Pain
Many women experience aches and pains of pregnancy. From back aches to sore feet, minor discomfort during pregnancy is common. Less common painful pregnancy complications include Symphysis Pubis Separation. This is a painful condition is marked my pubic and back pain and is a result of extreme pressure on the flexible joints of the pelvis region.
Gestational Diabetes
Around 28 weeks of pregnancy most women are tested for Gestational diabetes. 4% of all pregnant women may suffer from thispregnancy complication. Gestational diabetes is when a woman has high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
Group B Strep
Up to 40% of healthy women have the presence of this bacterium in the vagina and/or lower intestines. Women are routinely screened for this pregnancy complication around week 35 of their pregnancy.
If a woman tests positive she is said to be colonized and will receive antibiotic treatment during her labor and delivery. Infants who come into contact with Group B Strep during delivery are at risk for developing severe infections.
Hypertension
Some women experience high blood pressure during pregnancy. When blood pressure readings reach 140/90 or elevate more than 30 points on the top number (systolic) and 15 points on the bottom number (diastolic) a woman may have pregnancy induced hypertension.
Preeclampsia
This pregnancy complication is marked by hypertension and protein in the urine. Each week most obstetric care providers take blood pressure readings and test for protein the urine to screen for preeclampsia. Left untreated, preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy complication that can affect the mother and baby. HELLP syndrome and toxemia are related to hypertension and preeclampsia.
Cervical Complications
An incompetent cervix is a cervix that opens prematurely and will not stay closed throughout the duration of pregnancy. Often a cerclage or stitch, it placed in the cervix to strengthen it and hold it shut during pregnancy.
Placenta Previa
Placenta Previa is when the placenta is low lying and covers part or the entire cervix. It may cause the placenta to detach from the uterus wall during labor.
Preterm Labor
Preterm labor is when labor begins before week 37 of pregnancy.
Pregnancy Loss
The loss of a pregnancy is traumatic at any stage and is the ultimate culmination of pregnancy complications. |
