{"id":21239,"date":"2025-08-24T08:00:39","date_gmt":"2025-08-24T06:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/?p=19600"},"modified":"2025-08-25T07:15:57","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T05:15:57","slug":"lesser-known-pregnancy-risks-that-need-to-be-discussed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/joburg-north\/blog\/2025\/08\/24\/lesser-known-pregnancy-risks-that-need-to-be-discussed\/","title":{"rendered":"Lesser-known pregnancy risks that need to be discussed"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve heard of morning sickness and swollen ankles \u2014 but what about the silent health risks hiding in plain sight?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Pregnancy is often painted as a glowing, joyful time \u2014 but behind the baby bump and excitement, many expectant mothers in South Africa are quietly facing health risks that go unnoticed, undiagnosed, and untreated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile most women know the basics of pregnancy care, there are lesser-known risks that can have serious consequences for both mom and baby,\u201d says\u00a0Sr Londe<\/em>, an independent midwife and Vital Baby\u2019s trusted advisor, working with families across South Africa. \u201cAnd too often, they\u2019re only picked up when things go wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

From vitamin deficiencies to high blood pressure and undetected anaemia, these \u201csilent risks\u201d are more common than you might think \u2014 and they\u2019re especially relevant in the South African context.<\/p>\n

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  1. Vitamin D Deficiency \u2013 The hidden threat<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    You\u2019d think a sunny country like South Africa wouldn\u2019t have to worry about Vitamin D levels \u2014 but studies show that up to 80% of South African women are deficient during pregnancy, especially those with darker skin tones or limited sun exposure.<\/p>\n

    Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and foetal bone development. Low levels have been linked to gestational diabetes, low birth weight, and even developmental delays after birth. Most women don\u2019t know they\u2019re deficient because symptoms like fatigue and mood swings are brushed off as \u2018normal pregnancy symptoms\u2019, but it\u2019s worth testing and supplementing if necessary.<\/p>\n

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    1. Pregnancy Hypertension \u2013 Not just a late-pregnancy problem<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      High blood pressure in pregnancy (also called gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia) is a growing concern, especially in women over 35, first-time moms, or those with underlying conditions.<\/p>\n

      In South Africa, pre-eclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, according to data from the Department of Health.<\/p>\n

      Symptoms can include swelling, headaches, or visual disturbances \u2014 but often, there are no early warning signs at all. That\u2019s why regular blood pressure checks at every antenatal visit are so critical.<\/p>\n

      \u201cHypertension doesn\u2019t just affect the mother,\u201d warns\u00a0Sr Londe<\/em>. \u201cIt can limit blood flow to the baby, leading to premature birth or growth issues.\u201d<\/p>\n

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      1. Anaemia \u2013 Common, but often ignored<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Iron-deficiency anaemia is one of the most prevalent nutritional conditions in pregnant South African women \u2014 yet it\u2019s often overlooked as just being \u201ctired\u201d or \u201crun-down.\u201d<\/p>\n

        Anaemia can increase the risk of preterm labour, low birth weight, and even postnatal depression.<\/p>\n

        \u201cMany women assume exhaustion is just part of pregnancy,\u201d says\u00a0Sr Londe<\/em>, \u201cbut if you\u2019re struggling to get through the day, can\u2019t catch your breath, or feel dizzy often \u2014 it\u2019s worth checking your iron levels.\u201d<\/p>\n

        While some of these risks may sound worrying, the good news is they are easily manageable with the right support. The key is awareness, routine checks, and not brushing off how you feel.<\/p>\n