pregnancy + delivery: 5 unexpected complications

by kiley morrow

Pregnancy, labor, delivery and newborn care are some of the most life-changing events anyone can go through. Unfortunately, pregnancy can come with its own surprises and risks, and as such, is not always a joyous and sentimental time.

Unexpected complications arise during pregnancy all the time. While many of these complications can be prevented or treated, it's best to be cautious and prepare yourself or the expecting mother for anything that may come up. Below are some of the most common complications that arise during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Be sure to note any signs of complications and know when it's time to call or see your doctor. 1. Preeclampsia Preeclampsia is another common health concern during pregnancy. Inducing high blood pressure, it can also cause severe swelling and heart failure in pregnant women. If a pregnant woman experiences discolored urine or unusually high blood pressure, she should contact her doctor immediately. 2. Bleeding Bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy can signal several issues, but is likely a sign of implantation. Many women experience spotting in the early weeks, and as long as it is not combined with cramping or heavy bleeding, it should be fine to simply mention it to your doctor. It should last no longer than hours to a few days. Bleeding during the later stages of pregnancy can be a sign of a deeper, more problematic health concerns such as: ● Miscarriage ● Cervical infection ● Vaginal infection or tears

● Placental abnormalities ● Ectopic pregnancy If a pregnant woman experiences bleeding or spotting in late pregnancy, she should see a doctor immediately to diagnose the cause. Often, women ignore spotting during pregnancy, chalking it up to a "normal experience." Unfortunately, bleeding can be a symptom of deeper issues that may threaten the mother and her baby's health. 3. Miscarriage Miscarriage is every mother's greatest nightmare. Miscarriage is a fetal loss that typically happens before a woman reaches 20 weeks of gestation. On average, miscarriages occur before 12 weeks of pregnancy, and often bring about internal complications as well as resulting grief and sorrow from all that was lost.

According to the March of Dimes, miscarriage is quite common, happening to 10-15% of pregnant women. Recent technological developments in medical research have made it easier to predict a miscarriage and possibly prevent one before it happens, but most still occur spontaneously and with no known cause.

4. Preterm Labor Preterm labor is another complication that may be at fault for bleeding or spotting. Preterm labor happens when a woman enters labor before reaching 37 weeks of pregnancy. Cramping or a tightness from contractions may be noticed, but depending on how early it occurs, you may or may not feel this sensation. Preterm labor can sometimes be stopped or managed to buy a little time for the mom and baby, but often results in premature children and can harbor several other health concerns for both the mother and her child. While premature birth is not uncommon and can be a non-issue, it can be deadly. It's crucial to maintain open communication with your doctor to ensure that preterm labor can be prevented or avoided altogether. 5. Cardiac Arrest Cardiac arrest is a common issue that many people of any age, gender, or place in life can experience. It is often caused by other underlying problems such as excessive bleeding, heart failure, preeclampsia, and amniotic fluid complications. Maternal cardiac arrest is a concern that many women don't consider, but can happen during or after childbirth.

When a mother enters cardiac arrest, her heart malfunctions and momentarily stops beating. Unless attended to right away, the event can be fatal. A common reason women experience cardiac arrest during pregnancy is due to the oxygen consumption of the fetus and a lack of oxygen flow in the blood. During pregnancy, women consume 20% more oxygen and experience increased cardiovascular metabolism. This can result in maternal cardiac arrest and requires immediate CPR or defibrillation. CPR in Pregnancy There are three main steps to follow when a pregnant woman experiences cardiac arrest, at least until first responders arrive. Step One - Call 911 Immediately If you witnessed the scene, inform them of what happened and that the patient is pregnant so they are as prepared as possible when arriving on the scene. Step Two - Begin CPR Lay the mother on her back on a flat, hard surface like a floor. Place your hands on the center of her chest with one hand atop the other. Press down on the chest so that they go down about two inches per compression. Perform the compressions at 100 beats per minute. Many people recommend singing the song Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees in your head to maintain the proper rhythm. Perform 30 compressions before doing two mouth-to-mouth breaths. Continue compressions until medics or first responders arrive, or an AED is provided. Step Three - Power on the AED Nearly all AEDs will provide a recording telling you a step-bystep process of using the machine. Final Thoughts While pregnancy can bring about complications, it is most important to maintain frequent and open communication with your doctor. Noting any changes or abnormalities throughout the pregnancy may help prevent some of the more serious complications from arising, ultimately saving the health of you and your baby.

Kiley took the big leap from working a 9-5 to quitting, getting out her laptop, and becoming a freelancer. Since then she has found her passion in writing valuable, informative lifestyle and travel articles. After traveling for years, Kiley knows just how valuable a quick how-to guide can be for readers, which is why she contributes guest posts to various blogs.