4 Common Complications of Pregnancy
Some of the common complications during pregnancy are:
1. Mild Nausea and Vomiting
During the first trimester, the physiological and bio-chemical balances are often disturbed, possibly because of excessive hormone production. Gastro- intestinal upsets, including loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting are relatively frequent, loss of weight occasionally takes place because of inability to take sufficient food. Mild early morning nausea may usually be overcome by the use of high carbohydrate foods, such as rusk dry toast, hard candy, parched grains, eaten before rising may be of help. Small frequent, meals rather than large ones are preferable. Fluids should be taken between meals, rather than at meal time. Fatty foods, such as fried foods, deserts, sweets, excessive seasoning, coffee and strongly flavoured vegetables may be restricted or eliminated if nausea persists.
2. Constipation
The occurrence of constipation, especially during the latter half of pregnancy is common. The contributing factors may be the amount of pressure exerted by the developing foetus on the digestive tract, the limitation of exercise and insufficient bulk. Restrictions of physical activity is not advisable as exercise not only helps elimination, but also keeps the body fit.
3. Heart Burn / Gastric Pressure
Sometimes pregnant women complain about a ‘feeling of fullness’ or ‘heart burn’. Such complaints or discomforts are generally felt after meals. These are usually due to pressure of the enlarging uterus crowding the stomach, therefore causing difficulty in after eating. Food mixtures may sometimes be pushed back to the lower oesophagus, causing a burning sensation due to gastric acid mixed with the food mass. Evidently, this complaint has nothing to do with the heart itself. This feeling is only due to closeness of lower oesophagus to the heart. The feeling can be avoided by taking small frequent meals.
4. Toxemia
The term toxemia means a combination of symptoms including hypertention, oedema and albuminuria. Preclampsia is the appearance of hypertention, oedema of the face and hands, and/or albuminuria about the twentieth week of pregnancy. It should be suspected when there is a sudden gain in weight, including fluid retention, rather than tissue building. Eclampsia is the end result of preclampsia and it includes earlier symptoms, but may culminate in convulsions. Protein and calorie restriction are no longer recommended, and sodium restriction should be used with caution.