What to expect when you’re expecting: health risks during pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a really joyful time. However, while most pregnancies are relatively straightforward, some women do experience some health complications.

Regular prenatal visits can help identify any potential health problems early on, but also being aware of the symptoms of these conditions can help you get the treatment you need as early as possible.  

 

Anaemia

Anaemia is when you have a lower than normal number of healthy red blood cells. Mild anaemia is common during pregnancy, meaning that you might feel a little tired. However, if you have severe anaemia you are likely to feel constantly out of breath, weak, dizzy irritable or find it hard to concentrate. You might also notice that your heart is racing. 

If you experience any of these symptoms you should consult your doctor so that they can monitor your iron levels. You may be prescribed iron or folic acid supplements. Make sure you consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes affects between 12 per cent to 14 per cent of expecting mothers and occurs when blood-sugar levels rise as the body becomes insensitive to insulin. The condition usually comes on between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy and expecting mothers will typically be screened for the issue at this point.

Some factors that might put you at higher risk of gestational diabetes include:

• If you are aged 40 or over
• If you have a family history of Type 2 diabetes or a first-degree relative had gestational diabetes
• If you are above the health weight range
• If you are a PCOS sufferer
• If you are from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Melanesian, Polynesia, Chinese, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern or Indian background.

Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes can be upsetting. However, it’s important to remember that most women with gestational diabetes will have a healthy pregnancy, birth and child. Treatment is usually a healthy eating plan, regular physical activity and monitoring and maintaining your blood glucose levels during pregnancy. 

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is the most common, serious medical complication of pregnancy and affects around 5-8 per cent of all pregnancies in Australia. In 1-2 per cent of cases it is severe enough to threaten the life of both the mother and unborn child.

Pre-eclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It can develop during the second half of pregnancy but commonly develops during the later stage of pregnancy. 

Some early symptoms of pre-eclampsia are also typical of normal pregnancy, meaning that some women dismiss the early warning signs. That’s why it’s important to attend regular antenatal blood pressure checks.

If left untreated pre eclampsia can cause serious problems such as kidney or liver failure and in some cases death. The good news is that if you are diagnosed with pre-eclampsia your doctor will be able to monitor your condition and advise on any required treatment.  Once the baby is born and placenta is delivered, your blood pressure should go back to normal. 

If you are at all worried speak to your GP, they will be able to reassure you and offer support.

Depression

Having a baby is such an exciting time, however many mothers to be also feel worried or anxious about the journey ahead. 

This is completely understandable however in some cases this anxiety might be something more serious. 10-15 per cent of women are diagnosed with depression during pregnancy and the postnatal period with it most commonly occurring in the first few weeks after the baby’s birth.

Depression looks different for everyone however signs that you might be suffering from depression can include: 

• Feeling miserable consistently throughout the day and for most days of the week
• Feeling irritable, angry or anxious regularly
• Crying a lot or for no apparent reason
• A loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
• Reduced appetite or desire to overeat
• Preoccupation with morbid thoughts or thoughts about bad things happening to your baby or your pregnancy. 

If you think you might be suffering from depression, the most important thing is to tell someone how you are feeling. Speaking to your GP is the best way to get the treatment that you need. They will be able to advise on next steps and refer you for psychological support if needed. 

The most important thing to remember is that whilst there are health risks with any pregnancy, even women that need to be treated for a health condition usually go on to have a perfectly healthy baby. If you are feeling worried, concerned or notice any of the symptoms mentioned in this article the best thing you can do is speak with your GP who will be able to advise you on next steps. 

 

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