Pregnancy Complications

Breech baby at the end of Pregnancy and ECV

If your baby is breech (lying bottom-first or feet-first in the womb (uterus) instead of the usual head-first position), your obstetrician may offer you a technique known as External Cephalic Version (ECV).

Spontaneous Rupture of the Membranes (SRM)

Sometimes a woman’s waters break before labour starts. This is known as pre-labour spontaneous rupture of the membranes (SRM). You will need to see a midwife or attend hospital to confirm that your waters have broken. You can discuss this by calling the Quantock Assessment Unit.

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that typically occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is a combination of raised blood pressure (hypertension) and protein in your urine (proteinuria). The exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not understood.

Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)

The bones that make up the pelvis (the pelvic girdle) can cause pain during pregnancy. These pains arise from the sacro-iliac and symphysis pubis joints. Some women experience pain in their lower back, buttocks, thighs, hips, groin or pubic bones at some time during their pregnancy. 

Divarication of Abdominal Muscles

The abdominal muscles keep your internal organs in place as well as supporting your spine. In pregnancy they also support your growing baby and uterus. The abdominal muscles and ligaments stretch throughout pregnancy under the influence of the hormones Progesterone and Relaxin.

Healthy Eating and Gestational Diabetes

During pregnancy sometimes the body is unable to regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels normally due to hormonal changes. This is called ‘Gestational Diabetes’.

Complications during pregnancy do occur, however your healthcare team is there to help you better understand your health and options for treatment and care. Likewise they would support you in making decisions that are right for you, based on your individual circumstances. Please read the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidelines on what to do and expect when certain events occur.

Complications after the Birth

Complications after birth do occur, however your healthcare team is there to help you better understand your health and options for treatment and care. Likewise they would support you in making decisions that are right for you, based on your individual circumstances.