DESCRIPTION

PRE-ECLAMPSIA
Pre-eclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is an abnormal condition of pregnancy that occurs when a woman develops high blood pressure as well as high levels of protein in the urine or oedema (fluid build up in the tissues). Pre-eclampsia typically appears after the 20th week of gestation. Pre-eclampsia can deteriorate into a condition called eclampsia, which is associated with convulsive seizures or coma. Pre-eclampsia is symptomless in the early stages of the condition and can only be detected by regular antenatal health checks that test the mother's blood pressure and urine. See the Pre-eclampsia topic for further information.

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilised egg implants and grows outside the cavity of the uterus.
The most common area for the embryo to implant and grow in an Ectopic Pregnancy is in a fallopian tube. The embryo can also implant and grow in the cervical canal, ovary or the pelvic or abdominal cavity.
Approximately 1 in 100-200 pregnancies is an Ectopic Pregnancy.
An Ectopic Pregnancy must be removed as soon as possible, as it is life-threatening. See the Ectopic Pregnancy topic for further information.

MISCARRIAGE
A Miscarriage occurs when a woman's body delivers or loses a foetus and placenta before the 20th week of gestation without deliberate interference.
A Miscarriage will usually start with a slight vaginal bleed, then period-like cramps low in the abdomen. The bleeding may become heavier and eventually clots and tissue may pass. Miscarriages are common, with about 25% of known pregnancies aborting spontaneously; many more pregnancies miscarry even before the mother realises she is pregnant. In the vast majority of cases (over 90%), Miscarriages are caused by abnormalities in the developing foetus. See the Miscarriage topic for further information.

PLACENTAL SEPARATION
Placental separation refers to the partial or complete separation of the placenta from the uterus. It causes bleeding from the vagina. It occurs in approximately 1 in 200 pregnancies. Treatment of Placental Separation depends on the severity of the condition. Mild separation causes slight blood loss and is usually treated by bed rest and close monitoring. Moderate separation involves the loss of approximately 1/2-1 litre of blood. Treatment involves a blood transfusion and immediate Caesarean section if the baby is still alive. Severe separation is an acute emergency. It results in up to 2 litres of blood loss, severe shock, blood coagulation problems and kidney shutdown. Treatment involves blood transfusion and Caeasarian section to save the baby if near full-term.

PLACENTA PREVIA
Placenta Previa occurs when the placenta is implanted in the lower segment of the uterus rather than the upper segment. This causes the baby's blood supply to be interrupted as s/he passes through the birth canal when labour begins. Placenta Previa causes bleeding from the vagina after the 20th week of pregnancy and can cause haemorrhage in the final two months of pregnancy. Symptoms include episodes of bleeding, with bright red blood, which may occur after sexual intercourse. Treatment may involve bed rest until the baby is born (by Caesarian section) and blood transfusion. Haemorrhage is likely to occur after delivery, so drugs can be given before the birth to prevent this. In a small precentage of cases, haemorrhage will continue and the mother will require a hysterectomy.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. In no way is this information intended to replace the advice of a medical practitioner. If a woman has reason to suspect the presence of any pregnancy complications, she should contact her Doctor immediately.

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