7 Most Common Diseases In Pregnancy
Our body is transformed and prepares for the development of a new life. These changes can cause certain very common illnesses during pregnancy. Avoiding them is possible with a healthy life and some advice.
Pregnancy and illness are words contrary to the miracle of life that is being created in the body and spirit of women. However, sadly, there are more common illnesses in pregnancy than in other periods of life. Although they can be avoided with a healthy lifestyle, it does not hurt to know them and be forewarned.
An ideal pregnancy is one that keeps the expectation and joyful excitement that the arrival of a child brings intact. Imagining the baby, giving him a name, planning his space in the home, are the main occupations of the mother.
Suffering from any of the gestational diseases can disrupt the experience, because it requires us to divert attention from the illusion towards caring for and preserving our own health. But above all, to avoid possible risks to the new being who is in training.
7 most common diseases in pregnancy
The most common diseases in pregnancy are typical of the state of pregnancy. They can generally be kept in check with a balanced diet, physical exercise, and peace of mind.
There are others that may require medication and close medical monitoring. We are going to review the most frequent complications that can arise while you are waiting for the baby.
1. Hyperemesis gravidarum
It is a bombastic name and almost unpronounceable. It is funny to know that what he is referring to is the classic nausea and vomiting that accompanies the awakenings of almost every pregnant woman during her first and last three months.
Only that this disease refers to what mothers live who can vomit intensely and persistently, up to 30 times or more in a single day.
“A pregnant girl came to the office who vomited so often that she carried a plastic container with her where she collected the little liquid that caused her nausea,” says a mother who was impressed with the case.
“She was pale and almost without a belly,” she says, “as if resigned to spitting at all times, while she waited for her turn at the consultation.”
The cause of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is believed to be the rapid increase in blood levels of a hormone called HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is released by the placenta.
This is one of the most common diseases in pregnancy. It can cause severe weight loss and dehydration, which may require intensive treatment.
2. Gestational diabetes (GDM)
It is incredible that we can activate symptoms of diabetes during our gestation process, but it is. It is another of the most common diseases during pregnancy. Fortunately, it is very likely to disappear with the birth of the baby.
Likewise, this inability of the body to process sugar must be kept at bay. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of causing some of the serious diseases, such as pre-eclampsia.
It can also affect the development of the baby, who could be born extremely large, present respiratory problems and, contrary to the mother, with insufficient sugar levels for their health.
3. Obesity
It is very likely that during pregnancy not only the abdomen grows, but each of the parts of our body.
Although it is estimated that on average we can gain between 9 and 14 kilos during pregnancy, there are women who neglect their diet and increase their weight in an extreme way. This can be serious for your health and that of your fetus.
Overweight women can make their pregnancy a disease. Even those who are already obese before becoming pregnant can increase the risk of complications such as pre-eclampsia, GDM (type of diabetes) and even fetal death.
4. Anemia
Taking iron supplements is a classic during pregnancy. As well as receiving specific instructions to consume foods rich in this mineral, such as red meat and watercress.
Its compulsory consumption is a consequence of having low iron levels in the blood, that is, of suffering from anemia.
If during pregnancy you suffer from severe symptoms of tiredness, weakness, paleness and even rapid heartbeat, it is likely that your body is not producing the amount of red blood cells necessary to carry the pregnancy to term.
Be very careful about anemia. In severe cases, a lack of iron can require extreme measures such as blood transfusions.
5. Hypertension
Preeclampsia is a very feared condition for pregnant women. It is one of the most common diseases in pregnancy, a consequence of high and poorly controlled blood pressure, either before or during pregnancy.
Complications can occur such as detachment of the placenta, as it is separated from the wall of the uterus. Gestational diabetes can also occur.
Those who are careless with the consequences of hypertension can face premature birth, have a child with a size not corresponding to their gestational age and the fatal death of the baby. Maintaining a strict medical control is indicated to avoid this complication.
6. Infections
Urinary infections are registered as one of the most common diseases in pregnancy. So is the flu or influenza. Other more complex ones appear, such as hepatitis B. Know a little about its symptoms so that you can tell your doctor if you suffer from any.
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
You can have a UTI if you experience some of the symptoms we describe below. Taking a urine test is usual in these cases.
- Pain or burning when you urinate.
- Fever, tiredness, or tremors.
- Followed urges to urinate.
- Pressure in the lower belly.
- Urine with a strong odor, cloudy or reddish.
- Nausea or back pain.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
It is a vaginal infection. Bacterial vaginosis has been linked to premature and low-birth-weight babies. You have to go to the doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Discharge of gray or whitish fluids with a strong and unpleasant odor.
- Burning when urinating or itching.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
If you do contract this disease, you run the risk of passing it on to your baby. With laboratory tests you can find out if you are a carrier of hepatitis B.
It is a viral infection that may not cause symptoms, but its presence can be real when these conditions appear:
- Yellowish skin and whites of the eyes.
- Dark urine and pale stools.
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
7. Mental health problems
Not everything is happiness during pregnancy. Although postpartum depression is common among mothers who already have the baby in their arms, during the growth of the womb, states of discouragement can also be present, with emotions such as sadness, anxiety and nervousness.
These sensations are usually transitory, but when they occur for weeks, it is probably a severe emotional disturbance.
Depression that persists during pregnancy can make it difficult for a woman to take care of herself and her baby. In fact, there are studies that confirm that being a depressed mother affects the development of the child and has consequences that alter their adult life.
Take care of body and mind
The life of the baby is the priority during pregnancy. It is like a small jewel that shines and at the same time a seed that grows without stopping. The mother, who is the shelter of the new being, must take care of her body, but also her mind.
Habits such as eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoiding excess sugar without sacrificing the impulsive cravings that assail us during pregnancy, are actions that will keep risks for the future mother and her baby at bay.
Obviously, not consuming drugs or alcohol, and maintaining basic hygiene measures is also essential to have a healthy pregnancy.
Surrounding yourself with a quiet and safe environment, taking away your worries about the future and enjoying the present is the ideal environment to enjoy your pregnancy.
At this stage, let us try to take care of ourselves with greater dedication, for ourselves and for the new life that grows within us.
