Pregnancy complications
Visit Pregnancy, Birth and Baby or follow the links below to find information about pregnancy complications.
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Last reviewed: April 2022
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Pregnancy health problems & complications | Raising Children Network
Many pregnancy health problems are mild, but always call your doctor if you’re worried about symptoms. A healthy lifestyle can help you avoid health problems.
Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website
Bleeding during pregnancy
Bleeding during pregnancy is relatively common, however you should always contact your midwife or doctor immediately if it happens to you.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Being overweight during pregnancy
If you're overweight or obese and pregnant, you’re at increased risk of pregnancy complications, particularly if you have other health conditions as well.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Warning signs during pregnancy
Most changes in your body are likely to be a normal part of pregnancy, but some signs may indicate things are not going well. Learn how to recognise them and know when you should seek help.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Placenta accreta
Placenta accreta is a serious but rare pregnancy complication that causes heavy bleeding. If you have it, you will need special care at the birth.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Placental abruption - Better Health Channel
Placental abruption means the placenta has detached from the wall of the uterus, starving the baby of oxygen and nutrients.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
Placental abruption
Placental abruption is when some or all of the placenta peels away from the uterus wall before birth. It can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Your body after stillbirth or neonatal death
After a stillbirth or neonatal death, your body may still experience the same changes it would after an uncomplicated birth. Find out what to expect and where to go for support.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Placental insufficiency
Find out about placental insufficiency - when the placenta does not work properly, and your baby doesn't get the oxygen and nutrients they need.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a common infection that include mild flu-like symptoms, such as high temperature, sore throat and aching muscles.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Top results
Alternative magnesium sulphate regimens for women with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia | Cochrane
Authors' conclusions: Although strong evidence supports the use of magnesium sulphate for prevention and treatment of eclampsia, trials comparing alternative treatment regimens are too small for reliable conclusions
Read more on Cochrane (Australasian Centre) website
COVID-19 vaccination when pregnant or breastfeeding and for those planning pregnancy - RANZCOG
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) acknowledges the risk posed to the community, healthcare workers, and all patients, due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic
Read more on RANZCOG - Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists website
Varicella zoster virus - Pathology Tests Explained
Why and how you should have chickepox and shingles tests
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website
Air Quality and Bushfire Smoke Health Hazards | Ausmed
For two days, Melbourne’s air quality received a rating of hazardous from the Environmental Protection Agency Victoria. While we will see this rating lower and fluctuate over the week, it is worth keeping in mind there is no safe level of air pollution.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Cardiolipin Ab - Pathology Tests Explained
Why and when to get tested for cardiolipin
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website
Managing Mastitis | Ausmed
Mastitis is characterised by an area of inflamed breast tissue and accompanied by pain and fever, it is a distressing condition which can negatively impact a mother’s ability to breastfeed.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Symptoms and Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis | Ausmed
Cystic fibrosis is a life-limiting genetic condition wherein abnormally thick and sticky mucus is produced, causing complications that predominantly affect the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems. CF is an autosomal recessive disease, meaning it must be inherited from both parents.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Contraception - Australasian Menopause Society
While fertility naturally declines with age, there is still a chance of pregnancy for up to 12 months after the last menstrual period for women over 50 (24 months for women who reach menopause before 50 years).
Read more on Australasian Menopause Society website
Parvovirus B19 - Pathology Tests Explained
To determine if you have, or recently had, a parvovirus B19 infection if you are at increased risk of complications from this infection When a pregnant woman has been exposed to someone with parvovirus B19; when a person, especially an person, has persistent or severe anaemia A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm for parvovirus B19 antibody testing; to detect the virus itself, the sample may be blood or, rarely, bone marrow Parvovirus B19 is a that causes a common childhood illness, also called "fifth disease" or "erythema infectiosum
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website
Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tears Explained | Ausmed
A perineal tear occurs when the perineum - the area between the vagina and anus - is injured during childbirth. Third and fourth degree perineal tears are experienced by approximately 3% of women giving birth vaginally and 5% of women giving birth vaginally for the first time and may be serious.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
