Pregnancy is a period that most women wish to experience and cherish but there are certain pregnancy risks that could create complications. If you are planning on getting pregnant it will help if you observed certain precautions that can avert some of the pregnancy complications.
Pregnancy Risks - An Overview
All women would love to have a healthy pregnancy and it can help if they take necessary precautions from the pre-pregnancy days itself.
There are several types of pregnancy risks such as the age and physical structure of a woman. Obese, short women have more chances of suffering from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. It is recommended that women consult their physician and consider taking up mild to moderate exercises to keep them healthy and fit.
It is also a risk if the women suffer from diseases and disorders such as heart, lung or kidney diseases, diabetes, hypertension, sexually transmitted diseases and epilepsy. Women who have disorders of the reproductive organs are also at risk. Some women may have problems during pregnancy such as placental pervia, multiple babies with complications (such as Siamese twins), ectopic pregnancy, Rh factor etc.
The chances of pregnancy risks are increased if the women have had previous pregnancies with complications. Couples who have had children with birth defects, genetic disorders etc. have to consult their physician and opt for genetic counseling before they consider having a baby.
Women who are under the age of 15 and above 35 are more at risk too. Younger mothers are more prone to be associated with pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, under-weight babies and pre-term babies. Older mothers (above 40 years) have the risk of suffering from health complications such as hypertension, gestational diabetes and they also have a higher risk of giving birth to babies that suffer from genetic disorders and birth defects.
Women need to take proper care and nourishment before, during and after their pregnancy. Proper, well-balanced diet that includes generous helpings of fresh fruits and vegetables is necessary. It is also vital to include supplements of vitamins, calcium and folic acid in order to ensure a healthy and risk free pregnancy.
Other factors that could pose as pregnancy risks include exposure to toxins, radiations, heavy metals and chemicals. It is recommended that smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs be avoided from the pre-pregnancy days itself.
The mental health of a woman is also a very important factor. It will be much better if the woman is happy, healthy and has a positive frame of mind. Stress, tension and worrying may not only be pregnancy risk factors, but may also be the causative factors of unnecessary complications. It is recommended that women who are planning to have a baby read as much as they can about pregnancy and childbirth. This will help them identify any potential pregnancy risks and help them to learn how they can be avoided if possible.
