6 Pregnancy Complications You Should Know AboutBy Jenny Ferguson [Health & Your Life]
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Which disease can you develop by simply sharing your body with a baby? Jenny Ferguson shares the details of some common pregnancy risks.  If you are planning on having children at some point in your life, you should be aware of the risks involved. Pregnancy is a time when your body will be changing quickly and there are many complications that can arise.PIH During pregnancy, there is a chance that your blood pressure may rise significantly. That’s why your doctor or midwife checks your blood pressure regularly at appointments. PIH, or Pregnancy Induced Hypertension, is a rise in blood pressure that affects 5 to 8 per cent of pregnant women. Although there is no cure for PIH, it can be managed through blood pressure medications and will resolve itself after the delivery of the baby. Sometimes your baby has to be delivered pre-term because the risks associated with the increase in blood pressure outweigh the benefits to your baby staying in the uterus. If you feel unwell, develop a severe headache or notice excessive swelling, you should contact your health care provider immediately as these may be signs of PIH. Your doctor will test your urine to see if there is protein present. Constipation Some 30 to 40 per cent of women will experience constipation during their pregnancy. Eat food high in fibre (whole grains, fruits and vegetables) and drink plenty of water (6 to 8 glasses per day) to help relieve the symptoms. Some people swear by prune juice, so give it a try. Also, exercise will help relieve constipation and it's healthy during pregnancy. Take every opportunity to go for a walk. Talk to your doctor or midwife as they’ll be able to suggest ways to help get regular while your body is busy growing a baby. Don’t self medicate using laxatives without consulting your care provider. |
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