By Dr. Padmaja Mohan,Gynaecology

Pregnancy is considered to be one of the most challenging and important phases in the life of a woman. Pregnancy Complications are health problems that occur during pregnancy. They can involve the mother’s health, the baby’s health, or both. Some women have health problems before they become pregnant that could lead to complications. Other problems arise during the pregnancy.

Keep in mind that whether a complication is common or rare, there are ways to manage problems that come up during pregnancy.

Some complications that might occur during pregnancy are discussed below:

• Severe Nausea and Vomiting: It is common for nausea and vomiting to occur during pregnancy. In order to avoid this condition, one should consume several small meals throughout the day and completely avoid spicy and fatty foods. However, if severe nausea and vomiting are persistent, visit your doctor as it might be an indication of some underlying problem.
• A persistent abdominal pain, severe headache, swelling and visual disturbances during the third trimester: This can be a fatal condition and often is a sign of high blood pressure also called as pre-eclampsia (pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure as well as damage to another organ system). It can be diagnosed early using good prenatal care which essentially comprises of frequent check-ups with the doctor and all the necessary treatment during pregnancy.
• Flu Symptoms: It is recommended that flu vaccine should be administered to pregnant women as they usually tend to develop the disease during their pregnancy.Flu vaccines are given after 28 wk of pregnancy.
• Gestational Diabetes: It is the diabetes which develops during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can increase the chance of a larger baby at birth and create delivery complications, increase your risk for high blood pressure and cause the baby to have blood sugar problems after birth. If you are diagnosed, it’s important to consult your gynecologist to control your blood sugar level, which can often be done through diet and exercise. Some people may need Insulin therapy aslo.
• Baby’s activity level significantly declines: Sometimes, the activity of a previously active baby might decline. This can be felt by reducing the number of the kicks by the baby. The doctor has specific equipment that aids in identifying and resolving the problem. You can also learn how to count the kicks at home by your doctor.
• Bleeding: Any bleeding during pregnancy is not normal. Bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain and menstrual-type cramps during the first trimester might indicate a miscarriage. Bleeding with abdominal pain and fainting spells may be due to an ectopic pregnancy (embryo is implanted outside one’s uterus) or while occurrence in the third semester indicates placental abruption (characterized by the placenta separating from the womb’s walls). Any form of bleeding warrants the immediate attention of the doctor. Steps to avoid bleeding include bed rest, avoiding heavy work, and keeping yourself hydrated and visit doctor at earliest if you have spotting.

Healthy Pregnancy-

The best way to ensure a healthy pregnancy is to focus on the things you can control and don’t obsess about what could happen. Take good care of yourself and your developing baby and talk with your healthcare provider when you have concerns.