Dangerous Illnesses & Complications During Pregnancy

Most pregnancies today progress with very few, if any, complications when compared with days past. Medical technology has helped to determine risk factors for certain illnesses and complications, and in many cases to eliminate them or treat them effectively. Still, bad things do sometimes happen. Some of the most dangerous illnesses and complications during pregnancy can include:

- Ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than on the inside of the womb. This is the most common cause of maternal death during the first trimester. It is not always clear why an ectopic pregnancy occurs. Some research suggests that they may be related to problems with the fallopian tubes that have been caused by infections like STDs. If an ectopic pregnancy is detected early, as it is in nine out of ten cases, the mother will be fine and can go on to have a successful subsequent pregnancy.

- Miscarriage. Miscarriage occurs when the pregnancy is terminated prior to the sixth month of pregnancy. Typically, miscarriage happens in the first trimester. Earlier miscarriages happen, generally, when the baby does not develop normally. Miscarriages that occur later in pregnancy are typically due to a problem with the placenta or with the cervix. The causes of miscarriage are not completely understood, but there are some things, such as smoking cessation, that can reduce the risk of miscarriage.

- Pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia refers to pregnancy-induced hypertension. Symptoms of preeclampsia include high blood pressure, as well as protein in the urine and fluid retention. Generally, preeclampsia occurs in the latter part of pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia is responsible for the largest number of maternal deaths over the entire course of pregnancy. If the preeclampsia is serious enough, a health care provider may proscribe medications and/or recommend an early delivery via cesarean section or induction.

- Problems with the placenta. In addition to miscarriage, problems with the placenta can cause other problems. Placenta previa, in which the placenta is low-lying and covers a part or all of the uterine opening, and placental abruption, in which the placenta separates in whole or in part from the uterine wall, are common complications. These placental problems can lead to heavy bleeding during the delivery process that can pose a threat to both the mother and the baby. Placental problems increase the risk of stillbirth due to problems with the placenta.

Other pregnancy complications that may not be as dangerous but can be rather serious can include:

- Brachial Neuralgia
- Breast Cancer
- Sciatica Neuralgia
- Meralgia Paresthetica
- Coccydynia
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Bell’s Palsy
- Headaches
- Intercostal Neuralgia.

Your health care provider can help to determine whether you are at risk for any dangerous illnesses or complications related to pregnancy, and can help to determine a proper course of treatment.

Posted in Pregnancy