Finding out you're pregnant can be a frightening, albeit exciting, adventure. When things are going smoothly, this special time can often feel magical, and a mom-to-be may feel better than ever. But things don't always go as planned. If you're experiencing problems with your pregnancy, always contact your health care provider immediately. Many problems turn out to be easily remedied, while others with need medical intervention and can be serious. Call your health care provider if you are experiencing bleeding of any kind, cramping, fever, leaking or gushing of fluid from your vagina or are experiencing headaches with or without loss of vision and dizziness or if you're feeling uncomfortable or unsure with the way things are going.
Swelling
Most pregnant women will experience swelling in their hands and feet, even up to their ankles and calf area. During your pregnancy your body is carrying 20 percent more blood and fluid than when you're not pregnant. During periods of sitting or standing some of that extra fluid may pool in the dependent areas of your hands and feet. Unfortunately, swelling is also a sign of pre-eclampsia; if left unmanaged, pre-eclampsia can be a life-threatening condition for both mom and baby. What's important to remember is swelling that is more pronounced at nighttime and is nearly gone by morning is probably not of too much concern--other than your level of comfort. Swelling associated with pre-eclampsia is sudden in nature and usually occurs in the face and hands. Because swelling is considered a normal--and uncomfortable--challenge of pregnancy, swelling alone is not considered to be a reliable symptom of pre-eclampsia. If you're uncomfortable with how much you are swelling, or you are experiencing any dizziness, high blood pressure, headaches, nausea and vomiting, or changes in your vision, see your healthcare provider immediately.
Preterm Labor
While the discomforts typical of the end of pregnancy may have you wishing for an early delivery, the truth is, none of us want our babies born prematurely. Premature babies face many challenges at birth that can often continue to pose difficulties throughout their lives. If you experience any cramping, dull backache--that comes with or without bleeding, a leaking of fluid from the vagina, diarrhea, contractions (that may or may not be painful) that are more frequent than eight times an hour, vaginal bleeding or spotting, or if you are just feeling unsure about your symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Women can experience a great difference in symptoms from preterm labor; don't worry about feeling foolish if your symptoms don't add up to be a problem--your doctor would rather see you as a precaution than be visiting you and your baby in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Gestational Diabetes
During your pregnancy, your health care provider will likely perform a basic glucose test to determine your body's ability to utilize insulin and glucose during your pregnancy. Additional tests may be performed if the first screen shows a potential difficulty. Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy. While pregnant, some women have a difficult time processing glucose, which is what our bodies use as fuel. With gestational diabetes, your blood sugars are likely to rise and won't be a problem for you as much as your growing baby. Babies who are delivered to moms who have gestational diabetes can be larger than expected--causing difficulty with delivery, risks for birth injury and the need for Caeserean sections. Your baby may also have a low blood sugar after birth or have difficulty breathing. All of these challenges can be managed by a healthcare team.
A diagnosis of gestational diabetes during pregnancy can be alarming. Fortunately, mom can usually manage the condition by eating healthy foods, exercising and possibly using medications as well. Prenatal care is also very important--to any pregnancy--but to a woman with gestational diabetes in particular. If you are concerned about gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, call your healthcare provider.
