Medical care

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MODULE 10
Medical Care

2. Most women in their 20s or early 30s have a good chance of a problem-free pregnancy. Teens and
women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk for health complications.
Underlying conditions
Underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease will
increase your risk of pregnancy complications. Other examples include: Cancer, Kidney disease and
Epilepsy
If you have one of these conditions, ensure that it is properly monitored and treated throughout your
pregnancy. Otherwise, it can lead to miscarriage, poor foetal growth, and birth defects.
Other risk factors
Other factors that can affect an otherwise healthy pregnancy include:
• Multiple-birth pregnancies, such as twins or triplets infections, including STDs being overweight or
obese anaemia
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MEDICAL CARE

3. Pregnancy complications can involve the baby’s health, the mother’s health, or both. They
can occur during pregnancy or delivery. Common pregnancy complications include:
• high blood pressure
• gestational diabetes
• preeclampsia
• preterm labor
• miscarriage
Addressing them early can minimize the harms done to the mother or the baby. Know your
options when it comes to treating pregnancy complications.
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MEDICAL CARE
Complications

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Sometime after your fourth month of pregnancy,
you may begin to experience Braxton-Hicks
contractions, or false labor.
They’re completely normal and serve to prepare
your uterus for the job ahead of real labor.
Braxton-Hicks contractions don’t occur at regular
intervals, and they don’t increase in intensity.
If you experience regular contractions before
week 37, it could be preterm labor. If this occurs,
call your healthcare provider for help.
MEDICAL CARE
Pregnancy & Labour

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Labour contractions are generally classified as early labour contractions and active labour contractions.
Early labour contractions last between 30 and 45 seconds.
They may be far apart at first, but by the end of early labour, contractions will be about five minutes apart.
Your water might break early during labour, or your doctor may break it for you later during your labour.
When the cervix begins to open, you will see a blood-tinged discharge coating your mucous plug.
MEDICAL CARE
Early Labour

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In active labour, the cervix dilates, and the contractions get closer together and become more intense.
If this occurs, you should call your healthcare provider and head to your birth setting.
If you are unsure whether it’s active labour, it’s still a good idea to call and check in.
Pain will be at its height during active labour.
Have a discussion with your doctor about your preferred method of dealing with pain.
You may choose drug-free measures such as meditation, yoga, or listening to music.
If you choose to manage your pain with drugs, your doctor will need to know whether to use analgesics or
anaesthetics.
Analgesics, such as meperidine (Demerol), dull the pain but allow you to retain some feeling.
Anaesthetics, such as an epidural, prevent certain muscle movement and completely block the pain.
MEDICAL CARE
Active Labour & Pains