APO, which stands for Adverse Pregnancy Outcome, refers to any pregnancy complication that negatively impacts the mother or the fetus's health. These outcomes can range from mild complications like gestational diabetes to severe conditions like preeclampsia, preterm birth, or stillbirth.
Here are some common examples of APO:
- Preeclampsia: A condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy.
- Gestational Diabetes: A condition where a pregnant woman develops high blood sugar levels.
- Preterm Birth: Giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
- Low Birth Weight: A baby born weighing less than 5.5 pounds.
- Stillbirth: The death of a fetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Understanding and managing APOs is crucial for improving maternal and infant health. Recognizing risk factors, seeking early prenatal care, and following medical recommendations can help prevent or mitigate these complications.
