Dealing With Pregnancy Problems

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Pregnant female looking at paper with medical prescriptions held by her  obstetrician

Most pregnancies progress smoothly and normally without any issues. However, it is still important to be aware of the potential problems and complications that may occur, and learn the best ways to deal with them.

Problems in Early Pregnancy

When you are early in your pregnancy, your doctor may monitor your HCG levels. There may be cause for concern if your HCG levels are not in the normal range for your confirmed gestational age. If your levels are not rising as they should or are rising too fast, there may be a problem with the pregnancy. Depending on where your HCG levels are, this could be indicative of a miscarriage, a chemical pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy or a molar pregnancy.

Miscarriage Concerns

If you are experiencing spotting or cramping in the first trimester, you may be worried about the chance of miscarriage. You should talk to your doctor to discuss your symptoms and determine if you are experiencing possible signs of a spontaneous abortion. Your doctor may recommend bed rest but unfortunately a miscarriage can still occur. If you do experience a miscarriage, he can then advise you what happens after a miscarriage and can refer you to a pregnancy loss support group if needed.

Second and Third Trimester Issues

As you progress further into your pregnancy, there are a number of conditions that could cause problems with your pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or preeclampsia, your pregnancy will then be considered high risk.

Serious Conditions

There are other serious conditions that also need to be monitored closely including an incompetent cervix, or issues with your placenta such as placenta previa or placenta separation. If you begin having contractions earlier than 37 weeks gestational age, you will need to call your doctor immediately to determine if they're Braxton Hicks contractions or if you're possibly going into premature labor.

Common Pregnancy Problems

There are also common medical problems or conditions that you may have experienced before that may need to be treated differently now that you're pregnant. It is best to discuss your concerns with your doctor since there are certain medications that need to be avoided during pregnancy. He will be able to recommend the appropriate medications you can take or ways to treat these conditions such as, pregnancy insomnia, intense headaches, a sinus infection, the flu, or if you're dealing with the discomfort of constipation or excessive diarrhea.

Best to Be Informed

It is essential to be knowledgeable and have a clear understanding of any pregnancy problems you may encounter regardless how mild or serious it may be. With proper management, and close monitoring of your pregnancy, your baby should arrive safe and healthy.

Dealing With Pregnancy Problems