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Pregnancy risk factors: Problems and solutions

Pregnancy risk factors

There are certain risk factors that women need to take care of while planning for a baby and during the period of pregnancy. The kind of diet that women take is of utmost significance. There are other factors too that require a thorough consideration. Lack of adequate measures to ward off harm due to potential risk factors poses a health risk for both the child and the mother. Women will do well to be more aware of the risks and the way they should go about managing these risks to ensure they deliver a healthy baby and are able to save themselves from potential problems. Here we list some risk factors and the solutions that can help women guard against the hazards.

1. Alcohol drinking

Problem

Pregnant women drinking alcohol expose the unborn child to the risk of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. It makes the fetus susceptible to developmental abnormalities. This puts the mental growth of the child at risk. It may show up in the child in the form of neurological disorder or retarded mental capabilities. Women may suffer miscarriage, a preterm delivery is also a real possibility in this case.

Solution

Pregnant women are advised against alcohol consumption. Women planning for a baby need to quit alcohol. Those having a problem in doing should seek professional help for the purpose.

2. Eating disorders

Problem

Inadequate nutrition owing to disorders such as Bulimia or a tendency to avoid weight gain even during pregnancy is detrimental to the growth of the fetus. Lack of nutrition leads to stunted growth and low baby weight at birth. This may even prove fatal. Women themselves may turn anemic. The risk of a preterm delivery increases manifold.

Solution

A balanced diet as recommended by your doctor is a must. Keep aside the weight gain fears. Weight gain of 20 lbs to 35 lbs is only expected. Take it in your stride and postpone the weight loss plans to the post delivery period.

3. Intake of drugs

Problem

There are two sides to this problem. One deals with self medication and other with the use of addictive drugs such as cocaine, marijuana and heroin. Drugs make pregnant women susceptible to miscarriage and labor complications. The risk of contracting diseases such as AIDS also increases manifold owing to the potential use of infected syringes. The disease may then be passed on to the baby. It also exposes the baby to the specter of undeveloped organs.

Solution

Pregnant women are advised against medication without prescription by a doctor. Those addicted to drugs should seek help without delay.

4. Smoking

Problem

Active and passive smoking pose a risk to the health of a pregnant woman and that of the unborn child. The odds are stacked heavily in favor of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in this case. The baby may also have low weight at birth. The odds in favor of a miscarriage or a premature delivery increase significantly.

Solution

Women must quit smoking when planning to have a baby. Pregnant women should avoid places – in markets or offices – that expose them to passive smoking.

5. Sexually transmitted diseases

Problem

Pregnant women suffering from a sexually transmitted disease pose a health risk to the baby. The baby is vulnerable to catching the disease through blood when in the mother’s womb or even post birth as the mother breastfeeds the baby.

Solution

Women suffering from a sexually transmitted disease should consult a doctor to get information on the possible complications. Ensuring precautionary measures against diseases such as AIDS is in any case a must because these eventually turn fatal for people.

6. The age factor

Problem

Women above the age of 35 and those below 18 years of age are prone to complications during pregnancy and at childbirth. Chances of miscarriage are high in such cases. Premature delivery may take place or the child may suffer from genetic abnormalities such as the Down’s Syndrome. Underage pregnancy is in any case being tackled at multiple levels. It can be fatal even for the pregnant women.

Solution

Teenagers should be made more aware when it comes to the ill effects of a teenage pregnancy. Pregnant women above 35 years of age should ensure adequate care and medical supervision in order to ensure that no complications occur and the baby so born is healthy.

7. Weight issues

Problem

Overweight people are susceptible to high blood pressure and diabetes. The same holds true for pregnant women. Moreover, in case of a delivery through cesarean section, the healing process in the overweight women requires a longer duration of time.

Solution

Women planning for a baby are better off achieving their ideal weight through workout. Consult a dietitian to follow a healthy diet regimen. Do not allow lethargy to seep into your lifestyle. Make exercise a part of your daily routine.

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