Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but it can also be a challenging one. Carrying a child for nine months can be physically and emotionally exhausting.
In the past decade, there has been a worrying rise in pregnancy complications that has left many wondering, “what went wrong?”.
: Causes of Pregnancy Complications
Before delving into the reasons for the rise of pregnancy complications, let us first understand what these complications are. Pregnancy complications are conditions that can occur during pregnancy, labor or delivery, and can range from mild to severe.
Common complications include:.
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- Placenta previa
- Preterm labor and birth
- Low birth weight
- Stillbirth
The causes of pregnancy complications are numerous, and experts are still trying to understand why these complications are becoming more common. Here are some possible reasons:.
: Increased Maternal Age
More women are waiting until later in life to have children, and advanced maternal age has been linked to an increased risk of complications.
Women who are over the age of 35 have a higher risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placenta previa, preterm labor and birth, and stillbirth.
: The Obesity Epidemic
Obesity rates are on the rise, and this has significant impacts on pregnancy. Obese women have a higher risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm labor, stillbirth, and birth defects.
Obesity can also make it more difficult to monitor the baby’s health during pregnancy.
: Poor Nutrition
Despite the abundance of food available in modern society, many pregnant women are not getting the nutrition they need.
Poor nutrition can increase the risk of preterm labor and low birth weight, both of which can lead to long-term health problems for the baby.
: Lack of Exercise
Exercise is an important part of a healthy pregnancy, but many women are not getting enough. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm labor.
It can also help with weight control and make labor and delivery easier.
: Stress
Pregnancy can be stressful, but chronic stress can increase the risk of complications.
Women who experience high levels of stress during pregnancy are more likely to have a preterm birth, low birth weight baby, or an infant with neonatal health problems.
: Inadequate Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is essential for ensuring a healthy pregnancy, but many women are not receiving the care they need. Women who do not receive adequate prenatal care are at a higher risk of complications.
This is because healthcare providers can monitor the pregnancy and identify potential problems before they become more serious.
: The Rise of Assisted Reproductive Technologies
The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has increased dramatically in recent years, and these technologies have been linked to an increased risk of complications.
Women who use ART are more likely to have preterm births, low birth weight babies, and babies with birth defects.
: Conclusion
Pregnancy complications can have serious and long-term effects on both the mother and the baby. While there are many factors that can contribute to the rise of complications, there are also steps that women can take to reduce their risk.
Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and receiving adequate prenatal care can all help ensure a healthy pregnancy.