Call our free PregnancyLine 0800 0147 800 Open 9-5, Monday to Friday

Pregnancy complications

Sometimes things go wrong during pregnancy and you need extra care

Share

Print this page

  • Health professional measuring pregnant woman's blood pressure.

    Research by pregnancy complication

    There are specific diseases that can cause complications during and after pregnancy. Read on to find out more, and search our research by specific complications.

  • Profile of woman looking away from camera.

    Pregnancy loss

    Sadly, some pregnancies end during the pregnancy or birth.

  • Woman with diabetes in pregnancy talking to health professional.

    Type 1 or 2 diabetes in pregnancy

    If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you will be used to managing it, but during pregnancy changes to your body and hormones mean that your previous treatment and self-care might have to change.

  • Pregnant woman with sharp pain in her stomach.

    Is it serious? Pregnancy symptom checker

    In many cases the symptoms in this section will not lead to a serious complication and will be treated easily. Occasionally though they are signs of a more serious complaint.

Possible pregnancy complications

  • Pregnancy loss

    Sadly, some pregnancies end during the pregnancy or birth.

  • Intrauterine infection (chorioamnionitis)

    Intrauterine infection, also known as chorioamnionitis, is infection within the womb.

  • Premature birth - information and support

    A 'premature' or 'preterm' baby is one that is born before 37 weeks. If your baby is born early they may need special care as they may not be fully developed.

  • Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

    Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system makes antibodies that attack and damage its own tissues or cells.

  • Cervical incompetence

    When the cervix shortens and opens in the second trimester (16 to 24 weeks) or early in the third trimester without any other symptoms of labour it may be referred to as cervical incompetence or cervical insufficiency.

  • Group B Strep and pregnancy

    In rare cases the Group B Strep bacteria can cause complications in pregnancy and birth.

  • Multiple pregnancy

    Multiple pregnancy means carrying more than one baby, normally twins.

  • Intraheptic cholestasis of pregnancy

    Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), also known as obstetric cholestasis (OC), is a liver disorder that can develop during pregnancy.

  • 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.

  • Information about placental abruption

    The placenta is your baby’s support system in the womb. If your placenta doesn’t work properly, your baby is at risk of health problems. Placental abruption is when your placenta comes away from the wall of your womb.

  • Pre-eclampsia - information and support

    Pre-eclampsia is a combination of hypertension (raised blood pressure) and proteinuria in pregnancy (the presence of protein in your urine).

  • 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.

  • Waters breaking early (PPROM)

    If your waters break early, seek medical advice straight away as you could be at risk of premature labour.

  • Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)

    Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), also known as fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a condition in which a baby's growth slows or stops during pregnancy.

  • Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)

    This is a common condition that causes pain in the pelvic joints in pregnancy. It affects up to 1 in 5 women.

  • Type 1 or 2 diabetes in pregnancy

    If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you will be used to managing it, but during pregnancy changes to your body and hormones mean that your previous treatment and self-care might have to change.

  • Gestational diabetes

    Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. It is also known as ‘hyperglycaemia in pregnancy’.

  • Infections in pregnancy

    Most germs are normally harmless, but when trying for a baby, or newly pregnant, you may be more at risk. Some illnesses may be able to affect your growing baby

in Pregnancy information

Read more