Three common pregnancy complications... Rh Negative Disease, Ectopic pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes and their risks

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman's life. She is about to receive the greatest gift that anyone could receive. While we all want our pregnancies to go perfectly, there are some complications that are fairly common. Rather than live in denial, hopefully this hub will help you to hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. Here is some information about the more common complications that can occur...

1. Ectopic pregnancy

This condition cause also be called a tubal pregnancy and occur in about 1% of all pregnancies. In this condition, the embryo does not implant itself inside the womb, but rather another location, such as the fallopian tubes. If you experience severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, and dizziness, call your doctor immediately. The amount of bleeding caused by an embryo implanting in the fallopian tube can be life threatening to the mother. Your chances of having an ectopic pregnancy increases if you have an STD such as chlamydia, or have been previously diagnosed with a condition called endometriosis. About half of tubal pregnancies work themselves out, while some require professional treatment.

2.Rh Negative Disease

This is why your doctor took a blood sample when you started your prenatal care. A type and screen order will reveal what blood type you have. If you have a negative Rh factor (if you are A-, O-, etc...) there is a chance that your own body will build up antibodies to attack her unborn child. This will only happen to a second child with a positive Rh factor, though. A negative mother and a first positive baby should not present any problems, but it is the second positive baby that is at risk. A medication called RhoGam can be given to prevent a mother's immune system from attacking.

For more information on Rh Negative disease....
http://www.marchofdimes.com/baby/birthdefects_rh.html

3. Gestational Diabetes

This is when diabetes develops in a woman while she is pregnant. The level of glucose in her blood is very high. This can lead to a larger baby, which leads to a much higher risk of having to deliver via cesarean section. It can cause the baby to have a severe drop in blood sugar in the few days after it is born. It usually develops in the second trimester, and can usually be controlled through diet and insulin treatment. This condition is the reason your doctor makes you drink that nasty, undiluted kool-aid substance roughly around 25-28 weeks. Symptoms include blurred vision, increased thirst, and weight loss even though you seem to be eating more. For more information on gestational diabetes: http://twentyyearmom.hubpages.com/hub/Dealing-with-Gestational-Diabetes