Common Maternal health problems a women may experience during her pregnancy

Posted By Dr. Deepti Asthana on 16-10-2021

Every Mother Counts promotes maternal health, yet one of our most often asked questions is, "What exactly does maternal health mean?"

The World Health Organization defines maternal health as "the health of women throughout pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period," but we believe it encompasses much more.

Many people think it refers to maternal healthcare (doctors, midwives, skilled birth attendants, hospitals and clinics), which, while essential, is not the same as mother health.

The term is commonly used to refer to maternal mortality (when women die during pregnancy, delivery, or the first month after birth) and morbidity (injuries caused by pregnancy or birth), however the two are not synonymous.

In fact, maternal health may be described as the inverse of maternal mortality and morbidity since healthy women have a significantly higher chance of flourishing during and after pregnancy than ill women.

We use the phrase "maternal health" to refer to all of the personal and physical elements, social and cultural concerns, health conditions, policies, practises, and collective circumstances in a woman's life and body that allow her to survive after her pregnancy and birth. Maternal health begins in youth, much before pregnancy, and continues through a woman's reproductive life and beyond menopause.

The following are some of the most frequent maternal health issues or difficulties that a woman may encounter throughout her pregnancy:

Anemia

Anemia is defined as having a lower than usual amount of healthy red blood cells. Treating the underlying cause of anaemia will aid in the restoration of the amount of healthy red blood cells. Women suffering from pregnancy-related anaemia may experience fatigue and weakness. Taking iron and folic acid pills can assist with this. Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor will monitor your iron levels.

Infections of the Urinary Tract (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary system. If you have it, you may have a UTI.

When you go to the restroom, you may experience pain or burning.

Fever, fatigue, or shakiness

A strong desire to use the restroom on a regular basis.

You feel pressure in your lower abdomen.

Urine that smells unpleasant, is hazy, or is reddish in colour.

Suffering from nausea or back discomfort.

It is critical to consult your doctor if you suspect you have a UTI. He or she can detect if you have a UTI by testing a urine sample. Antibiotics will kill the illness and help you feel better in one or two days. Some women have bacteria in their bladder without experiencing any symptoms.

Mental Health Issue

Some women suffer from depression during or after their pregnancies. A gloomy or melancholy mood is one of the symptoms of depression.

Loss of interest in enjoyable activities.

Appetite, sleep, and energy levels all fluctuate.

Problems in thinking, concentration, and decision-making.

Feelings of inadequacy, shame, or guilt

Feelings that life isn't worth living.

When several of these symptoms develop at the same time and last for more than a week or two, depression is most probable. During pregnancy, depression can make it difficult for a woman to care for herself and her unborn child. Depression before to pregnancy is a risk factor for postpartum depression as well. It is essential for both the mother and the infant to get treatment. If you have a history of depression, it is essential to discuss it with your doctor early in your pregnancy so that a treatment plan may be developed.

High blood pressure (High Blood Pressure)

Chronically uncontrolled high blood pressure before and throughout pregnancy puts both the pregnant mother and her baby at danger. It raises the risk of maternal problems such as preeclampsia, placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall), and gestational diabetes. These women are also more likely to have a bad birth result, such as preterm delivery, having a child who is too small for his or her gestational age, or infant mortality. The most essential thing to do is to address blood pressure issues with your provider before becoming pregnant, so that proper medication and management of your blood pressure may take place prior to pregnancy. It is critical to get therapy for high blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy.

Obesity and Excess Weight

According to recent research, the heavier a woman is before becoming pregnant, the greater her chance of pregnancy problems such as preeclampsia, GDM, stillbirth, and caesarean delivery. Obesity during pregnancy has also been associated with increased health-care and physician-service utilisation, as well as longer hospital stays for delivery. Obese and overweight women who lose weight before becoming pregnant have a higher chance of having a healthy pregnancy.

Infection

During pregnancy, your baby is protected against a variety of ailments, such as the ordinary cold or a stomach virus. However, some illnesses can be dangerous to you, your baby, or both of you. Simple precautions, such as hand washing and avoiding specific foods, can help prevent you from some illnesses. You won't always know if you have an infection, and you might not even feel unwell. Consult your doctor if you suspect you have an infection or are at risk of contracting one. HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, and tuberculosis (TB) infections may all affect pregnancy and have serious consequences for a woman, her pregnancy outcomes, and her baby. Screening and treatment for these diseases, as well as vaccines against viruses like hepatitis B and human papillomavirus, can help to avoid many negative consequences. For a pregnancy doctor in Gurgaon, schedule your appointment today with Dr. Deepti Asthana.

For any pregnancy related issues, you can meet the best obstetrician in Gurugram, Dr Deepti Asthana. She is senior Consultant in Fortis Memorial Research institute, Gurugram and director of KALOSA CLINIC.

She is highly experienced, well educated and a brilliant surgeon.She is a friend to her patients and makes sure their 9 months journey is passed with happiness. She has rich experience of more than 15 years and that makes her an excellent and confident obstetrician. Her approach to patients is simple and filled with love and care.

If you want a hassle free pregnancy journey, please visit Dr Deepti Asthana in Kalosa Clinic or Fortis hospital, Gurugram.