During pregnancy, complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or placenta previa, among others, can arise that can endanger the health of the mother and baby. This is why it is so important to go to all the obstetrician’s check-ups during the gestation period in order to be able to monitor the pregnancy properly. 8 common diseases during pregnancy..
In these periodic consultations, possible health problems can be identified early on so that the necessary measures can be taken to protect the health of the mother and the developing fetus. In this article, Dr. Alicia Rodríguez Zurita, a gynecologist and obstetrician specializing in high-risk pregnancies at Ginefem, explains the most common diseases and complications that can develop during pregnancy.
1- Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are too high during pregnancy. The condition is most often detected when the initial glucose overload test known as the O’Sullivan test is performed around 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, followed, if positive, by a confirmatory or diagnostic test.
Gestational diabetes increases the risk of other conditions, such as:
Macrosomia: when the baby is too large.
Preeclampsia: a condition marked by a sudden increase in the pregnant woman’s blood pressure.
Cesarean section
Treatment of gestational diabetes includes controlling blood sugar levels through a healthy diet and exercise, and through medications such as insulin if blood sugar levels remain high. (diseases during pregnancy)
2- Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia (PE) is the increase in blood pressure associated with the appearance of protein in the urine that occurs after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Early PE is that which begins before 34 weeks of gestation, is usually of greater severity and is associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications, requiring termination of gestation before term. Other times, the syndrome is of late onset, less severe and leads to induction of labor, usually at term.
The clinical course of preeclampsia is variable and can cause symptoms ranging from mild symptoms such as swelling of the hands and face to more severe ones such as abdominal pain, blurred vision, dizziness and headaches. In some cases, the pregnant woman may suffer seizures, which is called eclampsia.
There is no treatment for preeclampsia, only termination of pregnancy. However, there is a way to reduce its occurrence by taking medications such as aspirin in high-risk patients determined during the 11-13+6 week ultrasound. (diseases during pregnancy)
3- Placenta previa
This condition occurs when the placenta covers part of the opening of the cervix inside the uterus, which can cause painless bleeding during the second and third trimester. In addition, problems with the placenta can affect the way the baby is delivered.
In cases of placenta previa, the specialist may recommend rest, and if bleeding is heavy and continuous, hospitalization may be necessary. (diseases during pregnancy)
4- Placental abruption
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the inner uterine wall, which may cause bleeding, contractions or uterine tenderness.
Treatment will depend on the severity of the detachment, which may be mild, moderate or severe, and how far along the pregnancy is. In severe cases, when the fetus cannot receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs to survive, premature delivery may be required. (diseases during pregnancy)
5- Hyperemesis gravidarum
Nausea and vomiting is a very common clinical condition in pregnancy. However, some pregnant women experience severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that goes beyond the typical “morning sickness“. This serious condition leads, if not treated in time, to nutritional deficit and significant weight loss. Often, this condition disappears around the 20th week of pregnancy.
The specialist may prescribe medication to help control nausea. In some cases, women with hyperemesis gravidarum may require hospitalization to receive the fluids and nutrients they need through a catheter in a vein. (diseases during pregnancy)
6- Iron deficiency anemia
If you are pregnant, you are at increased risk for iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells that carry the right amount of oxygen to the body’s tissues.
During pregnancy, you need to double the amount of iron to make more blood and supply more oxygen to your baby. If you do not have enough iron stores or do not consume enough iron during pregnancy, you can develop iron deficiency anemia.
Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, weakness, pallor, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, headache, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and cold hands and feet.
Severe anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight and postpartum depression. If you suffer from this type of anemia, your specialist may recommend iron supplements. (diseases during pregnancy)
7- Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is perhaps the most common medical complication that occurs during pregnancy and can have a significant impact on both the mother and the outcome of the pregnancy.
From the clinical point of view, it can present itself either as an infection without symptoms or with symptoms such as pain or burning when urinating, fever, tiredness, tremors, urges to urinate, pressure in the lower abdomen, strong-smelling, cloudy or reddish urine, nausea or back pain. In these cases, the pregnant woman should have a urinalysis to confirm or rule out a possible infection.
In addition, since an infection without symptoms can develop into a serious complication, it is recommended that all pregnant women have a urine culture in the first trimester to rule out infection. (diseases during pregnancy)
8- Hypothyroidism
Pregnancy has a significant influence on the function of the thyroid gland. A normally functioning thyroid with an adequate iodine supply adapts to the new requirements by increasing hormone production. In pregnant women with a previous limited thyroid reserve or in case of an iodine deficient diet, pregnancy can lead to hypothyroidism.
As this is a common disease, for which an effective and risk-free treatment is available, it is recommended that all pregnant women have their thyroid function evaluated by performing a thyroid test before the 10th week of pregnancy. (diseases during pregnancy)
