Pregnancy is a significant and transformative time in a woman's life. While many pregnancies fortunately progress without major issues, some women may experience complications. These can include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, morning sickness, infections, and anaemia. They are often caused by factors like genetic predispositions, pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle choices, and unexpected physiological changes during pregnancy.
Although each of these conditions presents unique challenges, they can be mitigated through specific management strategies. Additionally, consulting your healthcare provider can help you further understand these complications and learn how to handle them. This way, you can alleviate anxiety and ensure a smoother, healthier pregnancy.
With all that said, here are some practical tips on handling common pregnancy complications.
Make Diet Changes and Exercise If You Have Gestational Diabetes
One of the most common pregnancy complications is gestational diabetes. There are a lot of changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy, including hormonal imbalances. As such, a pregnant woman may not be able to produce enough insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels. This condition poses risks for both the mother and baby, including increased birth weight and the potential for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
To manage gestational diabetes, it’s essential to make dietary changes. Particularly, focus on a balanced diet with low sugar intake, incorporating whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, while avoiding sugary snacks and beverages. Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, can also help regulate blood sugar levels. Moreover, monitor blood glucose levels as recommended by your healthcare provider to ensure they remain within a healthy range.
If diet and exercise are insufficient, medication may be necessary; consult your healthcare provider about insulin or other prescribed treatments that are suitable for pregnant women. More frequent health check-ups may be necessary in this scenario to assess the baby’s growth and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Manage Preeclampsia Through Diet and Ample Rest
Another complication that’s common among pregnant women is preeclampsia, which is characterised by high blood pressure. Make sure to watch out for symptoms like severe headaches, vision changes, and swelling. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications like preterm birth, organ damage, seizures, or even death.
When it comes to managing preeclampsia, begin with regular blood pressure monitoring to detect any changes as soon as possible. Also, maintain a healthy diet that’s low in sodium to help manage blood pressure. Stress management is also important; in this regard, some helpful practices for expectant moms include prenatal yoga and meditation. Finally, ensuring adequate rest can help reduce stress and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. In some cases, antihypertensive drugs may be prescribed. Remember to discuss the safety and necessity of these medications with your healthcare provider.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals to Curb Morning Sickness
Morning sickness, characterised by nausea and vomiting, is common during the first trimester of pregnancy. While it’s often mild, morning sickness can be severe for some women. A simple way to manage this condition is to eat smaller but more frequent meals and avoid spicy, fatty, or strong-smelling foods. Instead, consider eating bland foods like crackers as they help settle the stomach.
Staying hydrated is also crucial to managing morning sickness, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Try drinking ginger tea or taking B6 supplements, as ginger and vitamin B6 have been shown to help alleviate nausea. Lastly, fatigue can exacerbate nausea. Try to get as much rest as possible for your own health and the baby’s development. If the morning sickness doesn’t improve, consult your healthcare provider for the possibility of taking anti-nausea medication.
Stay Hydrated to Manage Preterm Labour
Another common pregnancy complication is preterm labour. This is when uterine contractions occur and open the cervix, usually between the 20th and 37th week of pregnancy. This condition can potentially lead to premature birth and various health risks for the baby. If you recognise early signs such as regular contractions, lower back pain, and changes in vaginal discharge, seek medical advice immediately.
You can reduce the risk of preterm contractions by staying hydrated, avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities, and resting as much as possible to avoid putting stress on your body. Make sure to get regular prenatal care to detect early signs of preterm labour and follow your healthcare provider’s advice closely.
Switch to an Iron-Rich Diet If You Have Anaemia
If you suffer from iron deficiency or anaemia during pregnancy, consider switching to an iron-rich diet. This means eating more leafy greens, lean meats, beans, and fortified cereals. Your healthcare provider may also recommend you take iron supplements. Be sure to take them as directed and inquire about taking the supplement with vitamin C to enhance absorption.
You may also be asked to take regular blood tests to monitor haemoglobin levels to manage anaemia effectively. Last but not least, it’s important to address any underlying causes of anaemia with your healthcare provider to ensure comprehensive management.
Maintain Good Hygiene to Stay Away from Infections
Infections such as urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and listeriosis are common among pregnant women and can pose various risks. Fortunately, you can prevent infections by maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding potentially contaminated foods. Staying up-to-date with recommended vaccinations can also help protect against infections.
Be sure to have regular prenatal check-ups to detect and treat infections early. If an infection occurs, consult your healthcare provider for safe antibiotics and other treatments. Additionally, minimise exposure to people who are sick to reduce the risk of infection.
Managing pregnancy complications effectively requires vigilance, proactive measures, and regular communication with healthcare providers. By following these tips and seeking professional guidance, expectant mothers can navigate pregnancy complications with confidence.