6 Conditions That Cause Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy is an inspiring adventure for women. With new life comes an array of exciting new life adjustments. However, pregnancy can also bring many physical, emotional, and hormonal changes and sometimes even complications. Pregnancy complications are relatively common, but it’s normal for them to spark some stress and anxiety. 

Numerous factors, including age, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions, can cause complications. Let’s delve deeper into the details.

‍The Need-to-Knows of a Geriatric Pregnancy

Understanding pregnancy complications can alleviate stress and strain for new mothers-to-be. If you can identify the issues and work with your healthcare provider, you’ll be able to mitigate the risks and create a stress-free environment. 

1. Age

The first factor that may cause pregnancy complications is age. Age is a significant factor in getting pregnant. Women over 35 are identified as having a geriatric pregnancy. When you’re over 35, there is a higher risk for complications such as:

• Likeliness to have underlying health conditions 
• Fertility issues
• Miscarriage
• Preterm labor
• Pre-eclampsia
• Gestational diabetes
• Chromosomal conditions

In some cases, women may also have a difficult time during labor and delivery and need additional medical assistance. 

All of this said, having a trustworthy healthcare provider is of the utmost importance. They’ll help you determine potential complications, reduce risks, and have less strain during pregnancy. 

‍Pregnancy Spotting and More

In addition to age, here are five more conditions that can cause pregnancy complications. 

2. Pregnancy Spotting

Some women experience light bleeding or spotting during their pregnancy. Though a common occurrence, pregnancy spotting should be addressed with care and concern. Spotting can happen due to cervical infections or implantation bleeding after conception. In more severe cases, it could be a sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.

If you’re experiencing spotting, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider to determine the cause.

‍3. Lifestyle 

Your lifestyle is a huge factor in your pregnancy. You’ll want to evaluate your habits before deciding to get pregnant. What patterns or habits do you want to do away with during pregnancy? This can include smoking cigarettes, using drugs, and consuming alcohol. 

These habits have severe impacts on the baby. They can even potentially increase the risk of congenital disabilities, low birth weight, and premature birth.  

4. Obesity 

Obesity is another significant risk factor in pregnancy. It increases the risks of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and cesarean deliveries. In some cases, it may even lead to a stillbirth. 

Obesity during pregnancy can also mean that you’ll be interacting with healthcare staff and medical providers more frequently. It’ll also result in a more extended hospital stay during delivery. 

Maintaining a healthy weight before getting pregnant is a surefire way to minimize complications and ensure your and your baby's health. 

5. Underlying Health Conditions

Underlying health conditions are the most typical risk factor for pregnancy. Diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders are all conditions that can affect a healthy pregnancy for both the mother and the fetus. 

With a reliable medical team, they’ll help you manage your health conditions. They’ll also manage serious complications and even help to avoid pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm labor. 

‍6. Mental Health Conditions

It’s normal for women to experience depression during or after pregnancy. Conditions such as postpartum depression (PPD) make it hard for mothers to feel good and care for their new babies. Symptoms of depression include:

• Changes in appetite and sleep
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Suicidal thoughts

Disclosing this information to your medical team will ensure that you have a personalized management plan. If you’ve struggled with depression pre-pregnancy, it’s also important to disclose that to your team.

‍Find a Trustworthy Medical Team

A variety of factors cause pregnancy complications. A trustworthy medical team will assist you in understanding these conditions, identifying potential issues, and minimizing risks.

Here at BASS Medical Group, we work closely with patients to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby. Our professional medical staff is equipped to aid you in a stress-free pregnancy. 

‍Reach out today to find the medical team right for you!

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