Importance of Self-Care During PregnancyPossible Pregnancy Complications and Prevention

First-time pregnancies often bring a mix of joy and anxiety. While pregnancy and childbirth are natural physiological processes, and many proceed without issue, it's important to remember that this period can be risky if you don't take good care of yourself.
The saying "it is easier to give birth than to think" does not mean that childbirth is unexpectedly easy. Rather, it means that you can only experience the joy of childbirth by carefully managing the various aspects of pregnancy and entering labor in optimal condition.
Now, let's discuss potential complications that can occur during pregnancy and how to prevent them.

〇 Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum, often referred to as severe morning sickness, involves symptoms such as loss of appetite and nausea that begin in early pregnancy. It can lead to an inability to eat or drink, resulting in nutrient deficiencies and dehydration. While mild morning sickness is common, hyperemesis gravidarum may require hospitalization due to persistent vomiting, nausea, inability to stay hydrated, rapid weight loss, and severe dehydration.
Symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum can include dizziness, headache, low body temperature (hypothermia), and dehydration, which can further lead to faintness, low-grade fever, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), low blood pressure (hypotension), and loss of consciousness.

〈 Prevention 〉

• ● Stress, whether at home or work, can increase the likelihood of hyperemesis gravidarum. It is important to create a relaxing environment conducive to good sleep.
• ● Instead of rigidly sticking to three meals a day, eat small portions of what you can tolerate whenever you can.
• ● Avoid eating large meals at once; instead, opt for frequent, small snacks.
• ● Avoid strong stimulants.
• ● Make a conscious effort to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Sports drinks can also be easier to consume.

〇 Threatened Miscarriage / Preterm Labor

What is a Threatened Miscarriage?
A condition characterized by bleeding, lower abdominal pain, or other symptoms that suggest a possible miscarriage occurring between the first and 21st week of pregnancy.

What is Imminent Preterm Labor?
A condition involving bleeding, lower abdominal pain, or contractions between the 22nd and 36th week of pregnancy, which may lead to premature delivery.

＊ If you experience any of these symptoms:

• ● Lie down and rest to see if the symptoms subside.
• ● If symptoms persist or worsen after 30 minutes of rest, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

〈 Prevention 〉

1. 1. Avoid carrying heavy objects.
2. 2. Keep your body warm.
3. 3. Limit consumption of cold beverages.
4. 4. Avoid excessive physical exertion and overwork.
5. 5. Avoid movements that put pressure on your abdomen and prolonged periods of sitting or standing in the same position.

〇 Gestational Hypertension

refers to a disease that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. It used to be called toxemia of pregnancy and was once the number one cause of maternal death, but now, with advances in the management of pregnancy, death from gestational hypertension is less common. However, it still causes cerebral hemorrhage and other conditions that require attention.
When a woman develops systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or more or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or more during pregnancy, it is called gestational hypertension, but hypertension can also develop during delivery and postpartum as well as during pregnancy.
If you experience symptoms such as “headache” or “flickering eyes” as a result of elevated blood pressure, please contact a hospital immediately.

＊ The effects on the mother include:

• ● Eclampsia：Seizures that cause convulsions and temporary loss of consciousness.
  It is a life-threatening disease with an extremely high maternal mortality rate, and an ambulance should be called immediately.
• ● Early abruption of the normal placenta：The mother and fetus exchange oxygen and nutrients through the placenta, and after the baby is born the placenta is detached from the uterine wall, but this can occur suddenly before delivery. It can occur after 32 weeks of pregnancy and can happen to anyone. For the mother, placental abruption during pregnancy causes heavy bleeding and is one of the leading causes of maternal death. For the baby, if the placenta is removed before birth, the baby's oxygen and nutritional supply is cut off, increasing the risk of prematurity, fetal distress, stillbirth, and other dangerous conditions, and 25-30% of babies die.

〈 Prevention 〉

1. 1. Maintain proper weight control.
2. 2. Avoid salt.
3. 3. Eat enough high-quality protein.
4. 4. Get a good night's sleep
5. 5. Try to lie down at lunchtime.
6. 6. Avoid going out for long periods of time and overworking.

〇 Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels that are first diagnosed during pregnancy.
When the mother has high blood sugar, the baby also experiences high blood sugar, which can lead to various complications.

＊ Potential effects on the mother include:

• ● Increased risk of miscarriage
• ● Excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
• ● Gestational hypertension

＊ Potential effects on the fetus include:

• ● Macrosomia (large baby)
• ● Fetal distress
• ● Developmental delays

〇 Twin Pregnancies

Twin pregnancies (carrying two babies) have a higher risk of complications such as threatened preterm labor, gestational hypertension, and anemia compared to single pregnancies. If these conditions develop during the second trimester, hospitalization and bed rest are often necessary.

〇 Placenta Previa

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta is positioned low in the uterus, partially or completely covering the cervix (the uterine opening).
If the placenta completely covers the cervix, even slight cervical dilation can cause the placenta to detach, leading to sudden and severe bleeding. Therefore, even if there are no symptoms, hospitalization is typically recommended during the last trimester for close monitoring.

In Conclusion
You may be surprised to learn that many potential pregnancy complications can be life-threatening.
Pregnancy is a critical period where complications can arise at any time, affecting both the mother and the baby's well-being. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, attending regular checkups, avoiding self-diagnosing, always consulting with your midwife or doctor, adhering to their advice, and building a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider, you can approach labor and delivery with greater peace of mind.