Female 1: When you are pregnant, all you want is to deliver a healthy baby, and you probably will. Complications are not in fact, all of that common at all.
Female 2: Pregnancy complications are rare but they do happen. And when you consider all the parts that contribute to your pregnancy, fetus, amniotic fluid, placenta, umbilical cord, it is amazing that they do not happen more often.
One group of complications stems from the amniotic fluid. Oligohydramnios, which occurs in 4% to 8% of pregnancies, is a condition in which there is not enough fluids surrounding the baby. On the other hand, when there is too much fluid in the amniotic sac, the condition is called hydramnios or polyhydramnios. Both really have symptoms and it will be discovered during a standard prenatal exam. In 1% to 2% of pregnancies, the amniotic sac may become infected with bacteria.
The main symptoms of corioamnionitis as this is known, are a fever and labor, and vaginal leaking of odorous amniotic fluid. Generally, women diagnosed with corioamnionitis are given antibiotics. Once born, the baby will also likely take a course of medication.
Another pregnancy complication is pre-eclampsia, which is a sudden onset of high blood pressure and swelling. Five to ten percent of pregnant moms experienced pre-eclampsia. If left untreated, this condition can lead to pregnancy seizures called eclampsia. A serious condition, which occurs in 1 of 2000 pregnancies. Eclampsia can be life threatening to the mother, and requires immediate delivery of the baby.
Gestational diabetes affects 4% to 7% of moms to be. This condition occurs when a woman’s body does not produce enough insulin to keep up with the higher demand, resulting in increased blood sugar. Generally, gestational diabetes can be controlled with diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring. But if left untreated, the baby can grow too large and cause the delivery difficulties.
Another complication, which strikes 1 in 200 pregnancies is placenta previa whereby the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. Placenta previa is diagnosed in routine ultrasounds and can manifest as bleeding late in the pregnancy. The condition is managed with a schedule of C-Section prior to the unset of labor.
While this and other complications can occur, they are rare and not something to worry about. With monitoring and healthy habits, there is every likelihood that you will deliver a healthy baby.
Female 1: Want to learn more? Check out other videos and sources on this site for information.
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