Minimizing Pregnancy Complications
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, you should know about two important factors that can affect your health and the health of your baby.
“High blood pressure and diabetes are two conditions I see in a lot of my patients. While both can cause problems, their impact can be reduced with healthy lifestyle choices,” says Mark Dwight MD, obstetrician/gynecologist at PIH Health.
High Blood Pressure
Women may have high blood pressure before they become pregnant or develop it after becoming pregnant (gestational hypertension). High blood pressure can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the developing fetus, slowing the baby's growth and increasing the chance of a low birth weight. In addition, high blood pressure can lead to preeclampsia, a condition involving high blood pressure, changes in liver enzymes and protein in the urine. Preeclampsia must be treated to avoid serious complications for mother and baby.
Diabetes
As with high blood pressure, diabetes may occur before or as a result of pregnancy (gestational diabetes). For moms, it can increase long-term complications such as vision problems, heart disease and kidney disease. For baby, diabetes increases the chance of premature birth, weighing too much or too little, low blood glucose and other health problems.
What You Can Do
“Women who are considering getting pregnant should see their healthcare provider to make sure they’re in good preconception health,” says Dr. Dwight. “And both before and during pregnancy, maintaining a healthy weight and diet and getting regular physical activity can reduce complications caused by high blood pressure and diabetes.”
What does “being active” entail? Most women can aim for 30 minutes or more of activity most days. Those who haven’t been active should start with shorter times, and with a less intense activity, such as walking. Always check with your healthcare provider about what’s most appropriate for your situation.
“When it comes to diet, pregnant women should try to eat foods rich in nutrition every day,” says Dr. Dwight. “That means vegetables, proteins, fruits, milk products and grains. Try to avoid foods rich in carbohydrates but with virtually no nutritional value, such as soda, french fries and sweets."
Not all carbohydrates are alike, notes Dr. Dwight. “Every culture has high carbohydrate foods – such as tortillas, pitas, rice and naan – that may need to be limited. Instead, choose whole grain breads, cereals and pastas and brown rice.”
Getting into healthy habits will help before, during and after pregnancy. Talk to your doctor for more information. To find a doctor go to PIHHealth.org/Doctors.
