Pregnancy is a time of change and emotional turmoil. While most pregnancies go off without incident, a quarter of women will experience complications during their pregnancy. These problems may be related to preexisting medical issues or may arise unpredictably. While most pregnancies are uneventful, some complications can be very severe and can negatively impact both the mother and the baby.
Symptoms
Some women experience a wide variety of symptoms during pregnancy. They can be the first signs of pregnancy, or they may be the result of other medical conditions. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should see your health care provider. You can also try a pregnancy test to be sure. A pregnancy ultrasound will also help to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.
Pregnancy is a time of many changes in your body, but the most noticeable changes are usually in the later stages. These changes include a wide range of discomforts, such as backache, leg cramps, varicose veins, and bloating. Other symptoms may include mood swings and vaginal discharge. You may also experience an elevated temperature or vision changes.
Complications
Complications of pregnancy can affect the health of the mother and the fetus. Some are caused by pre-existing medical conditions that are untreated during pregnancy. Routine antenatal care can help prevent pregnancy complications and manage those that are present. However, complications can occur at any time during a pregnancy, and the sooner they are diagnosed and treated, the better.
Complications of pregnancy include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. They can also cause the loss of the baby. Other serious pregnancy complications include cardiac disease and sepsis. Women who are obese or have a history of poor health are at an increased risk for pregnancy complications.
Keeping in touch with healthcare professionals
During pregnancy, it is important to keep in touch with healthcare professionals. Most women will only see one or two healthcare professionals at a time, and they should be able to get to know one another. The NHS makes it as easy as possible for women to get to know their healthcare providers and feel comfortable with them. At every appointment, it is helpful to introduce yourself and ask about your provider’s role.
Keeping in touch with healthcare professionals during pregnancy is especially important because childbirth can be stressful, and the added stress can make women more vulnerable to illness. Keeping in touch with your healthcare providers during pregnancy can also help you keep an eye out for potentially developing problems, such as behavioral health issues or chronic conditions.
Foods to avoid
While most foods can be consumed by pregnant women, there are some that should be avoided during pregnancy. This is important because certain foods can harm the developing baby. Pregnant women should take care to choose only pasteurized products. This way, they can ensure that their baby is safe and healthy.
While sugar substitutes are generally safe to eat during pregnancy, they should be avoided in large amounts during pregnancy. This is because they can cross the placenta and may cause problems for the fetus. In addition, excessive sugar consumption can result in preterm delivery. Also, high consumption of these foods has been associated with mental health problems in the child later on in life.
Nausea during pregnancy
Nausea during pregnancy is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms. Around 70 percent of pregnant women experience some form of nausea during their pregnancy. It tends to start in the early months of the pregnancy, and typically subsides during the second trimester. Some women, however, experience nausea that continues throughout the entire pregnancy. These women may be suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a serious condition that can cause significant maternal and fetal morbidity.
If you experience nausea during your pregnancy, try to avoid eating or drinking anything that triggers nausea. Avoid spicy or odor-filled foods and try to drink as much water as possible throughout the day. Another great tip is to drink sports drinks to replenish electrolytes lost in the vomiting process. Other triggers that can cause nausea include hot or heavy perfume, bright lights, or bumpy car rides.
Gestational age
Gestational age is the age of a woman when she is due to give birth to a child. There are different ways to estimate gestational age, and all have their limitations. One method is based on maternal age. Although it is more accurate, it is not perfect. It can be inaccurate if the mother’s age is high, or if the child’s age is low.
Another way to calculate gestational age is through ultrasound measurements of the fetus. This is the most accurate way to find out the age of your baby. During an ultrasound, the doctor can see the baby’s head circumference, thigh bone, and abdomen. This information can be used to estimate the baby’s age and determine the baby’s date of birth.
Placenta previa
If you have placenta previa during pregnancy, you should seek medical attention right away. The condition is serious and can result in preterm birth or heavy bleeding. Your doctor may recommend an emergency cesarean section to save your baby. Your doctor will also monitor the level of amniotic fluid to make sure it is enough for the fetus to receive necessary nutrients.
This condition is most common in the later stages of pregnancy and is often the cause of painless bleeding. The placenta is a disk-shaped organ that connects the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. It measures about seven inches in diameter and attaches to the wall of the uterus.