Complications During Pregnancy
We all hope for uneventful pregnancies, but even the perfect ones come with some complications and discomforts. We cover the most common ones here.
- Back pain: As part of pregnancy, a woman?s body produces chemicals which relax certain muscles in the body in preparation for the birthing process. These are the same muscles that support the spine which can often results in back pain due to the reduced support.
- Heartburn: The same chemical/hormone which relaxes the back muscles, also relaxes the stomach valve which is responsible for keeping stomach acid out of the esophagus resulting in heartburn.
- Stretch marks: The rapid growth of the fetus is something that your skin may not be able to keep up with resulting in stretch marks. There are skin lotions which can help prevent or reduce the stretch marks.
- Pregnancy mask (chloasma): Pregnancy mask is the name of the hyper pigmentation process which occurs (mostly in the face) during pregnancy. This is, again, due to the increased hormonal levels in the woman's body.
- Leg cramps: Leg cramps are common during the second and third trimester and usually occur in the calves and feet. The reasons for these cramps is unknown but mild exercise and massage can help prevent or reduce their occurrence.
- Headaches & Dizziness: Increased hormone levels can result in headaches even in early parts of the pregnancy. However, dizziness is usually present after the first trimester when the fetus grows in size enough to put pressure on blood vessels and disrupt the regular flow of blood.
- Constipation & Diarrhea: As a result of the hormonal changes in your body your digestive system may experience difficulties including constipation and diarrhea.
- Swelling: The extra retained fluid during pregnancy results in swelling (called edema) which most often occurs in the hands, feet, legs, ankles and face.
- Molar pregnancy: A molar pregnancy occurs when an unviable fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus and grows into a mass. It will require medical intervention to remove the mole.
- Chloestasis: Some women may experience severe itching during the third trimester. The itching is a result of reduced bile flow from the liver caused by increased hormonal levels.