There are so many lovely aspects of pregnancy. But when you are pregnant it is easy to ignore the very real and sometimes quite dangerous symptoms that might occur over the following 40 weeks. 

You certainly want to think positively about your first, second, and third trimesters, but as vital as it is to enjoy your pregnancy, it's equally necessary to consider dangers and be aware of what's going on with your baby and with your body.

Learn more about some of the most frequent pregnancy complications. If you suspect you are having any of the symptoms listed below while pregnant, contact your doctor as soon as possible. 

1. Preeclampsia 

Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition that occurs only during pregnancy. Preeclampsia can develop as a result of high blood pressure, but not always. First-time mothers, those whose close family members had preeclampsia during their pregnancies, women carrying multiple kids, and women under 20 years old or over 40 years old, all have a higher risk of preeclampsia.

Because preeclampsia can cause early delivery or death, your doctor will test for protein in the urine and monitor blood pressure levels at routine appointments to rule out the risk of this disease.

2. Low progesterone

Low progesterone worsens the environment in which the baby will develop in the uterus. If progesterone levels are too low, the womb environment will be unsuitable, and the pregnancy may be in danger of miscarriage. 

In fact, hormonal fluctuations cause 20 to 30 percent of all miscarriages. To measure progesterone levels after ovulation and during pregnancy, moms should use an at-home progesterone test on a regular basis throughout their pregnancy.

At-home progesterone tests allow women to track their progesterone levels on a daily basis, allowing them to learn more about their hormones and their pregnancy.

3. Hypertension 

Women who develop hypertension during pregnancy generally do so in the second part of the pregnancy. Although your blood pressure should return to normal following delivery, treatment is essential to prevent pregnancy complications. 

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, has two stages: primary and secondary. Primary hypertension develops progressively over time. Secondary hypertension is caused by underlying diseases like renal disease, sleep apnea, or thyroid dysfunction. Some medications may also lead to hypertension. 

Normal blood pressure is crucial for optimal blood flow to the placenta. Women who had hypertension previous to pregnancy will need to continue their therapy after giving birth.

4. Mental health complications

Your mental well-being can impact your physical health in a variety of ways. Mental health problems can lead to stomach problems, chronic headaches, high blood pressure, and other issues. This is especially crucial if a pregnant woman is dealing with her mental and emotional health problems because stress can impact not only her body but also her baby. It is quite dangerous to the pregnancy if depression or anxiety aren’t treated. 

Preterm delivery, having a baby that is smaller than normal, and a greater risk of preeclampsia are all possible complications of untreated mental health problems. Depressed moms are also less likely to take care of themselves and more likely to participate in dangerous activities like smoking, drinking, and so on.

5. Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes can occur in pregnant women during the 24th week of their pregnancy. Diabetes doesn’t have to be diagnosed before pregnancy to develop the condition. For this reason, it is crucial for pregnant women to monitor their glucose levels to prevent complications and ensure the health of their unborn child.

A glucose challenge test is used to screen women for the development of gestational diabetes. If diabetes is found, women must maintain normal blood sugar levels to avoid complications like a big fetus, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery.