Pregnancy Health problems

If you avoid harmful substances, eat a balanced, nutritious diet, get plenty of rest, and stick to a moderate exercise regime, then you are doing all you can to avoid health problems during pregnancy. However, sometimes even though we take all of these precautions, problems during pregnancy can arise.

One common health problem is anaemia. Symptoms include tiredness, diziness and feeling short of breath. The best way to deal with this problem is to take iron supplements or eat iron rich foods.

Another common problem is urinary tract infections. If left untreated, these infections can lead to premature birth, so it's important to treat them. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, but drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice can also help.

Rubella is very dangerous to get when you are pregnant, since it can cause serious harm to your unborn child. That's why you should make sure you have been immunized for this disease before you get pregnant. If you've had rubella before, this also makes you immune.

You may experience carpal tunnel syndrome while pregnant. Sleeping with your hands raised on your pillow can help alleviate this. Also, when you wake up, hold your hands over the side of the bed and give them a good shake.

Preeclampsia is another common health problem and tends to occur in the latter part of pregnancy. It results in very high blood pressure, which can lead to premature birth, or even miscarriage. If you get it, you will most likely be admitted to hospital and be put on strict bed rest. You will also receive injections of magnesium sulphate to lower blood pressure.

Miscarriage occurs in one third of all pregnancies. Most miscarriages occur very early in pregnancy and may be mistaken for a late period, since they are accompanied by bleeding, back pain and abdominal cramps. If you are older, smoke, have fibroids, lupus or diabetes, or have already had a miscarriage, you are at a higher risk of miscarrying. If you've had a miscarriage, it may help to speak to a counselor.