High-risk pregnancy is a danger that affects both the mother and the baby in the womb, especially mothers with a history of miscarriage, preterm birth, chronic diseases, or those who are younger than 15 years old or older than 40 years old. All of these have a risk of unexpected abnormalities. We will take a look at 6 pregnancy complications that mothers need to be familiar with.
- Molar pregnancy
This abnormality occurs from the fertilization between sperm and an egg without chromosomes, resulting in mostly no embryo but a cluster of cysts resembling a bunch of grapes inside the uterus. These cysts are abnormal placental tissue growth, which can cause bleeding in the abdominal cavity, and if the bleeding is severe, it can lead to loss of consciousness. This abnormality usually occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, around 10-16 weeks of gestation.
- Placenta Previa
Normally, the placenta attaches to the upper part of the uterus, but in cases of placenta previa, part of the placenta covers the cervix, causing bleeding. This abnormality often occurs in mothers who have had uterine curettage, twin pregnancies, or previous uterine tumor surgery.
- Gestational diabetes
Whether or not the mother has a history of diabetes, she can be at risk of gestational diabetes because hormones from the placenta counteract insulin, preventing the body from using sugar effectively. This can result in a large baby and may cause preterm birth or a smaller than normal baby, or in severe cases, fetal death.
- Threatened miscarriage
When there are chromosomal abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases, or congenital disabilities of the fetus, bleeding from the uterine cavity and lower abdominal pain may occur. This condition can cause fetal death, or if the fetus is still alive, close medical supervision is essential.
- Preeclampsia
This condition occurs when high blood pressure is accompanied by protein in the urine. Symptoms include swelling of the face, hands, legs, and feet, headaches, blurred vision, and it may increase the risk of preterm birth or cerebral hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening.
- Oligohydramnios
Generally, at 32-36 weeks of gestation, the amniotic fluid should be no less than 500 cc. In cases of oligohydramnios, the amniotic fluid volume is only 100-300 cc and gradually decreases until delivery. This causes the uterine cavity to be narrower than normal, affecting fetal growth, which may result in abnormal fetal shape, collapsed lungs, decreased heart rate, and in many cases, emergency cesarean section is required.
Another danger from “Depression” that should not be overlooked
Depression is another abnormality that can occur in many mothers because during pregnancy, hormonal changes, morning sickness, and stress can happen. All these factors affect the mother, especially first-time mothers who tend to be more stressed and worried, whether it is a teenage pregnancy or an older pregnancy, including concerns about raising the baby. To reduce the risk of depression, mothers should keep calm, meditate to release endorphins, and support from those around them is also a very important source of strength.
