Published on June 09, 2025

3 Common Pregnancy Complications to Watch Out For

Image of a pregnant mom's belly and the woman is holding a blood sugar monitor.

Hearing you have a pregnancy complication can be scary. Most pregnancy complications are treatable, especially when your pregnancy care provider detects them early. 

“Consistently seeking prenatal care, attending all scheduled appointments and tests, and communicating any symptoms with your healthcare provider are crucial steps during your pregnancy,” explains Dr. David Hartfiel, OBGYN provider at MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch. “Early detection and timely intervention can significantly mitigate most pregnancy complications.”

Anemia and other nutritional deficiencies

Anemia is a common pregnancy complication that occurs when you don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body, making you feel tired and weak. This is common in pregnancy because you need more red blood cells to carry oxygen to the baby.

While there are more than 400 types of anemia, some are more common during pregnancy, including:

  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Folate-deficiency anemia
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

Developing babies rely on the mother to get enough iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Anemia can affect the growth of the baby, especially during the first trimester.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when the hormones produced during pregnancy hinder your metabolism's ability to maintain stable blood sugar levels. To identify this condition, you will undergo a glucose screening during your pregnancy. While many women are able to manage their blood sugar levels through a combination of diet and exercise, some may require medication.

While there are usually no obvious warning signs of gestational diabetes, if you do have symptoms they may include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea

Typically, gestational diabetes resolves after the birth of the baby. However, there may be increased risk of Type II Diabetes later in life.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure that can arise during the second half of pregnancy or within six weeks following delivery. Pregnant women often don’t know they have preeclampsia until their healthcare provider checks their blood pressure and urine at a prenatal appointment.

Symptoms of preeclampsia could include:

  • Headaches
  • Blurry vision or light sensitivity
  • Dark spots appearing in your vision
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles and face (edema)
  • Shortness of breath

Fortunately, after the birth of the baby, the complications associated with preeclampsia typically begin to resolve.

How do I prevent pregnancy complications?

While some pregnancy complications are out of your control, there are some things you can do to lower your risk. Consider these tips:

  • Be healthy before pregnancy by managing preexisting conditions, reaching a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.
  • Attend all prenatal appointments and tests.
  • Report any unusual symptoms to your care provider.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with nutritious foods, regular exercise, and no alcohol or smoking.
  • Reduce stress and get plenty of rest.
  • Take a prenatal vitamin, and only take medications approved by your care provider.

David Hartfiel, M.D., is an experienced obstetrician and gynecologist at MyMichigan Obstetrics & Gynecology, located at MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch. With over 20 years in the field, he provides personalized and compassionate care to women of all ages.