Managing Pregnancy Complications During Second Trimester

Overview

The second trimester is the period between 14 to 26 weeks of pregnancy. This phase is the most comfortable period and is also known as the honeymoon period of pregnancy. (feedback on the phrase)

However, the second trimester also comes with its own set of complications. Let us go over them in detail in the next section.

What are the complications in the Second Trimester?

The complications in the second trimester include:

●      Constipation: Progesterone is a hormone that plays an essential role in pregnancy. As progesterone levels rise during pregnancy, it’s common to experience slower contractions in the intestines, which can lead to constipation.

●      Round ligament pain: When the ligaments on each side of the uterus stretch to accommodate the growing belly, the pressure can cause sharp, shooting, or jabbing pain. Round ligament pain commonly occurs while walking or exercising.

●      Miscarriage: The risk of miscarriage is very less in the second trimester but may still be caused by several factors such as:

○       Uterine septum

○        Incompetent cervix

○        Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus

○        Chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus

Vaginal Bleeding is usually the first symptom of having a Miscarriage.

●     Preterm Labor: Following conditions may cause preterm labor:

○        Bladder infection

○        Smoking

○        Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, or other chronic conditions

○        Infection of the amniotic fluid

○        Previous preterm birth

○        Twin or multiple pregnancies

The symptoms of preterm labor include tightening of the abdomen, frequent urination, or increased vaginal discharge.

●     Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM): It is common for membranes to get ruptured during labor. The membranes rupture when the amniotic sac surrounding the baby breaks, allowing the amniotic fluid to flow out. It can cause serious problems for the baby when it happens too early and is called preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

●      Cervical Insufficiency: In this condition, the cervix is unable to withstand the pressure of the growing uterus during pregnancy. It can result in the early opening of the cervix and usually occurs around the 20th week of pregnancy. The pregnancy often can’t be saved in such cases.

●      Gestational Diabetes: A temporary increase in the blood sugar level during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes. Managing diabetes can help women have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. If uncontrolled, it may lead to type 2 diabetes later in life.

●     Preeclampsia: It usually occurs beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy and the causes include

○     High blood pressure

○     A large amount of protein in the urine

○     Swelling

Symptoms include vision problems, severe pain in the abdomen, headache, nausea, or rapid weight gain.

●      Bleeding Gums: A common problem during the second trimester of pregnancy. This usually happens because the growing baby induces an increase in blood flow in the body. Pregnant women who have periodontal diseases are more likely to deliver a baby with low birth weight or experience preterm labor.

What are the tips to manage complications in the Second Trimester?

Here are tips to prevent and manage complications in the second trimester:

●      Constipation: Staying hydrated helps to avoid constipation and prevent mild contractions, cramping, and increase energy. Intake of fiber can also help to prevent and manage constipation. Good sources of fiber include bananas, oranges, apples, mangos, spinach, beans, legumes, and whole grain bread.

●      Round ligament pain: Yoga, stretching can help to manage round ligament pain.

●      Vaginal Bleeding: If a woman has Rh-negative blood, an injection of immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) may help to avoid bleeding during pregnancy. Immunoglobulin helps prevent the development of Rh antibodies, which will attack the fetus if it has an Rh-positive blood type.

●      Preterm Labor: Several medications may help to stop preterm labor including:

○        Magnesium sulfate

○        Corticosteroids

○        Tocolytics

●      Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM): The treatment options include

○     Antibiotics

○        Steroids

○       Medications

●      Cervical Insufficiency: Treatment is limited though an emergency stitch around the cervix is a possibility if the membranes haven’t ruptured yet.

●      Gestational Diabetes: It can be prevented by the intake of healthy food, regular mild exercise, and medications.

Bleeding Gums: It is important to maintain good dental hygiene to avoid any complications in the second trimester of the pregnancy. 

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Created on Nov 21st 2022 01:06. Viewed 155 times.

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