Pregnancy is such a meaningful and exciting life event that a woman can overlook or downplay some of the physical and psychological challenges that come from being pregnant. Being pregnant increases the risk of certain health issues and creates others. While most of the problems discussed here are rare, or minor, being aware and alert is valuable.
To support overall wellness during this time, many women turn to supplements for vaginal health. These supplements can help maintain a balanced microbiome and promote comfort throughout pregnancy.
To manage the anxiety associated with pregnancy and to avoid big health risks, expert medical care is a must. Seek prenatal care from medical providers at free women’s clinic Cicero, IL, or a similar location, but also educate yourself.
Physical Health Challenges
Even if you have never been pregnant you probably know about some of the physical changes or problems to expect. The National Institutes of Health outline a variety of physical and mental health issues that often come with pregnancy. Some of the health issues that come with pregnancy are a direct risk to the mother, but most can also harm the fetus as well.
Some of the problems are well known, but some are not. Weight gain, for example, is a standard part of pregnancy. Ask your healthcare provider what to expect and how much weight gain is too much. So is the risk of miscarriage or other fetal health problems. Other physical health problems may be less well known.
- Iron deficiency anemia – While pregnant your white blood cell count can drop due to a lack of iron, which is why this pregnancy risk is called iron deficiency anemia.
- Gestational diabetes – Rising blood sugar can induce a form of diabetes during pregnancy.
- High blood pressure – This temporary problem requires careful monitoring because it raises the risk of preeclampsia.
- Preeclampsia – This is a sudden spike in blood pressure that poses a threat to both mother and fetus. Higher blood pressure diverts oxygen and nutrients away from the fetus. The mother is also at increased risk of organ failure, stroke, pregnancy loss, and death.
- Eclampsia – Preecamplsia can sometimes lead to seizures, a coma, and death.
- Infections – Sexually transmitted diseases, HPV, toxoplasmosis, Lyme disease, rubella, and listeria all pose threats to both mother and baby.
- Increased Risk of Gum Disease – The hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, particularly elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen, can make gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation. According to this professional dentist in Gloucester VA, this condition, known as pregnancy gingivitis, can cause swollen, tender, and bleeding gums. If untreated, it can progress to more severe forms of gum disease, like periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
Most of these issues are rare and some are easily treated or prevented with supplements, regular medical care, and good personal habits such as using safer sex practices while pregnant.
This list of physical health risks drives home the fact that regular checkups and good personal habits are important to a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Pregnant women should not ignore the mental aspect of pregnancy.
Mental Health
Pregnancy affects the mind almost as much as it affects the body. Anxiety and depression are not that unusual. Your body is undergoing numerous changes, including changes in hormone levels. You are thinking about the practical challenges of being a mother. Pregnant women usually experience some anxiety, just because so much happening. Depression during pregnancy is a significant health risk because moderate and severe depression reduces your ability and desire to practice effective self-care. Depression can lead to substance abuse as well.