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Possible health problems during pregnancy

It’s sometimes difficult to know whether the symptoms you’re experiencing are just an everyday part of being pregnant, or if they indicate a problem. Some of the more common health issues are outlined here, but always consult your GP or midwife if you are concerned about any symptoms you are experiencing.

Pre-eclampsia

Fortunately, pre-eclampsia is usually detected early in women who get regular prenatal care, and most problems can be prevented. Most women with pre-eclampsia deliver healthy babies.

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood. This can cause low birth weight and other problems for the baby.

It affects about 10% of pregnancies and some mothers develop a related condition called eclampsia which is very serious for mother and baby. However, most cases are mild and occur close to the end of pregnancy.

What causes the condition?

The precise cause of pre-eclampsia is not known. However, some research has found that the high blood pressure symptoms are related to the health of the placenta.

What are the symptoms?

High blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy are symptoms that suggest pre-eclampsia. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are other important symptoms to look out for. Your GP checks for these symptoms at your regular health checks including a weigh-in, blood pressure reading and a urine test. This is a really good reason to keep all your prenatal appointments throughout your pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia in early pregnancy

If you aren’t near the very end of your pregnancy and you have a mild case of pre-eclampsia, your GP may try to delay delivery to give your baby more time to grow and mature.

You’ll probably be prescribed bed rest, because it’s an effective way of allowing the flow of blood to your placenta to increase. Also, resting will help to lower your blood pressure. It may sound a bit boring, but it will help to ensure that you and your baby stay as healthy as possible.

You’ll also be visited several times a week by your midwife or GP. They’ll want to check your weight, your blood pressure, urine protein levels and the general health of your baby.

How is pre-eclampsia treated in late pregnancy?

Pre-eclampsia normally occurs near the end of pregnancy, and if this is your situation it’s likely that your delivery may be speeded up. This is because after your baby is born, blood pressure usually returns to normal within a few days.

The most important thing to do is to look after your general health, get plenty of rest and attend all your check-ups. By doing these things you’ll greatly reduce the probability of pre-eclampsia being a problem.

What are the risk factors?

These are some pre-eclampsia risk factors to be aware of. However, none of these mean you will definitely have this problem, just that the risk is slightly higher:

• First child – If this is your first pregnancy – this is also the case if it’s you first pregnancy in 10 years, or your first child with a new partner.
• Your weight – If your weight has tipped over 30 on the body mass index (BMI).
• Your age – Women younger than 20 or over 35 are at increased risk.
• Twins and triplets – Pre-eclampsia is more common in women who are carrying multiple babies.
• Your family history – Find out if there’s a history of the condition in your family. Let your GP know if there is.
• Previous problems – If you’ve had pre-eclampsia before, your chances of experiencing it again are higher.
• Medical conditions – Existing problems such as kidney disease, chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis make pre-eclampsia more probable.

Breathing more easily

Breathlessness can occur in the second trimester and is usually caused by your baby pushing your uterus onto your diaphragm and towards your lungs.

However, breathlessness can also be a sign of anaemia, so if you haven’t recently had a blood test, ask for one.

If you’re asthmatic, you should discuss this condition with your GP or midwife and talk about any extra measures you should take during pregnancy.

If changes in your breathing are accompanied by chest pains, joint problems or palpitations, then call your GP or midwife straight away.

Swollen legs and ankles

Swollen legs and ankles can become a problem in the second trimester as your weight increases.

How to avoid too much swelling

Diet and hydration have a big role to play in helping you feel better, so reduce your intake of salt and drink plenty of water. Wear your most comfortable shoes, and try and put your feet up whenever possible to prevent swelling. Above head height is ideal, but even resting them on a stool or another chair when sitting will help.

Avoid sitting or standing in one place for too long, and try some exercise like a stroll or a swim to help reduce the discomfort. If you experience any sudden or severe swelling, you should report it immediately.

Cramps

It’s not clear why, but from the second trimester onwards cramps can occur during the night. They’re always a bit of a nasty surprise, and can be hard to get rid of especially when you’re reaching around the ever-increasing size of your bump to massage your legs.

To avoid the cramps, try this routine just before bed:

• Massage your legs in warm soapy water.
• Gently stretch your legs.
• Rotate the foot, first in one direction several times and then in the other.

Increasing the amount of calcium in your diet can also help – try to eat lots of dairy products and drink milk.

The potassium found in bananas can also be very effective in combating cramps.

Heartburn

Heartburn is an unpleasant form of indigestion that’s very common in pregnancy, and causes a burning sensation in the stomach and throat. It is caused by the progesterone hormone, combined with the added pressure of your growing baby.

To help ease the problem, eat smaller meals more regularly to give your stomach a chance to digest your food. Try to chew your food well, and eat in a calm environment. Also try to drink liquids separately to eating your food, and if possible rest for a few hours after you’ve eaten.

Spicy, fried and fatty foods are real culprits in causing heartburn. Fizzy drinks and those containing caffeine can also trigger heartburn symptoms and are best avoided. If you have problems at night, try sleeping using propped up pillows instead of lying flat. If your heartburn doesn’t go away, contact your GP or midwife for more advice.

Constipation

Constipation is a really common problem in pregnancy, but can come as a bit of a surprise if you’ve not really experienced it before. It’s caused by the combination of stresses your body is experiencing from hormonal changes and carrying extra weight.

It’s best to try natural solutions before taking laxative tablets. Try drinking up to eight glasses of water every day. Fibre also helps to keep your bowels moving, so fruit, vegetables and fibre based breakfast cereals are a good idea.

Exercise can also help to get things moving, so try going for a swim or a walk.

If the problem doesn’t improve, talk to your GP about laxatives that are safe to use during pregnancy.

Bleeding during pregnancy

Light bleeding from the vagina, also known as spotting, is fairly common during pregnancy but it should NEVER be ignored. It can vary in colour from red to brown and you should talk to your GP if it happens to you. You’ll need to be examined even if it’s stopped, as it could indicate a problem.

Possible causes of bleeding

There are many possible causes of spotting during pregnancy, and some are more serious than others. When the fertilised egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus, some women experience some bleeding which will only last a day or two. However, spotting can also take place if you have a vaginal infection, an inflamed cervix or a benign growth.

Spotting can also be a sign of serious problems like placenta abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterus, or premature labour, which usually occurs in the third trimester. It can also be an early sign of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, especially if you are experiencing abdominal pain or cramps.

To put your mind at rest, visit your GP. If you are in some pain as well as spotting blood let someone else know you’re worried. If you can’t see your GP quickly, do attend A&E.