Even the healthiest woman is susceptible to complications during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time when the woman's body undergoes tremendous changes in preparation for the 40-week long maturation of fetus and its subsequent delivery. Being aware of the possible complications can help reduce anxiety during this time period. Early detection, along with early intervention, can help improve the chances of a safe delivery in the event that complications should arise, according to Women's Health.
Anemia
During pregnancy the body prepares itself to provide nutrients to the mother and the fetus. Production of blood cells are increased to accommodate the fetus with its increased energy and oxygen demands. Hematocrit measures the number of blood cells present in plasma. Normal hematocrit levels are approximately 45 percent. In a pregnant woman, plasma volume increases, decreasing the hematocrit measurement to 30 to 40 percent, according to Merck Manual. This is called hemodilution. However, a pregnant anemic patient's hematocrit measures 30 percent or lower. Women's Health lists the symptoms of anemia as extreme tiredness, lightheadedness and shortness of breath on exertion. Severe anemia presents with an increase in heart rate and low blood pressure and must be treated. Folate and iron supplements are the first steps in treatment.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose that begins during pregnancy. Approximately 7 percent of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes, according to the Merck Manual. Poor glucose control may lead to fetal abnormalities or spontaneous abortion early during pregnancy. During late pregnancy, gestational diabetes increases the risk for an overweight baby. This is called macrosomia. A large fetus increases risk of complications during delivery and may necessitate a c-section. Patients usually don't have symptoms but may present with similar diabetic symptoms to those that are not pregnant: excessive thirst, hunger and urination. Patients may be treated with lifestyle modifications and insulin if severe. In some cases, diabetes persists after pregnancy and may need to be treated with medications.
Preeclampsia / Eclampsia
High blood pressure plus protein in the urine warrants the diagnosis of preeclampsia after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Other symptoms listed by Women's Health include headaches, blurred vision, swelling of hands and feet, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. When patients progress to having seizures it is called eclampsia. Untreated eclampsia can be fatal. The cause is not well understood. Small poorly formed blood vessels in the placenta and throughout begin to spasm, leading to decreased circulation. Both mother and fetus are at risk for complications that are not limited to organ damage and impaired fetal growth. Severe preeclampsia and eclampsia is treated by supportive measures (IV fluids, control of hypertension and bed rest). Resolution of severe preeclampsia or eclampsia requires delivery. Typically, symptoms resolve six to 12 hours after labor. However, some cases of eclampsia, 25 percent, do not present until a few days after delivery according to the Merck Manual.
