Pregnancy: Common Complications and Considerations

Minor Complications

• Nausea
  • Some women experience no morning sickness, while others may have it all day.
  • Nausea is an indication of a higher threshold for consumable foods during pregnancy.
  • Cravings and aversions to certain foods are common.
  • Personal anecdote: Some women, like the speaker, may experience minimal nausea without any peculiar cravings.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

• Ideal weight gain for a healthy pregnancy is around 30 pounds.
• Breakdown of weight gain:
  • Baby: 7.5 pounds
  • Breasts: 2 pounds (for lactation)
  • Uterus: 2 pounds
  • Amniotic fluid: 2 pounds
  • Increased blood supply: 8 pounds
  • Nutrient stores: 7 pounds
  • Placenta: 2 pounds
• Important to maintain a nutrient-rich diet, not increase food intake excessively.

Emotional Stress and Pregnancy

• Stress affects pregnancy outcomes negatively, potentially causing:
  • Miscarriage
  • Prematurity
  • Low birth weight
  • Respiratory and digestive issues in the baby
• Positive stress management is crucial.

Advanced Maternal Age

• Age 35 and older increases risk for:
  • Chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome)
  • High blood pressure
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Miscarriage and other birth complications
• Statistically significant risk increase starts at ages 40-45.
• Older mothers may have advantages such as more life experience, financial stability, and better resources.

Importance of Folic Acid

• Critical for the development of the neural tube, which becomes the brain and spine.
• Daily folate needs:
  • Pre-pregnancy: 400 micrograms
  • During pregnancy: 800 micrograms
• Insufficient folate can result in neural tube defects like anencephaly and spina bifida.
• Chicken liver is a rich source of folic acid, though not commonly preferred.

Teenage Pregnancy Challenges

• Lack of prenatal care due to lack of support or parental insurance.
• Riskier behaviors such as poor nutrition and smoking.
• High risk of anemia, high blood pressure, low birth weight, and prematurity.
• Challenges with repeat pregnancies.
• Support from alternative high schools can include:
  • Educational continuation
  • Counseling and prenatal care assistance
  • Job skill training
• Societal issues such as older boyfriends and legal complications.

Conclusion

• Awareness and management of these factors can aid in healthier pregnancy outcomes.
• Support systems and education are crucial, especially for at-risk groups like teenagers.