SAMWUMED offers expecting mothers comprehensive maternity benefits to help them and their unborn baby.
Although most pregnancies are without complications, some pregnant women experience complications that involve their health, their baby’s health, or both. Sometimes, diseases or conditions the mother had before she became pregnant can lead to complications during pregnancy. Some complications occur during delivery.
Early detection and prenatal care can reduce risks to the mother and baby.
- Common complications of pregnancy
- High blood pressure – takes place when the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the organs and the placenta are narrowed. It puts the mother at a higher risk of having the baby before the due date.
- Gestational diabetes – This is when the body cannot process sugars effectively, leading to higher-than-normal levels of sugar in the bloodstream.
- Preeclampsia – Also called toxaemia, occurs after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and causes high blood pressure and possible problems with kidneys.
- Preterm labour – Is when a mother goes into labour before week 37 of pregnancy before the baby’s organs, such as the lungs and the brain, are fully developed.
- Miscarriage – a loss of pregnancy
- Common conditions that may lead to risks
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- High blood pressure
- Infections
- Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV
- Kidney problems
- Epilepsy
- Anaemia
- Other factors that may increase your risk for complications
- Being pregnant at age 35 or older
- Being pregnant at a young age
- Having an eating disorder like anorexia
- Smoking cigarettes
- Using illegal drugs
- Drinking alcohol
- Having a history of pregnancy loss or preterm birth
- Carrying multiples, such as twins or triplets
- Avoiding the risks
Early antenatal care can reduces risks to both the mother and the unborn baby. It provides:
- The opportunity to manage existing medical conditions
- Testing and counselling
- Early recognition of danger signs in pregnancy and post delivery
- Birth preparedness
- Self-care including nutrition and high standard of hygiene
- Information on the role of the father, the male partner and the family
Sources of Information
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/delivery-complications#complications
- https://www.gov.za/pregnancy-awareness-week
