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Pregnancy Problems

Serious complications in pregnancy are thankfully rare. But you should nevertheless know about the risks and the symptoms to help you to avoid problems.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES

If a blood test during pregnancy shows that you have high blood sugar, you may have gestational diabetes. If not treated, gestational diabetes can cause problems for you and your baby.

Usually, your body breaks down the food you eat into glucose. Your body makes insulin, which moves glucose out of your blood and into the cells of your body. If you develop gestational diabetes, the glucose can't move into the cells, and the concentration of glucose in your blood rises. If the diabetes is not detected and controlled, your baby may be very large, and you may have trouble delivering vaginally. Your baby may be at higher risk for health problems such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which makes it hard for your baby to breathe. He may also be jaundiced at birth. Your baby is more likely to grow up obese, with the associated health risks. He is also more liable to develop diabetes as he gets older.

Your doctor will be able to carry out a simple blood test to determine if you have gestational diabetes. If you do, she will suggest a treatment plan to keep it under control. This will include regular blood tests, a healthy diet and regular exercise. You may also need to take insulin. Usually, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born.

PRE-ECLAMPSIA

Pre-eclampsia affects about one in every ten pregnancies. It develops in the second half of pregnancy. Rarely, it can start during labour, or just after your baby is born.

If you have pre-eclampsia, you develop circulation problems. Symptoms are a bad headache, blurring or seeing flashing lights, high blood pressure, protein in your urine and sudden swelling. Symptoms like these are may be nothing to worry about. But you should see your midwife or doctor without delay if you experience two or more of them. Pre-eclampsia can worsen very quickly - and it can be very dangerous to you and your baby. In severe cases, you can have fits. Your baby may not be able to get enough oxygen or food from the placenta. If untreated, pre-eclampsia can cause the death of both you and your baby, so take no risks. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

PLACENTA PRAEVIA

Placenta praevia is where the placenta covers part or all of your cervix (the opening at the neck of your womb). About one in 250 pregnant women have this problem. Placenta praevia is a serious condition, which can cause heavy, but usually painless bleeding and threatens the wellbeing of you and your baby.

If you have previously had a Caesarean section, are carrying more than one baby or have had a pregnancy with placenta praevia before, you have an increased risk of developing this condition.

If you are diagnosed with placenta praevia after the twentieth week, but you're not bleeding, you'll be advised to take life very easily. If you start to bleed, you'll be admitted to hospital. You will probably kept there under observation until your baby is ready to be born.

PLACENTAL ABRUPTION

Placental abruption happens when your placenta deteriorates and separates from the wall of your uterus. If this happens it is very dangerous for you, because of the severity of the bleeding. It can also cause premature labour, or even the death of your baby as she does not get the oxygen or nutrients she needs to survive.

If your doctor suspects that placental abruption is taking place, she will give you an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis. If your baby's heart rate is strong and the separation of the placenta is small, your doctor will advise bed rest and may prescribe you medication to stop any contractions. You may be given injections of steroids to mature your baby's lungs. If the placenta continues to separate, your doctor will suggest an amniocentesis to check how mature your baby's lungs are. If your doctor thinks your baby's lungs are capable of functioning outside your womb, your baby will be delivered by Caesarean section


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