Pregnancy complications

Possible pregnancy complications

• Baby loss information and support

  Sadly, some babies are lost during pregnancy, birth, or shortly afterwards. We have information and support for anyone who has experienced the loss of a baby, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or termination for medical reasons.

• 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.

• Intrauterine infection (chorioamnionitis)

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. Carrying group B strep is usually harmless, but sometimes it can infect a baby during labour. GBS infection can make your baby very unwell, but with early treatment most babies will make a full recovery.

• Multiple pregnancy

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

• Intraheptic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)

  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).

• 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.

• 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.

• Vasa praevia

  Vasa praevia is rare in pregnancy, but it can cause complications.

• Waters breaking early (PPROM)

  Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) is when your waters break before 37 weeks of pregnancy. If this happens, you will need to get medical help straight away.

• Placenta complications

  There are several things relating to the placenta that may affect your pregnancy and birth.

• Fetal growth restriction (Intrauterine growth restriction)

  Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a condition where a baby is smaller than expected or when a baby's growth slows or stops during pregnancy. It is also called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

• Pelvic pain in pregnancy (SPD)

  Pelvic pain is common in pregnancy and is known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) or Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). The pain is caused by stiffness or uneven movements of the pelvic joints in pregnancy, which affects up to 1 in 5 women.

• Type 1 or 2 diabetes in pregnancy

  There are risks in every pregnancy, but 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 and give your baby the best possible start in life.

• Gestational diabetes

  Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. Some women are able to manage it by eating a healthy, balanced diet, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight. Others may need to take medication.

• Infections in pregnancy

  Getting an infection in pregnancy is not likely to harm your baby. But it is important to be aware of the infections that can cause complications and do what you can to avoid them.