A pregnancy complication is any disease or condition that affects a person’s pregnancy. Getting regular prenatal care, attending all your appointments and tests and sharing your symptoms with your provider is the best thing you can do during pregnancy. Early detection and prompt treatment can help most pregnancy complications.
What causes complications during pregnancy?
Complications during pregnancy can happen for many reasons. Preexisting medical conditions or new ones (caused by being pregnant) can cause pregnancy complications.
Some common early pregnancy complications are
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Congenital disorders
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Preterm labor
- Infections
- Vaginal bleeding
- Placenta previa or placenta accreta
- Depression and anxiety
- Anemia
Who is at risk for pregnancy complications?
Anyone can be at risk for a complication during their pregnancy. Your risk is higher if you have a chronic medical condition or illness before pregnancy.
Some examples of health conditions or diseases that may cause complications during pregnancy are:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- High blood pressure
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Kidney problems
- Epilepsy
- Anemia
Many medications used to treat chronic health conditions can safely be used in pregnancy. Some medications may need more frequent monitoring during pregnancy or changes in the dose. Please check with your healthcare provider before you stop or change any of your current medications.
Other factors that may increase your risk for pregnancy complications include
- Being older than 35.
- Being younger than 20.
- Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol-containing beverages.
- Being pregnant with twins, triplets or more.
- Having a history of miscarriage.
- Having obesity.
- Having anorexia.