Pregnancy complications

• Pregnancy complications may need special medical care.
• Common problems include anemia, diabetes and bleeding.
• Ask your provider about the signs of serious complications.

Sometimes, things may not go as planned during pregnancy. Pregnancy complications are health problems that can mean you need special care. They’re different from common pregnancy aches and pains. Some complications can be managed easily. Others are more serious. Some can threaten your life or the life or your baby.

If you have a pregnancy complication, you might feel scared or confused. The good news is that most pregnancy complications can be treated. Chances are that with regular prenatal care, you can have a healthy baby.

Common pregnancy problems include anemia, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and bleeding from the vagina. By working together, you and your health provider can usually keep these pregnancy complications under control.

Getting an infection during pregnancy can be risky. Examples of these infections are flu, cytomegalovirus, group B strep and listeriosis. But you can take steps to help prevent these health problems.

For some women, labor starts too early, before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. One out of eight babies in the United States is born too soon. This can lead to serious health problems for the baby. So it’s important to know the signs of preterm labor.

Emotional issues can be a complication, too. For instance, depression during pregnancy can be serious and put you and your baby’s health at risk. Take comfort – there are several kinds of treatment you can use.

During pregnancy, work with your health provider to stay as healthy as you can and to avoid complications.