Women’s health is critical for both the mother and baby during pregnancy. A common symptom you are experiencing could pose a potential threat. Before everything gets too late, here are four common perinatal health complications you might want to watch out for during pregnancy and the best health care practices to deal with these.

Hypertension

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a body state in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. This medical condition has become more common during pregnancy. Studies show that one in every twelve to seventeen pregnancies experiences hypertension among women aged between 20 to 44.

Types of Hypertension:

1. Chronic hypertension means having high blood pressure before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
2. Gestational hypertension means only having high blood pressure during pregnancy (after the 21st week and before delivery). This happens when you do not have protein in your urine or have other heart or kidney problems.
3. Preeclampsia happens when a pregnant woman has normal blood pressure but suddenly develops high blood pressure and a high level of protein in her urine and other problems after 20 weeks.

The risk factors include, but are not limited to:

• family history
• menopausal period
• excessive weight
• alcohol consumption
• stressful lifestyle

How to manage this condition?

• Discuss with your doctor your existing health problems before pregnancy and the medicines you take.
• Eat healthily and exercise regularly.
• Go for regular prenatal care.
• Consult with a gynaecologist before taking any medicine, especially ones acquired over the counter.
• Buy a home blood pressure monitor and inform your doctor if your reading is higher than usual.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only develops during pregnancy, most often between 24 and 28 weeks. It happens when your blood sugar level is not well-regulated because your body cannot produce enough insulin. The prevalence rates are higher for African, Hispanic, Indian, and Asian women than European women.

The risk factors include either of the following:

• body mass index (BMI) above 30
• the previous baby weighed 4.5kg and more at birth
• one of your parents or siblings has diabetes
• your origin is South Asian, Black, African-Caribbean, or Middle Eastern

How to manage this condition?

• Go for a pregnancy screening to test for gestational diabetes if you have at least one of the risks listed above.
• Speak to your doctor if you have the following symptoms: increased thirst, need to pee more often than usual, dry mouth, and tiredness.
• Get early medical attention if the symptoms cause too much discomfort, as your body may develop more complications.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection women develop during pregnancy. In one study, 3.5% of before-birth admissions were due to UTIs. Kidney infection is the most common cause of septic shock (severe drop in blood pressure) in pregnant women.

The risk factors include:

• anemia
• sexual activity
• history of UTI

 How to manage this condition?

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• Avoid becoming constipated.
• Get treated for any vaginal infection (e.g., sexually transmitted infections) that may occur.
• Do not delay going to the toilet.
• Urinate immediately after sex.
• Wipe from the front to the back after urinating.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Consult a doctor immediately if there is any discomfort from the UTI symptoms.

Preterm Labor

Preterm labour, which begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy, leads to premature birth. Premature babies can have serious health problems at birth and later in life. In Singapore, around one in 10 babies are born early.

Risk factors (before and during pregnancy) include, but are not limited to:

• having a premature baby in the past
• being pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
• current or past problems with your uterus or womb
• being underweight or overweight before pregnancy
• having a family history of premature birth
• getting pregnant again too soon
• vices
• stress
• being a victim of domestic violence
• being younger than 17 or older than 35

How to manage this condition?

• Go for early prenatal care checkups.
• Get treated for chronic health conditions, like hypertension, diabetes, etc.
• Get a vaccination to protect you from infections.
• Eat healthily and exercise regularly.
• Use birth control and wait at least 18 months before getting pregnant again.

 

Pre-Pregnancy and Prenatal Care

Early and regular prenatal care is one way to foster a healthy birth. Before becoming pregnant, you can take the following steps to promote a healthy pregnancy:

• Develop a plan for your reproductive life.
• Increase your intake of folic acid, as prescribed by your doctor.
• Make sure your immunizations are up to date.
• Attain an ideal weight.
• Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug abuse.
• Find out about your family health history.
• Seek professional help for mental health issues.

With pre-pregnancy and prenatal care, women can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications for the mother and fetus.

 

Postnatal Care

The newborn mortality rate in Singapore from 2002 to 2020 has been consistently 0.1% per 1,000 live births. But you should not be complacent as the first hours and days after birth are the riskiest for both mothers and newborns. Before getting discharged, you must undergo assessment and counselling to ensure your and your baby’s safety.

1. Breastfeeding.

In the first few days after giving birth, you and your baby will get to know each other and slowly get the hang of breastfeeding. The baby receives proper nutrition and develops antibodies to fight viruses and bacteria, while the mother reduces risks for diseases and postpartum depression.

2. Nutrition for the mother.

In both Western and Eastern practices, new mothers are recommended to get adequate rest and eat nutritious food during the postpartum period. Good nutrition not only builds up the mother’s physical condition but is also important for breastfeeding.

3. Vaccination for the baby.

Vaccination provides protection against illnesses, that may lead to serious complications, by encouraging the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the disease.