Pregnancy itself can be complicated...
Though most movies and TV shows do a terrible job at depicting pregnancy and birth, they often focus on and highlight possible and the most common pregnancy complications like vomiting, nausea, and moodiness. However, anyone who has been down the road to parenthood knows that there are a lot of other possible complications that can arise. Today’s blog post is meant to educate and discuss some of the more “common” possible complications some mother’s may undergo on their journey.
This is NO way meant to cause concern or create fear! Rather, to provide more information for those who may be experiencing a complication and wanting to learn more about the ins and outs of it. We want you to understand how this complication may play a role for the remainder of your pregnancy journey, what to expect from this complication, and how this complication could affect your birth experience. We are big believers that Knowledge is Power, and being educated on the topic and knowing what options are still available to you will play a big role in your overall experience.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy (gestation). Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar. This form of diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby’s health. Those who develop gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life and should be monitored. However, in most cases, there are no symptoms. A blood sugar test during pregnancy is used for diagnosis usually around weeks 26-27. Treatment strategies include daily blood sugar monitoring, a healthy diet, exercise, and monitoring the baby. If blood sugar is too high, medication may be needed.
Placenta Previa
Placenta Previa occurs when a baby’s placenta partially or totally covers the mother’s cervix. This complication can cause severe bleeding during pregnancy and/or delivery. If you have placenta previa, it is best to speak to your individual provider about how to manage your pregnancy safely and what your options for birth include. There are several different types of Placenta Previas and to best understand your options, you will need to know what grade yours is. Often times providers will monitor the placenta throughout pregnancy and the previa will migrate away from the cervix, leaving room for a normal vaginal delivery. If not, is good to know what your options are ahead of time by having in depth conversations with your provider of choice and doula! Again, this initial diagnosis does not automatically mean you will require a c-section. If the placenta does not migrate away from the cervix and a c-section is required, you still have options and can have the birth experience you deserve.
Preterm Birth
A premature birth is one that takes place more than three weeks before the baby’s estimated due date. In other words, a premature birth is one that occurs before the start of the 37th week of pregnancy. Some risk factors for a preterm birth include having a previous preterm birth or being pregnant with multiples.
With today’s medical advances, preterm babies are often FINE and just need a bit longer in the hospital to recover from their unexpected early arrival.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
AKA – HG, which is a pregnancy complication that is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and possibly dehydration. Feeling faint can also occur, due to much of the above. It is considered more severe than morning sickness and requires medical interventions most of the time. Though old wives tales say morning sickness is more common when baby-to-be is a girl, HG can happen in both male or female fetus pregnancies. Be sure that if you are getting sick too often to retain nourishment that you contact your provider and seek help. We put together a list of helpful tips for pregnancy nausea. These reliefs may not be enough if you are suffering from HG, but giving them a try couldn’t hurt!
Group B Strep
Group B Streptococcus also known as Group B Strep Infection (GBS) is a type of bacterial infection that can be found in a pregnant woman’s vagina or rectum. This bacteria is normally found in the vagina and/or rectum of about 25% of all healthy, adult women! That’s right, one quarter of healthy women test positive for this bacterium. Usually your provider will run a test towards the final month of your pregnancy to see if you are positive or negative. Women who test positive for GBS are said to be colonized. In this case, antibiotics are often recommended to avoid the transfer of bacteria to baby during birth. Placenta Encapsulation is still possible if you test positive. However, we would just have to steam the placenta prior to dehydration to kill that bacteria, aka TCM Method.
Valementous Cord
A velamentous cord insertion is when a fetus’ umbilical cord abnormally inserts on the edge of the placenta along the chorioamniotic membranes, causing fetal blood vessels to travel unprotected from the placenta until they come together and reach the protection of the umbilical cord. Though this is said to be very uncommon, happening in 1% of all pregnancies and 10% of all multiple pregnancies, it is something we have personally experienced at How 2 Mom with ourselves, and clients, and wanted to shed light on it!
High Blood Pressure/Gestational Hypertension
GH is usually defined as having a blood pressure higher than 140/90 measured two separate occasions, more than 6 hours apart, without the presence of protein in the urine. Once diagnosed, you will likely be closely monitored. Induction, Steroids, and Magnesium may be required, but there are also a lot of other options and treatments to decrease your blood pressure. Although high bp can be very serious, you still have options and can be proactive!
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a potentially dangerous pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure. The three main symptoms are high blood pressure, swelling of the hands and feet, and protein in your urine. Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It can lead to serious, even fatal complications for both mother and baby. Preeclampsia can also show up postpartum as well. Some providers may put you in this category if you had preeclampsia with your previous pregnancy. Again, once diagnosed you will be closely monitored. Induction, Steroids, and Magnesium will most likely be required. However, there are still things such as bodywork that can help and ways you can be proactive in preparing your body for the induction process.
HELLP Syndrome
HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) is a serious complication of high blood pressure during pregnancy. It usually develops before the 37th week of pregnancy but can occur shortly after delivery. Many women are diagnosed with preeclampsia beforehand, and that in itself will increase your risk in developing HELLP. HELLP is very rare, only 20,000 cases per year in the US. Treatment and excellent care for GH and Preeclampsia is vital and extremely important in order to help decrease the potential for HELLP Syndrome.
Placental Abruption
Placental Abruption is a serious pregnancy complication in which the placenta detaches from the the inner wall of the womb (uterus) before delivery. This condition can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients. Depending on the degree of the separation and how close the baby is to full-term, treatment may include bed rest or a cesarean.
Uterine Rupture
Uterine Rupture is spontaneous tearing of the uterus that may result in the fetus being expelled into the peritoneal cavity. Although extremely rare, this can occur during late pregnancy or active labor. Women who have scar lines in the uterus and/or a history of cesarean births have an increased risk. Signs of an Uterine Rupture would require an emergency cesarean for the safety of mom and baby.
Oligohydramnios & Polyhydramnios
Oligohydramnios is a deficient volume of amniotic fluid. Diagnosis is by ultrasonographic measurement. Rupture of the membranes is the most common cause of oligohydramnios. Because the amniotic fluid is primarily fetal urine in the latter half of the pregnancy, the absence of fetal urine production or a blockage in the fetus’s urinary tract can also result in oligohydramnios. Polyhydramnios is an excess of amniotic fluid. This may require drainage and medication.
If you or someone you love....
is going through/has gone through a complicated pregnancy, try to be as supportive as possible to that mother. Pregnancy isn’t for the faint of heart and though the outcome is beyond beautiful, sometimes the road to get there can be a bit…complicated. Our love goes out to all the mothers out there! We wish you a safe, healthy, and happy pregnancy.
Some of these complications can be reversed or managed through diet. We love recommending two cookbooks put together by moms to help with diet and proper nutrition. We also recommend working one-on-one with a Dietitian who specializes in Prenatal Nutrition.
If after reading this blog, you think more guidance could be helpful, hiring a Birth Doula may interest you. We provide you with support through pregnancy and birth, and help you navigate through all the twists and turns pregnancy may bring. We are also able to help you discuss options with your provider and help you advocate for those wishes. Complication or not, you still have options! Get to know our team to see if we would be the right fit for YOU!
Love,
*Medical Disclaimer: All content and information is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and does not establish any kind of client relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Seek advice from your medical professional.
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