When pregnant, there are a lot of things to take care off like your nutrition and health. There are 7 conditions or symptoms that a pregnant mom should pay attention to. They are:
1. Pre-eclampsia
The signs or symptoms are a rise in the blood pressure, protein in the urine, upper abdominal pain, vomiting, headaches and visual disturbances. It is caused by a defect in the placenta and there is a shortage of blood supply. Hence, the baby’s well-being is at risk as the placenta provides the oxygen and nutrients. Those most at risk are the following:
• You are a first time mom
• You are overweight
• Your age is over 40
• You have high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease
• You have a family history or pre-eclampsia
• You have a multiple pregnancy
2. Placenta praevia
There is usually no symptoms and it is diagnosed by scanning. In certain cases, you will notice some vaginal bleeding. The placenta covers or partially covers the cervix and when in labour, the cervix opens and the placenta may start to disconnect from the wall of the womb. Those most at risk are the following:
• You have more than one child
• You have a multiple pregnancy
• You have had previous surgery on the womb like a caesarean section
3. HELLP syndrome (Haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets)
The symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, headaches and blurred vision. You may be tested to have high blood pressure and there is protein in your urine. In addition, your blood test will show low platelets level.
This is actually another complication of pre-eclampsia and can cause kidney and liver problems as well as affect the ability of the blood to clot. Those most at risk are women who have pre-eclampsia which generally begins during the third trimester.
4. Placental abruption
About 80% of women with placental abruption will have vaginal bleeding. At the same time, there is abdominal pain and tenderness around the womb. This happens when the placenta has partially or completely separated from the uterus wall. Those most at risk are the following:
• You have high blood pressure
• You are above 35 years of age
• Have undergone distress or injury to the abdomen
• You smoke, drink or on drugs
5. Gestational diabetes
This is diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can sometimes interfere with how the hormone insulin controls the glucose levels in the blood. The symptoms include feeling tired, extremely thirsty and wanting to pee constantly. Sugar is also detected in your urine. Although anyone is at risk, those most at risk are the following:
• Older moms
• You have a high body-mass index
• You have a family history of diabetes
6. Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)
During pregnancy, the hormone “relaxin” relaxes the joints but when it softens too much, it can cause pain. The symptoms include feeling pain over the hip joints, pubic bone and lower back. SPD can happen to any pregnant women during any stage of the pregnancy. It is more common after the first trimester.
7. Obstetric cholestasis
The symptoms can include extreme cases of itching especially on the hands and feet. This is a liver disorder where the flow of bile is reduced. This can affect anyone and the risk is high if your mother or sister has had it before.
From the descriptions above, going for your regular antenatal checkups are important to enable the conditions or symptoms to be detected. It also helps to put your mind to rest if you suspect any irregularities during your pregnancy.
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