Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy complications are difficult events, or happenings, that can take place in different phases of a pregnancy. Some actually happen after you give birth. Many times, they are unpredictable. Knowing all possible risk factors that may apply to your own health during your pregnancy is a surefire way to help prevent possible complications.

Placenta previa is a rare, but serious condition that can occur. This is when the cervix is blocked by the placenta. It can be harmful to both mother and child. There are a variety of problems that you can encounter while pregnant. Some are related to genetics; such as Trisomy, and others in which can be treated if detected early enough. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is a pregnancy complication that should be tested starting from your first prenatal visit, and continue on throughout. Anxiety during pregnancy is a common complication that can start as early as conception.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Symptom	When It Occurs	What Causes It to Occur During Pregnancy	Other Possible Causes
A missed period	Around the time that your period is due.	Rising levels of progesterone fully suppress your menstrual period.	Jet lag, extreme weight loss or gain, a change in climate, a chronic disease such as diabetes or tuberculosis, severe illness, surgery, shock, bereavement, or other sources of stress.
A lighter-than-average period	Around the time that your period is due.	Your progesterone levels are rising, but they are still not high enough to fully suppress your menstrual period.	May also be experienced by birth control pill users.
A small amount of spotting	Approximately 1 week after conception.	This type of spotting may occur when the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall about a week after conception has occurred.	May be experienced by users of birth control pills and women with fibroids or infections. Some women routinely experience midcycle spotting.
Abdominal cramping (periodlike cramping in the lower abdomen and pelvis and/or bloating and gassiness)	Around the time that your period is due.	Abdominal cramping may be triggered by the hormonal changes of early pregnancy. Some women describe this cramping as a feeling like their period is about to start.	PMS, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome.
Breast tenderness and enlargement	Breast tenderness can set in as early as a few days after conception; It doesn't typically last beyond the first trimester.	Breast tenderness and enlargement are caused by the hormonal changes of early pregnancy. You may also notice some changes to the appearance of your breasts: the areola may begin to darken and the tiny glands on the areola may begin to enlarge.	Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), excessive caffeine intake, or fibrocystic breast disease.
Morning sickness (a catchall term that is used to describe everything from mild nausea to severe vomiting that can lead to dehydration)	2 to 8 weeks after conception.	Scientists believe that morning sickness is somehow linked to high levels of progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), but they aren't sure of the particular mechanisms involved.	Flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses.
Food aversions and cravings (e.g., a metallic taste in the mouth and/or a craving for certain types of foods)	2 to 8 weeks after conception.	Food aversions and cravings are triggered by the hormonal changes of early pregnancy.	Poor diet, stress, or PMS.
Heightened sense of smell	2 to 8 weeks after conception.	The heightened sense of smell that many pregnant women experience is the result of the hormonal changes of early pregnancy.	Illness.
Increased need to urinate	As early as 2 to 3 weeks after conception.	The increased need to urinate is triggered by increased blood flow intake.	A urinary tract infection, uterine fibroids, or excessive caffeine to the pelvic region and by the production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during early pregnancy.
Constipation	As early as 2 to 3 weeks after conception	Progesterone relaxes the intestinal muscles, resulting in varying degrees of constipation.	Inadequate intake of high-fiber foods or inadequate consumption of fluids.

Bleeding in the First Half of Pregnancy

Bleeding in the First Half of Pregnancy:

Bleeding in pregnancy can be extremely alarming upon first finding out that we are expecting. Here are some possible reasons for spotting during early pregnancy.

• Implantation Bleeding. A normal symptom of early pregnancy. Occurs 5-12 days after conception. Implantation is experienced differently for each woman.

• Infection in the pelvic cavity or urinary tract.

• Bleeding after Intercourse. The cervix is very sensitive. Normal intercourse does not cause a miscarriage. Be sure you know what can contribute to miscarriage ahead of time. Discontinue intercourse until you consult your physician if you experience any amount of vaginal bleeding after intercourse to prevent further irritation.

Bleeding in the Second Half of Pregnancy:
Any bleeding in pregnancy can be scary. In the second half of pregnancy, minor bleeding can be caused by an inflamed cervix or growths on the cervix. Bleeding in the late part may also pose a threat to the health of the fetus or the mother. Be sure to be in touch with your physician if you experience any bleeding in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. All bleeding in pregnancy should be reported to your doctor.

Placental or Placenta Abruption:
When the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before or during labor, placental abruption occurs. This happens to 1% of pregnant woman and usually occurs during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy.

What are the signs of Placental Abruption?
- Bleeding
- Pain in stomach

Who is at risk for Placental Abruption?
- Women over the age of 35
- Women who have already had children
- Women who have had an abruption in the past
- Women who have sickle cell anemia
- Women who have high blood pressure
- Women who have had trauma or injuries to their stomach area
- Woman who use drugs/cocaine

Placenta Previa:
When the placenta lies low in the uterus, placenta previa is occuring. This is a serious condition that requires immediate care. Positioning of the placenta will often partially or completely cover the cervix. Placenta previa occurs in 1 in 200 pregnancies. There usually is no pain associated with placenta previa.

Who is at risk for Placenta Previa?
- Women who have already had children
- Women who have had a previous cesarean birth
- Women who have had previous surgery on uterus
- Women who are pregnant with multiples

Preterm Labor:
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy can be a sign of labor. A few weeks before labor starts, the mucus plug may dislodge and pass. This is usually made up of mucus and blood. When this happens, this can mean that preterm labor may begin in the very near future. Preterm labor occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy.

What are the signs of Preterm Labor?
- Vaginal discharge. This can be watery, mucus, or bloody.
- Lower abdominal/ pelvic pressure
- Low, dull backache
- Cramping in stomach either with or without diarrhea
- Consistent Uterine tightening or contractions