
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.
A-Z of 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.
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Weak cervix (cervical incompetence or cervical insufficiency)
A weak cervix is when the cervix shortens and opens in the second or early in the third trimester, without any other symptoms of labour. -
Cytomegalovirus and pregnancy
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause long-term problems for babies who become infected before they are born. This is known as congenital CMV infection. -
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.
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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. -
Foetal alcohol syndrome
Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that a baby may develop if a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. Find out more. -
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is fairly common: it affects around 18% of pregnant women.
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Group B strep (strep B) and pregnancy
Group B strep (also known as GBS or strep B) is a common bacteria carried in the body. It is usually harmless but sometimes it can infect a baby during labour. -
Intrauterine infection (chorioamnionitis)
Intrauterine infection, also known as chorioamnionitis, is when the membranes that surround the baby in the womb are 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.
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Pelvic pain in pregnancy (SPD)
Pelvic pain is common in pregnancy and is known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) or Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). Find out the causes here. -
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
This is when part of the placenta remains in the womb after giving birth. A retained placenta needs to be treated early to prevent complications.
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Uterine abnormality - problems with the 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 rare in pregnancy, but it can cause complications. Read more about what vasa praevia is and how it is diagnosed. -
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.
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