Which of the following is a common maternal complication of pregnancy?

Anemia is a well-documented maternal complication of pregnancy, primarily due to the increased blood volume and the higher iron requirements needed to support both the mother and the developing fetus. During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes significant physiological changes, leading to a dilutional effect on red blood cells, which may result in iron deficiency anemia if the dietary intake of iron is not sufficient to meet the increased demand. Anemia can lead to issues such as fatigue, weakness, and an increased risk of preterm birth or low birth weight if not adequately managed.

While common cold, tooth decay, and dental cavities may occur during pregnancy, they are not classified as common maternal complications in the same manner as anemia. The common cold is typically self-limiting and not a direct complication of pregnancy, while tooth decay and dental cavities, while more frequent due to hormonal changes and dietary shifts during pregnancy, do not have the same level of impact on maternal and fetal health as anemia does. Thus, anemia stands out as a serious and common concern that should be monitored and addressed during antepartal care.