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Complications of Pregnancy

This document discusses several potential complications of pregnancy, including amniotic fluid complications, bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage/fetal loss, and placental complications like abruption and previa. It notes that too much or too little amniotic fluid can harm the mother or fetus. Bleeding may indicate placental or infection issues and increases risk of loss. Ectopic pregnancies occur outside the uterus and can be dangerous. Miscarriages usually happen in the first trimester due to fetal abnormalities. Placental complications can cause bleeding and oxygen deprivation of the fetus. Preeclampsia involves high blood pressure and protein in the urine and can lead to seizures without treatment.

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Jhoanna Ambrosio
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31 views12 pages

Complications of Pregnancy

This document discusses several potential complications of pregnancy, including amniotic fluid complications, bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage/fetal loss, and placental complications like abruption and previa. It notes that too much or too little amniotic fluid can harm the mother or fetus. Bleeding may indicate placental or infection issues and increases risk of loss. Ectopic pregnancies occur outside the uterus and can be dangerous. Miscarriages usually happen in the first trimester due to fetal abnormalities. Placental complications can cause bleeding and oxygen deprivation of the fetus. Preeclampsia involves high blood pressure and protein in the urine and can lead to seizures without treatment.

Uploaded by

Jhoanna Ambrosio
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COMPLICATIONS OF

PREGNANCY

By:
AMBROSIO, Jhoanna Jean G.
Amniotic Fluid Complications
Too much fluid can put excessive
pressure on the mother's uterus
Fluids tend to build up in
◦ uncontrolled diabetes
◦ multiple pregnancy
◦ incompatible blood types
◦ birth defects.
Too little fluid may indicate birth defects,
growth retardation, or stillbirth.
Bleeding
Bleeding in late pregnancy may be a sign
◦ placental complications
◦ a vaginal or cervical infection
bleeding in late pregnancy may be at
greater risk of losing the fetus bleeding
excessively
Bleeding at any time during the
pregnancy should be reported to your
physician immediately
Ectopic Pregnancy
is the development of the fetus outside of the uterus
can occur in the fallopian tubes, cervical canal, or the
pelvic or abdominal cavity
cause is usually a blocked fallopian tube
The risk is increased in women who have had tubal
sterilization procedures
occur in about one out of 50 pregnancies and can be
very dangerous to the mother.
symptoms may include spotting and cramping
treatment may include medication or surgical
removal of the fetus
Miscarriage/Fetal Loss
 is the loss of the fetus up to 12 weeks of pregnancy
 most occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and are usually
due to fetal abnormalities.
 are usually preceded by spotting and intense cramping
 To confirm an ultrasound may be performed
 fetus and contents of the uterus are often naturally expelled
 If this process does not occur, a procedure called a dilation and
curettage (D & C) may be necessary
 Fetal loss in the second trimester may occur when the cervix is
weak and opens too early
 In some cases of incompetent cervix, a physician can help
prevent pregnancy loss by suturing the cervix closed
Placental Complications
Placental Abruption
◦ Sometimes the placenta becomes detached from the uterine
wall prematurely (placental abruption) leading to bleeding
and a reduction of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus
◦ The detachment may be complete or partial, and the cause of
placental abruption is often unknown
◦ Placental abruption occurs in about one in every 120 live
births
◦ Placental abruption is more common in women who smoke,
have high blood pressure, have a multiple pregnancy, and/or
in women who have had previous children or a history of
placental abruption
Placental Abruption
◦ Symptoms and treatment of placental abruption
depend upon the degree of detachment
◦ Symptoms may include bleeding, cramping, and
abdominal tenderness
◦ Diagnosis is usually confirmed by performing
 a complete physical examination
 an ultrasound
◦ Women are usually hospitalized for this condition
and may have to deliver the baby prematurely
Placenta Previa
◦ is a condition in which the placenta is attached
close to or covering the cervix
◦ occurs in one in every 200 deliveries and
◦ occurs more often in women who have
 scarring of the uterine wall from previous
pregnancies
 women who have fibroids or other abnormalities in
the uterus
 in women who have had previous uterine surgeries
Placenta Previa
◦ Symptoms may include vaginal bleeding that is
bright red and not associated with abdominal
tenderness or pain
◦ Diagnosis is confirmed by performing a physical
examination and an ultrasound
◦ Depending upon the severity of the condition and
the stage of pregnancy, modification of activities or
bedrest may be ordered
◦ baby usually has to be delivered by cesarean section
 to prevent the placenta from detaching early
 to prevent the baby of oxygen during delivery
Preeclampsia/eclampsia
Preeclampsia
◦ also called toxemia,
◦ is a condition characterized by
 pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
 protein in the urine
 swelling due to fluid retention.
Eclampsia
◦ is the more severe form of this condition
◦ can lead to seizures, coma, or death.
◦ cause of preeclampsia is unknown
◦ more common in first pregnancies
◦ affects about seven to ten percent of all
pregnant women
◦ other risk factors:
 a woman carrying multiple fetuses
 a teenage mother
 a woman older than 40
 a woman with pre-existing high blood pressure,
diabetes, and/or kidney disease
◦ Symptoms may include
 severe swelling of the hands and face
 high blood pressure
 Headache
 Dizziness
 Irritability
 decreased urine output
 abdominal pain
 blurred vision
 Treatment will vary according to the severity of the condition and the
stage of the pregnancy
 Treatment may include hospitalization, bedrest, medication to lower
the blood pressure, and close monitoring of both the fetus and the
mother.

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