Complications During Pregnancy

Every pregnancy is different. While everyone hopes for a smooth journey, not all pregnancies proceed without complications. The following are symptoms suggestive of pregnancy complications, essential screening tests, and coping strategies for emotional distress following a miscarriage.

WARNING SIGNS

Pain

Although cramping is very common during early pregnancy, consult a physician if you experience severe abdominal pain. This could be a symptom of ectopic pregnancy, threatened miscarriage, or ovarian cyst complications. If it occurs in late pregnancy, it may be a symptom of placental abruption, uterine rupture, or even labor contractions! You need to note the nature, intensity, and frequency of the pain, as well as other symptoms, to rule out non-pregnancy-related conditions such as appendicitis or urinary tract infections.

Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy is not uncommon. However, you should monitor the volume of blood, its characteristics, and the presence of associated pain. If bleeding is heavy or accompanied by severe pain, prompt medical consultation is necessary. Notably, bleeding in late pregnancy may be caused by placenta previa, placental abruption, or may indicate an increased risk of preterm labor.

Dyspnea / Chest tightness and pain

Pregnant women often experience episodes of dyspnea. This can occur even at rest. It is usually harmless and resolves spontaneously when distracted by other activities. However, if you experience chest pain and rapid, shallow breathing, consult a physician immediately to rule out underlying cardiac or pulmonary conditions.

Severe headache

Mild headaches are common during pregnancy. If you experience other symptoms, such as nausea, impaired vision, abdominal pain, or high blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia), see a doctor immediately. This could be a sign of an impending seizure (eclampsia). If it is preeclampsia, you may need to deliver early.

Vomiting

Mild nausea and vomiting are common. However, dehydration can occur if you are unable to retain food or fluids. If standard antiemetics are ineffective, seek medical attention and consider hospitalization. Severe vomiting may be an underlying sign of a bladder infection or thyroid disease.

Leg edema accompanied by pain and erythema

Most pregnant women experience lower extremity edema secondary to fluid retention. If you notice erythema and pain, it could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis. Consult a physician to rule this out. Pregnant women also carry an elevated risk of developing blood clots, which can be life-threatening if they dislodge and embolize to the lungs.

Essential screening tests during pregnancy

Your obstetrician may recommend diagnostic evaluations to ensure peace of mind and promote a safe, uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. Should any complications arise, these findings will guide you and your specialist in establishing the most appropriate clinical plan.

1. Nuchal translucency assessment

Performed during your first trimester, when you are 11 to 14 weeks pregnant. This is an ultrasound method to assess your baby's risk of Down syndrome, chromosomal abnormalities, and heart problems.

2. CTG

CTG monitoring is usually performed in the third trimester. This process helps monitor the fetal heart rate to ensure that your baby receives adequate oxygen from the placenta and tracks signs of impending labor.

3. Ultrasound

Performed throughout your pregnancy, ultrasound monitors fetal development and detects abnormalities.

4. Periodic blood tests

Blood tests are primarily performed at the end of the first trimester. These tests lay the groundwork for the remainder of the pregnancy by detecting any underlying health conditions the expectant mother may have. They include a complete blood count, blood typing, antibody screening, as well as screening for evidence of infections or gestational diabetes.

5. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)

NIPT is a relatively new screening test, also used to detect the risk of Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. This is the most accurate test for Down syndrome and can be performed earlier in your pregnancy, after about 10 weeks.

Overcoming disappointment after a miscarriage

Approximately 10 to 20 percent of recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. Nevertheless, the vast majority of early miscarriages during the first trimester are clinically unavoidable, as they most frequently stem from severe fetal chromosomal anomalies or structural malformations.

1. For mothers

Physical pain can be readily managed, but emotional trauma cannot! Some women take two weeks to recover, while others take several months, or even years. Many mothers are haunted by the events leading to their miscarriage and blame themselves; identifying and understanding the cause of miscarriage can help alleviate this psychological distress.

2. For fathers

The role of fathers is often overlooked after miscarriages. Some fathers feel indifferent, while others also feel grief. They need to understand the causes of miscarriage, which may not be due to their actions. The best way is to show empathy and overcome this psychological shock together with their wives.

Medically reviewed by Doctors Nguyen Tung Long – Internal Medicine Specialist, Sante Hospital