What are pregnancy complications?
During pregnancy, some women may experience health problems that can impact the well-being of either
the mother, the foetus, or both. Even those who were healthy before becoming pregnant may face these
complications, which could classify the pregnancy as
high-risk.
What are the common pregnancy-induced complications?
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
- Gestational
diabetes is a condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels that arise
specifically during pregnancy and typically resolve after childbirth.
- While it can occur at any point during pregnancy, gestational diabetes tends to be more
prevalent in the second or third trimester.
- Most women with gestational diabetes experience otherwise normal pregnancies and give birth to
healthy babies.
High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure in the arteries builds up to levels greater
than normal.
- Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy characterised by high blood
pressure, high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria), or other signs of organ
damage.
- Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure was
previously normal.
- Preeclampsia can lead to severe complications for both mother and baby. For the baby, it can
reduce the amount of the mother's blood flow to the placenta, causing the baby's growth to be
restricted.
Placental issues
- The placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy and provides vital support and nutrients
to the developing foetus. It forms inside the uterus and attaches to the uterine wall, allowing
the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the mother and baby.
- Placental issues such as placenta previa, a
condition in which the placenta covers the opening of the cervix, may occur during pregnancy.
Depending on how much the placenta covers the cervix, placenta previa ranges from mild to
severe. In some cases, this condition can lead to some complications during pregnancy and
childbirth.
- Placental abruption is a condition where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before the
baby is born, potentially leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the foetus.
Anaemia
- Anaemia in
pregnancy is a condition in which a pregnant woman has low levels of haemoglobin in her
blood. Haemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues
throughout the body, including the developing foetus.
- Anaemia during pregnancy can impact foetal growth and development, potentially leading to lower
birth weight due to a reduction in oxygen supply to the foetus, premature birth, and
complications during pregnancy.
Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Many pregnant mothers experience varying degrees of nausea and vomiting, commonly known as "morning
sickness," particularly in the initial trimester of pregnancy.
- Hyperemesis gravidarum, on the other hand, represents a more severe form of this condition
– persistent nausea and vomiting throughout pregnancy. This can result in weight loss and
dehydration, necessitating intensive treatment.
Preterm labour
- An average pregnancy spans approximately 40 weeks, while preterm labour initiates before the
37th week.
Miscarriage
- Miscarriage
refers to the loss of a pregnancy due to natural causes before reaching 20 weeks of gestation.
- Signs of a miscarriage may include symptoms like vaginal spotting or bleeding, cramping, or the
passage of fluid or tissue from the vagina.
- It is important to note that vaginal bleeding does not necessarily indicate that a miscarriage
is imminent or occurring. However, women who experience vaginal bleeding at any stage of their
pregnancy should promptly contact their doctor.
Infections during pregnancy
Certain infections can be transmitted from a mother to her newborn during childbirth as the infant
travels through the birth canal, while some infections can also affect the foetus during pregnancy.
Many of these infections can be prevented or managed through the proper pre-pregnancy, prenatal and
postpartum care.
Accessing the necessary care and treatment to prevent transmission of the infection to the infant
while improving the mother's health begins with infection screening.
It is advisable that all expectant women undergo prenatal screening for the following infections:
hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, syphilis, and HIV. Some at-risk women are advised to undergo
screening for additional infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and tuberculosis.
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Group B strep (GBS)
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
- Influenza (flu)
- Listeriosis
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Toxoplasmosis
- Yeast infection
How are pregnancy complications managed?
During pregnancy, it is important not to hesitate to reach out to your doctor if something is
worrying you. Regardless of the prevalence of the complication, there are ways to manage the issues
that develop during pregnancy.
Why is prenatal care important to avoid pregnancy complications?
Prenatal care is the care
you receive during pregnancy, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring the health of both you and
your baby. Prenatal care is instrumental in preventing complications. Babies born to mothers who do
not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have low birth weight and five times more
likely to face mortality compared to those born to mothers who receive proper care.
Regular prenatal visits with doctors allow for the early detection of health issues, enabling early
intervention and treatment. Many problems can be effectively treated, and others can be prevented
through timely medical attention.
Additionally, doctors can guide expectant mothers on how to promote a healthy start to life for their
unborn babies. Prenatal care can also play a role in recognising mental health issues associated
with pregnancy, such as anxiety and depression.
Typically, your doctor will provide you with a schedule for prenatal visits, and most doctors
recommend the following visit frequency:
- Approximately once a month from weeks 4 through 28 of pregnancy.
- Twice a month from weeks 28 through 36.
- Weekly from week 36 until childbirth.
- If you are 35 years or older or your pregnancy is considered high-risk, you may need to visit
your doctor more frequently to ensure the well-being of both you and your baby.
Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals
Each pregnancy is unique. Regular prenatal appointments and open communication with your doctor are
crucial for monitoring your health and addressing any concerns throughout pregnancy.
A dedicated and expert team of Obstetricians
and Gynaecologists at Pantai Hospital is available for consultation to provide patients with
the best care and assistance. Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have any
questions about pregnancy complications.
Pantai Hospital has been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its
commitment to patient safety and service quality.