This time when you are expecting to become a mother is the most beautiful time of your life. At the same time, it is normal to have a little fear and doubt at times. Questions like 'Is the baby okay?', 'Will something happen to me?' must be coming to your mind. Therefore, today we will talk about some of the complications that can occur during pregnancy. Being aware of these in advance is the best way to protect yourself and your baby.
Simply put, what are pregnancy complications?
Pregnancy complications are medical conditions that can affect your health or that of your unborn baby during pregnancy. Your doctor will be on the lookout for these complications every time you see them. That's why it's important to attend all your scheduled clinic appointments . If there are any problems, early detection and prompt treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Common complications that can occur during early pregnancy
Some problems may arise during the early weeks of pregnancy. Here are some of them.
| Complication | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Ectopic Pregnancy | This is when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. Since a baby cannot develop outside the uterus, this condition must be removed through medication or surgery as soon as it is diagnosed. |
| Miscarriage | Miscarriages are the loss of a pregnancy within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Most miscarriages occur in the first three months. While this is unfortunate, it is often not the mother's fault. |
| Excessive vomiting (Hyperemesis Gravidarum - HG) | Morning sickness is common during pregnancy. However, in this case, the vomiting is persistent and excessive. This can lead to dehydration and abnormal weight loss. |
| Congenital Disorders | If the scan suggests that the unborn baby has a health problem or a congenital defect, this is also considered a complication. In such cases, further tests and special attention are required. |
Complications that may occur in the second half of pregnancy
As the pregnancy progresses, that is, after 4-5 months, there are several other complications to watch out for.
| Complication | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Preeclampsia | This is a condition of high blood pressure that occurs during the second half of pregnancy. It is characterized by symptoms such as protein in the urine and swelling. This condition gradually returns to normal after the baby is born. |
| Gestational Diabetes | During pregnancy, certain hormones can make it difficult to control blood sugar levels. This can be diagnosed through a test at the clinic. In most cases, it can be controlled through diet and exercise. |
| Preterm Labor | Labor pain occurs before 37 weeks. This can cause the baby to be born with low birth weight or with malformed organs. |
| Infections | Things like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections can cause complications during pregnancy. You also need to be aware of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). |
| Placenta Problems | Problems such as placenta previa (placenta previa) can cause bleeding. These can be detected through scans. |
| Low Amniotic Fluid | The amount of water in the amniotic sac surrounding the baby decreases, which can affect the baby's growth. |
| Depression and Anxiety | Excessive sadness, anxiety, and fear during pregnancy or after the baby is born can also affect the baby's development. Don't be afraid to talk openly about this with your doctor. |
Who is at higher risk of complications?
Anyone can experience pregnancy complications, but there are certain factors that increase the risk.
Pre-existing health problems
If you have had these conditions before you got pregnant, it's best to talk to your doctor and plan your pregnancy while keeping those conditions under control.
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Epilepsy
- Cancer conditions
- Anemia
If you are already taking medication for this condition, do not stop taking it suddenly. Talk to your doctor and adjust your medication to suit your pregnancy.
Other risk factors
- Being over 35 years of age.
- Being under 20 years of age.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Having twins or triplets.
- If you have had previous miscarriages.
- Being overweight (Obesity) or underweight (Anorexia).
What can we do to prevent such complications?
Although we cannot control some complications, there are many things we can do to reduce the risk.
- Stay healthy before pregnancy: Manage your medical conditions. Maintain a healthy weight. Quit smoking if you smoke.
- Going to the clinic on time: Go to your clinic on time. Do not miss any tests or scans that are given.
- Reporting unusual symptoms: Tell your doctor about any unusual or painful symptoms you feel. Don't hide anything, even the smallest ones.
- Healthy lifestyle: Eat nutritious food. Engage in simple exercises that your doctor recommends. Avoid alcohol and smoking completely.
- Mental health: Don't put unnecessary stress on yourself. Get plenty of rest.
- Taking vitamins: Take the prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid and iron) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not take medication without medical approval: Do not take any medication without the doctor's approval.
If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately!
If you experience any of the following symptoms during pregnancy, don't assume it's normal. Call your doctor as soon as possible or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
| Feature to pay attention to | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Excessive bleeding or watery discharge from the vagina. | Go to a hospital immediately. |
| A persistent, severe headache. | Notify the doctor. |
| Sudden or severe swelling of the body, hands, feet, or face. | Notify the doctor. |
| Dizziness or blurred vision. | Notify the doctor immediately. |
| Severe abdominal pain or back pain. | Go to a hospital immediately. |
| Fever, chills, or vomiting. | Notify the doctor. |
| If your baby's movements seem to be less than normal. | Notify the doctor immediately or go to a hospital. |
It's normal to feel scared when you learn that you have a pregnancy complication. But remember, many complications can be successfully managed if they are identified early. The best thing you can do is to be open and honest with your doctor and follow his or her instructions exactly.
Take-Home Message
- Complications during pregnancy are relatively rare, and most pregnant women give birth to healthy babies.
- Attending your clinic regularly is the best step to protect yourself and your baby.
- Don't be afraid to ask your doctor about anything unusual you feel, no matter how small.
- Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can reduce the risk of many complications.
- Be aware of the warning signs. If you notice any of these, seek medical advice without delay.
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