Are you expecting? Congratulations!
Did you know you may have an increased risk of complications during your pregnancy due to certain health issues or lifestyle choices? You may have an increased risk of developing complications if you:
- Have a chronic medical condition, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer.
- Are carrying more than one baby.
- Have had problems with previous pregnancies.
- Are a teenager.
- Are over 35 years old.
- Are underweight.
- Are overweight or obese.
- Use tobacco.
- Use illegal drugs or abuse prescription medications.
- Drink alcohol.
Pregnancy complications can range from mild to life-threatening conditions. These complications can affect your health, your baby’s health, or the health of both of you.
Some common health problems that a woman may develop during pregnancy include:
- Anemia
- Urinary tract infections
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Gestational diabetes
- Gaining too much weight
- Hyperemesis gravidarum – severe, persistent nausea and vomiting
- Miscarriage
Other health problems that may develop during pregnancy, which may lead to more serious complications, include:
- Ectopic pregnancy – The fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus.
- Preelampsia – High blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and may cause problems with the woman’s kidneys or other organs.
- Placenta previa – The placenta covers part or all of the opening of the cervix inside of the uterus.
- Placental abruption – The placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before delivery, causing the fetus to not get enough oxygen.
- Pre-term labor – Going into labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy which can cause a pre-term birth.
- Fetal issues or issues at birth – These include poor growth, jaundice, low birth weight, breathing problems, or birth defects such as heart or liver problems, blindness, deafness, or mental disabilities.
- Stillbirth
However, your doctor can recommend some ways to manage problems during your pregnancy, if they occur. Therefore, you should always talk to your doctor about any risk factors you may have that can cause complications during pregnancy. Plus, you should always tell your doctor about any symptoms you’re having during your pregnancy, even if they’re mild.
By working closely with your doctor, you can make sure you and your baby remain healthy.
Foot Problems Are Common During Pregnancy
Did you know you have an increased risk of foot problems and pain during pregnancy? When you’re pregnant, the increase in hormones can cause the ligaments in the bottom of your feet to relax, leading to overpronation as your walk. Additionally, pregnancy weight gain can cause your center of gravity, posture, and the way you walk and stand to change. These changes can lead to problems with your balance and add stress on your arches and heels due to the way your feet distribute pressure during walking or standing. Again, overpronation can occur.
To reduce foot pain during pregnancy, you should wear comfortable shoes that provide extra support and shock absorption. Also, you can place ezWalker® Custom Performance Orthotics in your shoes. These custom orthotics are designed to provide your feet with the right amount of support they need. Also, they biomechanically realign your feet and correct for overpronation, reducing stress and strain.
For more information on how ezWalker® Custom Performance Orthotics can improve your foot mechanics during pregnancy, contact us. Or, visit our shop today to order your pair!
Remember … when your feet feel good, you feel good.®
Note: If you experience any health issues during your pregnancy, please consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.