An abnormal pregnancy is when the pregnancy experiences complications due to an abnormal finding or disease condition affecting either the fetus or the mother.
Understanding Abnormal Pregnancy
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), an abnormal pregnancy is a pregnancy that is complicated and affected by an abnormal finding or disease condition in either the fetus and/or the mother. This broad definition encompasses a wide range of conditions, some of which can be managed with medical intervention, while others may pose significant risks to both the mother and the baby.
Factors Contributing to Abnormal Pregnancy
Several factors can contribute to an abnormal pregnancy, including:
- Maternal Health Conditions: Pre-existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders can complicate pregnancy.
- Fetal Abnormalities: Genetic disorders, structural defects, or other developmental issues in the fetus.
- Placental Issues: Problems with the placenta, such as placenta previa or placental abruption.
- Infections: Infections during pregnancy, such as Zika virus or cytomegalovirus (CMV).
- Multiple Gestation: Carrying twins, triplets, or more can increase the risk of complications.
Examples of Abnormal Pregnancy Conditions
Here are a few examples of specific conditions considered abnormal pregnancies:
- Ectopic Pregnancy: The fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.
- Preeclampsia: High blood pressure and signs of organ damage in the mother.
- Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
- Miscarriage: Loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation.
- Stillbirth: Loss of pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestation.
Management and Monitoring
Management of abnormal pregnancies often involves:
- Increased Monitoring: More frequent prenatal visits and specialized testing to closely monitor the mother and fetus.
- Medication: To manage underlying maternal conditions or to support fetal development.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Changes to diet, exercise, and other habits to improve pregnancy outcomes.
- Delivery Planning: In some cases, early delivery may be necessary to protect the health of the mother and/or the baby.
- Specialized Care: Referral to specialists such as maternal-fetal medicine physicians.
