Pregnancy health emergencies

Health emergencies during pregnancy are rare, but there are a few disorders you should know about so that you can get early medical care if need be, in order to ensure the best conditions for your pregnancy and unborn baby.

• 

  Medical emergencies in pregnancy

  Most women carry their babies to term without any problems or emergencies. It's a good idea, though, to be aware of the danger signs just in case, so you know when to call for medical help.
  Read the article

• 

  Miriam's casebook - A mother with pre-eclampsia

  During Amie's first pregnancy three years ago she had very mild pre-eclampsia in the last trimester. Amie had a normal delivery and a healthy baby, but she's worried pre-eclampsia will come back during her second pregnancy, with more complications. Amie's mother had high blood pressure during...
  Read the article

• 

  Cervical incompetence

  Cervical incompetence is a weakness of the cervix, which may result in a late miscarriage.
  Read the article

• 

  Ectopic pregnancy

  Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
  Read the article

• 

  Hyperemesis

  Hyperemesis is severe vomiting associated with early pregnancy.
  Read the article

• 

  Intra-uterine growth restriction

  Intra-uterine growth restriction is a failure of the fetus to grow properly in the uterus so that it is smaller than expected throughout the pregnancy.
  Read the article

• 

  Molar pregnancy

  Molar pregnancy is a rare condition in which part of the placenta develops into a tumour.
  Read the article

• 

  Placenta praevia

  Placenta praevia is a condition in which the placenta covers or partially covers the opening of the cervix into the uterus.
  Read the article

• 

  Placental abruption

  Placental abruption is the separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus before the baby is delivered.
  Read the article

• 

  Polyhydramnios

  Polyhydramnios is an excessive amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in the uterus.
  Read the article

• 

  Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia

  Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are high blood pressure, fluid retention, and protein in the urine in pregnancy, which may lead to seizures and coma.
  Read the article

• 

  Premature rupture of membranes

  This is the rupture of the membrane sac surrounding the fetus that is not closely followed by labour or that occurs before labour is due.
  Read the article

• 

  Rhesus incompatibility

  Rhesus incompatibility is a mismatch between the Rh blood group of a pregnant woman and that of her fetus.
  Read the article

• 

  Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy

  Bleeding from the vagina at any time during pregnancy.
  Read the article

• 

  Pregnancy: when you should call your doctor

  Of course, you’ll go for your regular monthly visits, scans, blood tests etc. but some signs do merit a special call or visit to the doctor.
  
  Read the article

Get more on this subject…