What health conditions can cause pregnancy complications?

Pregnancy and childbirth are prone to complications, potentially endangering the lives of the mother and the baby. Ideally, a mother can access quality health care immediately after learning about their pregnancy to address any health issues affecting their condition.

Prenatal care, a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle might help reduce the risks of complications, including the following:

• Anemia: Anemia or iron deficiency is a severe problem for pregnant women. Fortunately, health care providers can detect this early in the pregnancy and prescribe supplements as needed.
• Anxiety-related disorders: As women undergo physiological changes during pregnancy, their anxiety may worsen and impact their daily lives. The effects of anxiety can significantly increase before and after childbirth, making it crucial for mothers to seek medical intervention.
• Depression: It is usual for pregnant women to experience sadness and mood swings. Still, severe cases can lead to depression, which could be a high-risk factor for postpartum depression.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar or diabetes is a common risk factor for preterm births, stillbirths, congenital disabilities and other complications. Health care providers should closely monitor blood sugar levels before, during and after pregnancy.
• Heart health risks: These illnesses and health conditions often have no symptoms, making them especially dangerous.
• Abnormal blood pressure: Hypertension can pose various risks, such as preterm birth, eclampsia, stroke and low birth weight.
• Hyperemesis gravidarum: Severe nausea and vomiting related to the pregnancy can affect fetal development. This condition might require intensive care, depending on the circumstances.

Some viral infections and diseases can also transfer from the mother to the child. These conditions might have long-term consequences if not treated in time.

Complications due to medical malpractice

Health care providers often take specific steps to manage or control these pregnancy risks while maintaining a standard of care. If their negligence caused the pregnancy complication, it could be medical malpractice. Victims of these incidents should consider seeking compensation, especially if they risk the mother’s or baby’s life.