Complications of Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic or extrauterine pregnancy refers to a pregnancy which grows outside of the uterus. The most common sites for such pregnancies are the fallopian tubes, ovary and abdominal cavity. If left untreated, ectopic pregnancy can be a life threatening condition.

For more information, see Ectopic Pregnancy.

Placenta praevia

Placenta praevia is a condition in which the placenta grows in the incorrect position and covers the opening of the uterus. The most common symptom of this condition is painless vaginal bleeding.

For more information, see Placenta Praevia.

Placental abruption

Placental abruption is a complication of pregnancy where the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery, causing bleeding from the site where the placenta was attached. Left untreated, placental abruption puts both mother and baby in jeopardy.

For more information, see Placental Abruption.

Placenta accreta

Placenta accreta is a potentially life threatening obstetric condition in which the placenta is abnormally attached to the uterus. This can lead to massive blood loss during or following delivery.

For more information, see Placenta Accreta.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-induced disease associated with elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine. Preeclampsia is common and occurs in approximately 8% of all pregnancies. It has been described as a disease originating from the placenta but with widespread effects both for the mother and baby.

For more information on this condition, see Preeclampsia.

Gestational diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar (glucose) levels are high. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance that is first diagnosed during pregnancy (gestation). It is a temporary conditions that usually disappears after pregnancy.

For more information on this condition, see Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Premature labour

Premature labour is defined as regular contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy, that are accompanied with changes in the cervix. About 5–10% of births in developed countries are premature, often as a result of premature labour. Premature birth is the leading cause of infant death.

For more information, see Premature Labour.

Epilepsy and pregnancy

As much as half of the people who are treated with epilepsy are women, many of childbearing age. In these cases, the greatest concern would be whether a child will inherit epilepsy. Some women experience more treatment side effects than others during pregnancy. However, seizures can be harmful to the baby.

For more information, see The Burden of Epilepsy: The Role of Pregnancy Registers.

More information

For more information about pregnancy, including preconception advice, stages of pregnancy, investigations, complications, living with pregnancy and birth, see Pregnancy.