Common Complications of Pregnancy and How to Prevent Them

A health problem that occurs during pregnancy is considered a pregnancy complication. While a new health problem may arise during the pregnancy, there are also factors that the birthing parent may have that increase the chances of complications in pregnancy. Some complications are more severe than others, and some complications are more common.

Complications may be reduced or prevented if the birthing parent receives proper prenatal care and postnatal care. Approximately 8% of pregnancies will involve complications and may require additional medical care or treatment for a healthy delivery.

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Some pregnancy complications can be reduced or prevented; others come with no pre-existing conditions or risk factors. Common complications during pregnancy may include obesity, a history of diabetes or gestational diabetes (during previous pregnancies), a history of high blood pressure, carrying multiple babies, or a young (teenage) or geriatric pregnancy. Other risk factors include smoking or using alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. 

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Common complications of pregnancy

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Preeclampsia

When the birthing parent's blood pressure becomes dangerously high during or after pregnancy, this is called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a severe complication that can be fatal to the birthing parent, baby, or both if left untreated. A birthing parent does not have to have a history of high blood pressure to develop preeclampsia, although a history of hypertension does put the birthing parent at higher risk for developing the disease. Preeclampsia usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. There are certain steps the birthing parent can take to avoid increasing their risk for developing preeclampsia, which includes maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy.Even though preeclampsia often cannot be prevented, the chance of developing preeclampsia can be reduced by maintaining a healthy weight. Also, it is important for the birthing parent to have regular doctor visits to identify and manage preeclampsia if it should occur.

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Placenta previa

Placenta previa is a pregnancy complication that can become severe and cause death to the birthing parent and baby if left untreated.When this condition develops the baby will often need to be delivered via c-section and cannot be delivered through vaginal delivery. In this condition, the cervix (opening to the uterus) is covered fully or partially by the placenta, and this can cause extreme bleeding throughout the pregnancy and during delivery.The cause of placenta previa is unknown. This condition is often identified on routine ultrasound, and if detected prior to 20 weeks, placenta previa has a high chance of resolving on its own. Your doctor will monitor your pregnancy closely to determine the steps necessary to keep you and your baby safe. If you experience vaginal bleeding after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is important to discuss this with your medical provider as this can be a sign of placenta previa. Due to the risks associated with this condition a delivery will often be scheduled prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy to ensure a safe birth for you and your baby.

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Shoulder dystocia

During birth, the baby may get partially stuck in the birth canal via one or both shoulders, called shoulder dystocia. This condition cannot be prevented but is sometimes seen with a small pelvis in the birthing parent, the baby in a different position, or a large birthweight baby. Although relatively uncommon, the doctor may recommend a c-section if the baby is measuring large or the doctor feels this delivery method is safer for the birthing parent and baby. This condition can cause nerve damage or fractures to the baby, and possibly tears (see below) and other damage to the birthing parent.

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Perinatal tears

During the actual birth, as the baby is proceeding through the birth canal, the baby's head may be too large, or the vagina isn't able to stretch enough for the birth, leading to tearing. Most tears during vaginal delivery will heal independently, but some may require further treatment. Tears are rated from the first to the fourth degree, depending on the extent of the tear. Tearing is common during childbirth and often cannot be prevented. Sometimes, preparing for labor and delivery through a controlled process versus a quick birth may help reduce tears.

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Abnormal fetal heart rate

Just like an adult human, it is normal for the fetus's heart rate to change during pregnancy due to changing conditions. However, an abnormal fetal heart rate can mean the baby is not getting enough oxygen or, perhaps, other conditions. Approximately 2% of pregnancies will have an abnormal fetal heart rate when the baby's heart beats too fast or too slow.

Various conditions can cause an abnormal fetal heart rate, including substance abuse in the birthing parent, hormone imbalances (such as thyroid), or infection. Once diagnosed, the fetal heart rate may just be monitored, or if late in the pregnancy and severe, the baby may be delivered via emergency c-section. If the abnormal heart rate is due to a cardiac defect in the baby, further infant care may be needed after birth.

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Excessive bleeding/hemorrhage

Post-partum hemorrhage, or PPH, is defined as a significant amount of blood loss, typically occurring in the first 24 hours after pregnancy, leading to symptoms of low blood volume in the birthing parent. These symptoms can include a high heart rate, weakness, lightheadedness, and confusion. Multiple factors can place the birthing parent at risk for PPH, including increased number of prior pregnancies, pregnancy with multiples, preeclampsia, prolonged labor, infection, and many more. Those with placenta concerns, such as placenta previa or abruption, are at the most significant risk. The risk may be higher after ac-section, and many cases of PPH occur when no risk factors are present. PPH is a serious condition for the birthing parent as they may have severe bleeding leading to death. This condition requires immediate medical care.

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Trans pregnancies

Transgender males may elect to become pregnant and carry the baby to term. Transgender males can carry a full-term healthy pregnancy if they have retained all their reproductive organs. Once pregnancy occurs, the risk is mainly to the parent carrying the child due to body dysmorphia and mental state changes. There are currently suggestions that there may be some risks to the baby if the birthing parent becomes pregnant while on testosterone therapy, but these studies and the prevalence of risks are still ongoing. Transgender males should recognize the need for a robust support system due to ongoing social stigma and other concerns that could impact the parent and the child after birth. 

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Multiple births

Multiple births put the birthing parent at increased risk of an early delivery, which puts the babies at risk of low birth weight and organs that have not yet fully formed. For the birthing parent, other risk factors exist, such as an increased chance of high blood pressure, anemia, and increased need for a c-section. For the birthing parent, other factors exist, such as an increased chance of high blood pressure, anemia, and increased need for a c-section.

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Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition when the fertilized egg is implanted in the body outside of the uterus. This pregnancy cannot be carried to term and must be removed because as the baby begins to grow, only the uterus is designed to stretch and carry the child to term. If the baby is implanted into another area of the body (the most common being the fallopian tubes), the birthing parent can experience life-threatening internal bleeding.

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Miscarriage

A miscarriage is when a pregnancy is lost spontaneously before the 20th week of pregnancy. Many miscarriages occur because something is not developing correctly in the baby. Some miscarriages occur so early that the birthing parent may not even know they are pregnant and miscarrying, and about 10-20% of known pregnancies result in miscarriage. While a miscarriage can be an emotional event, it is essential to remember this usually occurs because the baby is not developing as intended. The birthing parent may feel pain in her back or abdomen, see bleeding or spotting, or have a loss of other fluid from their vagina that indicates a miscarriage. Bleeding in early pregnancy doesn't necessarily mean miscarriage, so the birthing parent should contact their health care provider with any concerns.

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When to see a doctor

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Medical care is essential not only during pregnancy but prior. Regardless of planned or unplanned pregnancies, those wishing to carry a child should care for themselves to the greatest extent possible to prepare. Those with pre-existing conditions, concerns, or other factors which may be a risk factor for a high-risk pregnancy may need more regular medical care.

Throughout the pregnancy, at any sign of physical or mental change that is unanticipated or unexpected, the decision to contact a medical provider is warranted. During regular prenatal visits, the medical team will advise the parent when and how to contact their doctor if concerns arise.

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Start your journey to parenthood with Anja Health

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Many pregnancy complications can be prevented or risk reduced with regular doctor appointments before and during pregnancy. When beginning your journey into parenthood, be sure to utilize the resources that Anja Health offers so your child and your family remain healthy for all the years ahead.