Pregnancy produces many changes in a woman’s body. Hormones flood her body.  Most changes are merely uncomfortable.  Some of the problems of pregnancy, however, can lead to long term health issues.

Minor discomforts are obvious.  There is the requisite weight gain which may make a woman feel fat and unattractive.  Associated with this, as the baby develops, is a localized form of edema (a swelling of the tissues caused by retaining fluids) usually manifesting in the ankles and feet.  For example, many pregnant women, if they are required to be on their feet very long, find their shoes are pinching.  A simple solution for this temporary condition is to wear edema socks (elasticized stockings that help keep the blood flowing properly).

Some women strangely develop hemorrhoids. While these can certainly be painful and embarrassing, they often go away of their own accord after giving birth.  Women can experience mild incontinence (if laughing too hard or coughing too strenuously), and may dribble in their panties. This is known as “stress incontinence”.

Most of these problems are annoyances rather than potential killers.  There is one fairly common pregnancy related issue that can kill.  Some women develop gestational diabetes during their pregnancies.  This condition is brought about mostly by hormonal changes.  However, if not properly treated during the pregnancy the woman will gain excessive, unhealthy amounts of weight (oftentimes 80 or more pounds), and the baby’s birth weight can be far above normal as well.

As with any pregnancy, every woman needs and deserves proper pre-natal care.  This means routine visits to an obstetrician, close monitoring of weight gains, proper diet, and vitamins.  Additionally, a low-impact program of aerobic exercise may be a good idea as well; this helps the woman maintain a proper weight gain for herself, plus she will be heart healthier.