor so that you can do what is best for your health and your baby.

Gestational Diabetes

If you have heightened blood sugar during your pregnancy, you might have gestational diabetes. Doctors will usually check for this condition at around 20-24 weeks through a blood test. If you’re diagnosed, your doctor may suggest that you check your blood sugar regularly at home. They also might recommend diet changes, so be sure to ask about how you can change your lifestyle to manage gestational diabetes.

Prenatal Depression and Other Mood Disorders

Depression can affect all aspects of your life, and can be especially difficult during pregnancy. You can feel sad, empty, tired, or unmotivated for weeks at a time. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor as well as a licensed therapist. Talking about your depression can help you work through it, and your doctor may recommend antidepressants in order for you manage your depression. Additionally, you may find comfort in talking to other expecting mothers experiencing depression.

Low Placenta

During your pregnancy, your body will form a structure to nourish your baby called a placenta. The placenta rests in the uterus, but sometimes it sits too low and may partially or fully cover your cervix, the opening to your uterus, causing painless bleeding starting in the second half your pregnancy. Call your doctor if you notice this symptom, and they will perform an ultrasound to see if you have low placenta. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid activity that may cause contractions, such as sex, squatting, and using a tampon if you have this condition. Also, if your low placenta is not resolved by delivery, you may need to have a C-section in order to ensure your baby’s health.

Hyperemesis

Although many women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, extreme versions of these symptoms can be a pregnancy complication called hyperemesis. It can cause lots of side effects, including weight loss, strain on your kidneys and electrolyte imbalance. However, hyperemesis is different than common vomiting during pregnancy because it requires you to become hospitalized to control your symptoms. If you are hospitalized for hyperemesis, you may feel overwhelmed, but it’s important to remember that it will not likely last your entire pregnancy. Symptoms of this complication usually peak around nine weeks of pregnancy and you should experience some relief at around 20 weeks.

Above all, it is important to go to regular prenatal doctor visits to check on any complications that may arise. Early detection is key for treatment, so it is important to always call your doctor if you think you are experiencing difficulties in your pregnancy. Remember, you are not alone in experiencing pregnancy complications. Your friends, family, and doctors are here to support you through this journey, and support groups, such as this one in Atlanta, can help you talk to other pregnant women experiencing complications.

References

Bumps in the Road: Pregnancy Complications