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What is a Complicated Pregnancy?
A complicated pregnancy, or high-risk pregnancy, occurs when the pregnancy poses a threat to the health of the mother or fetus due to previous health issues or complications that arise during pregnancy. A complicated pregnancy requires intensive monitoring before, during, and after childbirth.
What are the Symptoms of a Complicated Pregnancy?
You should consult your doctor during pregnancy, and if you experience any of the following symptoms, which indicate a high-risk pregnancy:
- Persistent abdominal pain.
- Chest pain.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Severe fatigue.
- Decreased or stopped fetal movement.
- Fever.
- Heart palpitations.
- Severe vomiting and nausea that cannot be compared to morning sickness.
- Persistent severe headache.
- Severe swelling, redness, or pain in the face and limbs.
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming the fetus.
- Breathing problems.
- Vaginal bleeding.
What are the Causes of a Complicated Pregnancy?
A woman is more susceptible to a complicated pregnancy when:
- She has pre-existing health issues before pregnancy, such as diabetes, epilepsy, uterine fibroids, cancer, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, kidney diseases, glandular disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, and many other conditions.
- She is pregnant at an age younger than 17 or older than 35.
- She is underweight or overweight before pregnancy.
- There are lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy.
- There are multiple pregnancies.
How is it diagnosed?
The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
- Blood tests.
- Urine sample analysis.
- Ultrasound of the uterus and fetus.
If the medical history, clinical examination, and previous tests suggest advanced diseases or issues, further tests may include:
- Additional blood tests specific to the suspected health issue.
- A swab from the vagina or cervix is taken if a sexually transmitted disease is suspected.
- Biophysical profile of the fetus (such as fetal heartbeats).
- Prenatal DNA testing through sampling of the placenta or amniotic fluid.
- Comprehensive genetic screening.
How is a Complicated Pregnancy Treated?
The treatment for a complicated pregnancy depends on the illness and its severity. Treatment involves several procedures, or as the situation requires, and may include:
- Continuous follow-up with an obstetrician-gynecologist.
- Advanced monitoring with ultrasound technology during pregnancy.
- Home monitoring of blood pressure.
- Taking necessary medications to treat complications.
When the pregnancy poses a threat to your health or the fetus's health, the doctor may suggest a cesarean delivery or labor induction.
How to Prevent a Complicated Pregnancy?
Often, we cannot prevent a complicated pregnancy, but some factors can be avoided and controlled before planning for pregnancy, such as:
- Maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy.
- Abstaining from smoking.
- Knowing the potential risks before pregnancy by consulting a doctor.
- Treating existing diseases before pregnancy.
- Following preventive measures against infections, such as abstaining from eating raw meat, ensuring hand hygiene, and taking vaccinations recommended by the doctor.
What are the Complications of a Complicated Pregnancy?
The most common complications of a complicated pregnancy for the mother include:
- Gestational diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Preeclampsia.
- Preterm birth.
- Postpartum depression.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Stroke.
For the child:
- Behavioral disorders.
- Growth retardation.
- Neurological, auditory, and visual problems and disorders.
- Congenital abnormalities.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you are planning to get pregnant, you should consult a doctor for appropriate advice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I avoid complications of a complicated pregnancy?
Proper pregnancy planning, following a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding smoking may protect you, God willing, from pregnancy complications. If there is any suspicion of problems, you should see a doctor immediately. Additionally, ensuring you receive vaccinations protects you from viruses that may pose a threat to your health and the health of the fetus.
