More serious complications in pregnancy

Changes in your body because of pregnancy can lead to minor health problems such as backache or varicose veins. If there are signs of more serious problems in your pregnancy, you may need treatment or careful observation. Below we cover the more serious problems that can occur.

Anaemia

Anaemia is a condition which occurs when there are not enough red blood cells in your body. The condition shows up in a blood test. Anaemia may be the result of illness, poor diet, severe sickness or extra strain on your body, such as when you are expecting twins. You will be given information on changing your diet, and you may be prescribed iron and vitamin supplements.

Vaginal bleeding

You should get medical advice straight away if you are bleeding from the vagina in pregnancy, or if you experience severe abdominal pain. Sometimes the placenta is lying so low it covers the cervix. It is more likely to bleed in this position.

This condition – placenta praevia – is uncommon and needs careful observation. In later pregnancy, it could be that the placenta is separating from the uterine wall. This could be life threatening to you and your baby.

Not all instances of bleeding are serious – some women do bleed a little, on and off, throughout pregnancy, for a variety of minor reasons. Discuss any bleeding with your midwife.

Continued sickness

There are various reasons for this, including a twin pregnancy or being particularly sensitive to hormones. If you are unfortunate, the pregnancy sickness that usually disappears at around 12 weeks persists into later pregnancy. Very severe cases, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, need hospital treatment.

Diabetes

Some women develop diabetes during pregnancy. The condition disappears after pregnancy, although some women do go on to develop diabetes later. The pregnancy may be affected, as the baby tends to get larger, and the diabetes will be monitored to make sure it remains under control. You may need to attend a different antenatal clinic and see a specialist obstetrician.

High blood pressure

Your blood pressure is checked regularly at the antenatal clinic. When blood pressure is very high, it can be diagnosed as pregnancy-induced hypertension. If it’s present with other symptoms, it can be a sign of
pre-eclampsia. High blood pressure can affect your health and that of your growing baby.

Itching

Occasionally women develop a severe itching of the skin in pregnancy. This is usually no more than an irritating discomfort – but occasionally it can be the sign of a condition called obstetric cholestasis, where the liver is affected by pregnancy. See your midwife if your itch doesn’t clear up, or if no treatment helps.

Pelvic girdle pain

This happens when the small joint (the symphysis pubis) at the front of the bony girdle of the pelvis opens up too far. It can cause a lot of pain on walking or even standing. Physiotherapy or wearing a support belt can help.