Pregnancy complications
Sometimes things go wrong during pregnancy and you need extra care. In this section you will find information and support for pregnancy complications.
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Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
Beth Braine is sharing her story to raise awareness of a rare pregnancy complication: Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy. -
Anaemia and pregnancy
Anaemia can be common in pregnancy. Find out what causes anaemia and how you can try to avoid it by eating a healthy, balanced diet. -
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
Antiphospholipid syndrome is an immune system disorder. It can cause pregnancy complications, but treatment can help to reduce the risks for you and your baby. -
Weak cervix (cervical incompetence): symptoms, causes and treatment
A weak cervix is when the neck of the womb (the cervix) shortens and opens too soon in pregnancy. This can lead to premature birth. -
Cytomegalovirus and pregnancy
If you have or catch cytomegalovirus (CMV) when you are pregnant you may pass it on to your unborn baby. In rare cases the virus can cause long-term problems. -
Type 1 or 2 diabetes in pregnancy
If you have type 1 or 2 diabetes, the risks are higher for both mother and the baby. However, there are lots of things you can do to reduce the risks. -
Fetal growth restriction (Intrauterine growth restriction)
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) or IUGR is a condition where a baby is smaller than expected or when a baby's growth slows or stops during pregnancy. -
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that can affect someone if they were exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. -
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a specific type of diabetes that usually develops around the second or third trimester and normally goes away after you've given birth. -
Group B strep (strep B) and pregnancy
Carrying group B strep bacteria in the body is usually harmless, but sometimes it can infect a baby around the time of labour and the early weeks after birth. -
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a very severe form of pregnancy sickness. If you have HG, you may need hospital treatment. -
Chorioamnionitis: causes, symptoms and treatment
Chorioamnionitis, sometimes called intrauterine infection, is when the membranes around the baby in the womb are inflamed or infected. -
Low-lying placenta (placenta praevia)
The placenta is your baby’s support system in the womb. If the placenta doesn’t work properly, your baby is at risk of health problems. -
Pelvic pain in pregnancy (SPD)
Pelvic pain is common in pregnancy and is known as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). Here's more about causes and treatment. -
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that affects some pregnant women, usually after 20 weeks or soon after their baby is delivered. -
Retained placenta
A retained placenta is when part or all of the placenta is left in the womb after you have your baby. It needs to be treated early to avoid complications. -
Congenital uterine abnormalities (differently-shaped womb)
Some women have a congenital uterine abnormality, which is a womb/uterus that formed in an unusual way before birth. Find out more here. -
Vasa praevia
Vasa praevia is when the blood vessels that connect your baby to the placenta do not grow properly and can tear before or during labour. It is serious but rare. -
Waters breaking early (PPROM)
Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) is when your waters break before 37 weeks of pregnancy. You will need to get medical help straight away. -
Anterior placenta
An anterior placenta is when the placenta attaches to the front wall of the uterus. This is normal, but there are a few things to be aware of. -
Weak cervix (cervical incompetence): symptoms, causes and treatment
A weak cervix is when the neck of the womb (the cervix) shortens and opens too soon in pregnancy. This can lead to premature birth. -
Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy
Toxoplasmosis is an infection that can cause some complications if you catch it for the first time during your pregnancy.