7 Health Issues Faced by Women During Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with a pack full of problems, but it is a joyous occasion for all expectant mothers. However, there are many health issues, minor and major, that can mar the spirits and dampen the enthusiasm of these pregnant women.

While most of these symptoms could be harmless, some cannot be neglected as they could be pointers to major catastrophes waiting to happen. Symptoms like morning sickness, nausea, fatigue, heartburn, and back pain are common during pregnancy.

But there are other symptoms like bleeding during pregnancy, amniotic fluid leak, gestational diabetes, urinary tract infections that need medical attention and constant monitoring to prevent miscarriages and preterm labor.

Every mother wants a healthy baby and must do her best to keep herself and the baby safe and secure in the womb. Find out what is nagging you and make sure you address the problem to keep the baby perfectly healthy.

Common Health Issues Faced by Pregnant Women –

#Urinary Tract Infections

Pregnant women have an increased risk of contracting urinary tract infections. This is because the growing size of the uterus pushes the bladder down, making it easy for the bacteria to enter the urinary tract. The uterus could also block the flow of urine, resulting in an infection. Urinary tract infections during pregnancy have to be treated to avoid preterm labor and increased blood pressure. Many safe antibiotics are available, which can be taken with the advice of a doctor.

Symptoms include burning sensation while passing urine, lower abdominal pain, blood in urine, frequent and less urine, and in severe cases, fever, chills, nausea, and back pain when it spreads to the kidneys. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice helps in clearing UTIs. You can also add lemon juice as part of your diet if you are prone to frequent UTIs.

#Heartburn

Most women experience heartburn during the last trimester. Your baby in the womb could be exerting pressure on the stomach as she grows, pushing the stomach acids up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Pregnant women who experience heartburn must avoid spicy, fatty, and acidic food and juices that aggravate the condition. Break down your meals into several small servings. You may also avoid lying flat on the bed. Try propping your head up to prevent the reflux action. Wear maternity pants with super stretchy waistband. Chewing raw almonds will help reduce or prevent heartburn during pregnancy.

#Leg Cramps

Pregnant women experience leg cramps due to a variety of reasons. Calcium, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies can trigger leg cramps during pregnancy. Constriction of blood vessels and nerves by the pressure exerted by the fetus is another factor that causes leg cramps in pregnant women.

All deficiencies must be addressed carefully during pregnancy. Massaging the muscles helps relieve the pain, and you may also consider wearing lightweight and stretchable maternity leggings to relieve sore muscles. Taking hot showers too relieves the pain. If the problem persists even after trying simple remedies, there could be underlying causes that need medical attention.

#Bleeding Gums

Many pregnant women mostly ignore bleeding gums. But this is a severe condition as you may be putting your baby’s life in jeopardy. The increased blood circulation in the body can lead to sensitive and swollen gums and bleeding. Bacteria can enter the mother’s bloodstream through these bleeding gums, putting your baby at risk. Pregnancy-related dental problems occur in many women, especially in the first and the third trimester.

Ensure that you use a gentle brush that does not hurt your sensitive gums. Frequent brushing of teeth and flossing will keep the bacteria at bay. You can massage essential oils like spearmint, peppermint, olive, or almond oil onto your swollen and bleeding gums to soothe and ease the bruises. Practice saline rinses after every meal. Take a glass of warm water and add a pinch of salt into it. Rinse your mouth several times using this solution to prevent swelling and increase blood circulation.

#Leukorrhea

Leukorrhea or increased whitish discharge from the vagina is very common in women, pregnant or not. But during pregnancy, the secretions could increase due to the high production of estrogen in the body of pregnant women. While normal leukorrhea with a clear white discharge is not a matter of concern, other discharges could be blood-tinged, yellow, green, or pink.

These could be the results of cervical or vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, trichomonas, etc. A vaginal swab can help in analyzing the cause and treating the symptoms using safe antibiotic medications.

#Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a diabetic condition experienced during pregnancy. The condition is caused by insulin resistance that a pregnant mother experiences during her pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can be detected in the second trimester. If left untreated, it can be disastrous for the mother and the baby. The baby will grow bigger than usual and develop hypoglycemia after birth. Gestational diabetes can lead to high blood pressure in pregnant women and result in preeclampsia. They can also fall prey to type 2 diabetes afterward.

Control intake of sweets and sugar can be followed as a general rule by all pregnant women. Ensure that you are on a well-balanced diet. Natural sugars present in fruits and vegetables are a safe alternative to the sweetened products available in the market. Regular exercise helps in converting the excess glucose present in the body into energy.

#Amniotic Fluid Leak

Amniotic fluid is the fluid inside the womb which keeps the baby safe and floating. Low levels of amniotic fluid in a pregnant woman can cause complications and deformities in the fetus. Many women leak amniotic fluid during pregnancy, and this must not be confused with regular leukorrhea.

Amniotic fluid leaks can cause bacterial infections or a tear or trauma in the amniotic sac. While minor tears repair on their own, bigger tears, especially during the early months, can tamper with the development of the fetus and result in other complications like low amniotic fluid, which is dangerous for the baby.

Amniotic fluid is thinner and flows out in excess. If you see worrying leakages, immediately consult the doctor. Pregnancy is the time when you face many such minor symptoms. However, there is no need to stress yourself on every single issue. You could assess things yourself and consult a gynecologist if you feel things are getting out of hand.