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.
  • Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy

    Beth Braine is sharing her story to raise awareness of a rare pregnancy complication: Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy.
    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.
    Anaemia and pregnancy
  • 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.
    Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
  • 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.
    Weak cervix (cervical incompetence): symptoms, causes and treatment
  • 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.
    Cytomegalovirus and pregnancy
  • 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.
    Type 1 or 2 diabetes in pregnancy
  • 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 growth restriction (Intrauterine growth restriction)
  • 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.
    Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
  • 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.
    Gestational diabetes
  • 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.
    Group B strep (strep B) and pregnancy
  • Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)

    Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a very severe form of pregnancy sickness. If you have HG, you may need hospital treatment.
    Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
  • Chorioamnionitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

    Chorioamnionitis, sometimes called intrauterine infection, is when the membranes around the baby in the womb are inflamed or infected.
    Chorioamnionitis: causes, symptoms and treatment
  • 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.
    Low-lying placenta (placenta praevia)
  • 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.
    Pelvic pain in pregnancy (SPD)
  • Pre-eclampsia

    Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that affects some pregnant women, usually after 20 weeks or soon after their baby is delivered.
    Pre-eclampsia
  • 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.
    Retained placenta
  • 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.
    Congenital uterine abnormalities (differently-shaped womb)
  • 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.
    Vasa praevia
  • 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.
    Waters breaking early (PPROM)
  • 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.
    Anterior placenta
  • 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.
    Weak cervix (cervical incompetence): symptoms, causes and treatment
  • Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy

    Toxoplasmosis is an infection that can cause some complications if you catch it for the first time during your pregnancy.
    Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy