4 Health Conditions That You Can Develop When Pregnant: The Definitive Guide

Becoming pregnant is a life-changing experience. It can be exciting and overwhelming, but it also comes with its share of risks and dangers. There are many complications that can arise and affect your health and the health of your unborn baby, and many women don’t know that pregnancy increases the risk of developing certain health conditions, like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. It’s essential to be aware of the different conditions that you could develop during pregnancy and how to manage them. In an ideal world, all pregnancy complications would be caught early and medically managed to ensure a healthy mum and baby. In the rare and tragic circumstance when this isn’t the case, getting legal assistance from firms like gadsbywicks.co.uk is an option you may wish to explore. This article will outline some of the more common pregnancy complications:

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a relatively common complication during pregnancy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, causing the blood sugar to rise to an unhealthy level. If you have diabetes in pregnancy, it increases your risk of developing other health complications for both you and your baby.

One of the most common complications that can arise from gestational diabetes is preeclampsia. The two conditions often occur together and share similar symptoms, but they’re different in how they affect a mother’s health and her unborn child’s health. For more information on what signs to look out for, check out the expert advice from the London Diabetes Centre and their article explaining the symptoms of diabetes in pregnancy. Ensure you’re aware of the risks and steps you may need to take in regards to diabetes before you’re pregnant or during.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure during pregnancy increases the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other problems. Normal blood pressure during pregnancy usually ranges from 110/70 to 140/90 mm Hg. High blood pressure is generally defined as 140/90 mmHg or higher; however, any reading higher than 140/90 mm Hg may need further investigation.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that leads to high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It’s also considered a rare condition that usually only happens to pregnant women after 20 weeks. Preeclampsia is most common in women who are pregnant with their first child, those who are older than thirty-five years old, and those who have high blood pressure before they become pregnant.

Preeclampsia can be severe and life-threatening for both the mother and the unborn baby. Some of the symptoms of preeclampsia include:

• Severe headaches
• Extreme swelling around the face, hands, ankles, feet, or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal pain (especially upper-right side) without bleeding

If you experience any of these symptoms during your pregnancy, it’s essential to contact your obstetrician as soon as possible. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan so that you can have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Placental Abruption

Placental abruption is a condition that occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterus before birth. It can be dangerous for both you and your baby, as it can lead to excessive bleeding, premature labour, or even stillbirth.

Some women who have experienced placental abruption will have no warning signs or symptoms. Others may experience pain in the abdomen, sudden contractions, bleeding, or vaginal discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms during pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately.