Maternal Complications

Some of the common maternal pregnancy complications include:

High blood pressure

You may have high blood pressure before pregnancy, or it can develop during your gestation. High blood pressure increases your risk of preeclampsia, a condition where your placenta separates from the wall of your uterus. Depending on your condition, you may need treatment to lower your blood pressure.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of insulin resistance that develops during the second trimester of pregnancy. Your placenta produces several hormones that interfere with the action of insulin in your cells and lead to high blood sugar levels.

Anemia

Anemia is when you have an insufficient volume of red blood cells. This can make you feel weak or tired. Our specialists may recommend iron and folic acid supplements.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Pregnancy can increase your risk of developing a UTI. Your growing baby puts extra pressure on your bladder and urethra. You may find it hard to empty your bladder completely, increasing your risk for a bacterial infection.

Weight gain

If you have an average weight, you should only gain 15-25 pounds during pregnancy. While the old wives’ tale indicates that you’re eating for two, you only need an extra 200-300 calories a day to support a healthy pregnancy. If you’re concerned about weight gain, talk to your specialist for nutrition tips.

What approaches manage maternal complications?

If you develop pregnancy complications, the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists of Southern California team offers customized treatments to manage your health. You may need more frequent prenatal checkups and additional tests to monitor your health, but with proper care, you can have a healthy pregnancy and safe labor and delivery.

What can I do to reduce my risk of maternal complications?

You should take steps to optimize your health before you get pregnant. This could include attaining a healthy body weight or getting treatment for pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure. You should always eat a nutritious diet and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise.