Possible Health Concerns

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy or shortly after delivery. Gestational diabetes can cause problems for both the mother and the baby including the baby growing so rapidly as to need a C-section. It can typically be treated through diet and exercise. Insulin is rarely needed. A glucola tolerance test should be done by your healthcare provider between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Women who are considered at risk for gestational diabetes are those:
  • Who become pregnant past 30 years of age
  • Are overweight
  • Have a family history of diabetes
  • Who had a previous pregnancy with gestational diabetes
  • Of African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian descent
If a woman's gestational diabetes is not kept under control, there is a chance she could have a stroke and die. Gestational diabetes can usually be prevented by proper diet and exercise before becoming pregnant.

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Hypertension/High Blood Pressure/Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the arteries in your body. When this pressure gets too high it is called hypertension. Having high blood pressure or hypertension at any age can cause health problems. Signs usually begin around 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Hypertension may narrow the blood vessels in the uterus that supply your baby with oxygen and nutrients. This causes serious risk for both you and your baby. You can be at risk for a stroke or heart attack. Your baby can be at risk for slow growth and low birth weight. There is also a much greater chance of premature birth. Also, placental abruption can happen during delivery. This happens when the placenta separates from the uterine wall causing heavy bleeding and shock. This could possibly lead to death.

These issues are very treatable and preventable with help from your doctor.

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Preeclampsia/Eclampsia/HELLP

Preeclampsia is a condition that can be diagnosed during pregnancy in which a woman has higher than normal blood pressure levels and high levels of protein found in her urine. This condition can lead to Eclampsia which is a more serious version of the same illness. A woman diagnosed with preeclampsia is also at risk for HELLP (an acronym for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count) syndrome. After 20 weeks, your physician should be able to assess whether you are at risk for preeclampsia or not.

No one knows for sure what causes Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome.

You might be at risk for these conditions if you meet the following criteria:
  • Are older than 35 or younger than 20.
  • Are African American
  • Having a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
  • Have a family history of blood pressure problems, kidney disorders, diabetes, or blood clotting disorders
  • Are overweight

These conditions can cause seizures, premature labor, future problems with your kidneys or liver, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), and possibly death to the mother and/or the fetus. These conditions also increase one’s risk for heart problems later in life.

These conditions can be treatable during pregnancy. For more information on these conditions, speak with your doctor.

Many women with preeclampsia are often given magnesium sulfate as the treatment (which can also be used to delay preterm delivery). Magnesium sulfate has the following side effects:
  • Flushing
  • Nausea
  • Vomitting
  • Palpitations
  • Headache
  • Muscle weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Constipation

If you are experiencing more severe complications, please see your doctor immediately.

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Disclaimer: This information is meant for educational purposes only and cannot replace medical advice. Contact your doctor about any concerns you have.