Pregnancy is often a smooth journey, but complications can sometimes develop even when everything has been progressing normally. Recognising warning signs early and seeking timely medical care can help protect the health of both the mother and the baby.
In this blog, Dr. Sneha Deshpande, Senior Consultant at Momstory, Sahyadri Hospital, part of the Manipal Group, explains common pregnancy complications, the symptoms to watch for, and why timely medical assessment is important.
Can a Normal Pregnancy Develop Complications?
Yes. Even if your pregnancy has been progressing normally, certain complications can develop at any stage. Some may cause noticeable symptoms, while others can be detected during routine antenatal check-ups.
Common pregnancy complications include abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, leaking amniotic fluid, reduced fetal movements, and fetal growth restriction. Understanding these conditions and their warning signs can help you seek medical attention when needed.
1. Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy
Abdominal pain can occur for different reasons during pregnancy. Its significance depends on the stage of pregnancy, the severity of the pain, and whether other symptoms are present.
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First trimester: Pain may be associated with conditions such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or appendicitis.
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Second and third trimesters: Regular abdominal tightening or painful contractions before 37 weeks may indicate preterm labour.
Mild discomfort does not always indicate a complication. However, severe or persistent abdominal pain, particularly when accompanied by bleeding, dizziness, fever, or contractions, requires prompt medical assessment.
What Is Preterm Labour?
Preterm labour refers to labour that begins before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. It may involve regular uterine contractions accompanied by changes in the cervix.
Depending on the gestational age and clinical findings, the doctor may recommend medication to delay labour in selected cases, along with treatments to support the baby’s health if an early delivery is likely.
If you experience regular contractions, persistent lower abdominal pain, or pelvic pressure before 37 weeks, contact your obstetrician immediately.
2. Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should never be ignored. Its possible causes vary depending on the stage of pregnancy.
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First trimester: Bleeding may occur with miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, although some pregnancies continue normally despite light bleeding.
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Second and third trimesters: Bleeding may be associated with placental complications, including placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery.
Placental abruption can compromise the baby’s oxygen supply and cause serious complications for both mother and baby. It requires urgent medical assessment.
What should you do?
Seek medical advice immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, dizziness, or fainting requires emergency care. Do not wait for the bleeding to stop before seeking help.
3. High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia
High blood pressure during pregnancy can sometimes develop into a serious condition called preeclampsia. It commonly occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, although it can also develop after delivery.
Preeclampsia can affect the mother’s organs and the function of the placenta, potentially affecting the baby’s growth and well-being.
Warning Signs of Preeclampsia
Symptoms may include:
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Severe or persistent headache.
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Blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
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Pain in the upper abdomen, particularly below the ribs.
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Sudden swelling of the face or hands.
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Breathlessness or feeling unusually unwell.
Some women may have few or no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular blood pressure checks and antenatal appointments are important.
What Is Eclampsia?
Eclampsia is a serious complication of preeclampsia that involves seizures. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
If you experience a seizure, severe headache with visual disturbances, or other concerning symptoms, seek emergency medical care. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help reduce the risk of serious complications.
4. Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Blood sugar levels may be normal before pregnancy or during the early stages, then rise as pregnancy progresses and hormonal changes affect how the body uses insulin.
Gestational diabetes often does not cause noticeable symptoms, making recommended screening tests important.
How Is Gestational Diabetes Managed?
Management depends on blood sugar levels and individual needs. It may include:
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Following a balanced, pregnancy-appropriate diet.
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Engaging in physical activity as advised by your doctor.
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Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly.
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Taking prescribed medication or insulin if required.
Good blood sugar control helps reduce the risk of complications, including excessive fetal growth and delivery-related difficulties. Your obstetrician will guide you on the most appropriate treatment plan.
5. Leaking Amniotic Fluid Before Labour
Amniotic fluid surrounds and protects the baby inside the uterus. If the membranes rupture and fluid leaks before labour begins, the condition is called prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM). When this happens before 37 weeks, it is known as preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM).
Fluid leakage may appear as a sudden gush or a continuous trickle of fluid from the vagina. It can sometimes be mistaken for urine or normal vaginal discharge.
When the membranes rupture, the risk of infection may increase. If it occurs prematurely, there may also be risks associated with preterm birth.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Fluid Leakage?
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Contact your obstetrician or maternity unit immediately.
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Note when the leakage began and the colour of the fluid, if possible.
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Use a sanitary pad rather than inserting anything into the vagina.
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Avoid self-medication and follow the medical team’s instructions.
Depending on the stage of pregnancy and the condition of the mother and baby, management may involve close monitoring, medication, or delivery. Treatment decisions are individualised.
6. Reduced Fetal Movements
Feeling your baby move is an important part of monitoring your baby’s well-being during pregnancy. A noticeable reduction or change in your baby’s usual movement pattern may indicate that the baby needs assessment.
Reduced fetal movements can sometimes be associated with fetal compromise, so it is important not to ignore them.
If your baby is moving less than usual or you notice a significant change in their normal movement pattern, contact your maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day or rely on a home Doppler to check the baby’s well-being.
Your healthcare team may assess the baby’s heartbeat and recommend further monitoring or an ultrasound, depending on the findings.
7. Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)
Fetal Growth Restriction occurs when a baby does not grow as expected inside the womb. It may be associated with placental problems, maternal high blood pressure, certain medical conditions, or fetal abnormalities.
When the placenta does not deliver sufficient oxygen and nutrients, the baby’s growth may be affected.
How Is FGR Managed?
Your obstetrician may recommend:
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Regular ultrasound scans to monitor the baby’s growth.
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Doppler studies to assess blood flow when indicated.
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Monitoring maternal blood pressure and other health conditions.
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Additional fetal surveillance based on the severity of growth restriction.
Some babies with FGR can remain safely in the womb with close monitoring. If investigations indicate that continuing the pregnancy poses a greater risk, the doctor may recommend delivery at an appropriate time.
The timing of delivery depends on gestational age, the baby’s condition, and the results of monitoring.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Pregnancy Complications?
Not all pregnancy complications can be prevented. However, regular antenatal care can help identify potential concerns early and support timely treatment.
Here are some important steps to follow:
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Attend all scheduled antenatal appointments.
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Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar as recommended.
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Complete the scans and screening tests advised by your obstetrician.
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Take prescribed medicines only as directed.
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Discuss any new or unusual symptoms with your healthcare provider.
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Stay aware of your baby’s usual movement pattern in later pregnancy.
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Seek prompt medical care if you experience bleeding, fluid leakage, severe pain, or other warning signs.
When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Contact your obstetrician or maternity unit immediately if you experience any of the following:
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Vaginal bleeding.
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Severe or persistent abdominal pain.
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Regular contractions before 37 weeks.
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A gush or continuous leakage of fluid from the vagina.
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Severe headache, blurred vision, or pain in the upper abdomen.
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Reduced or absent fetal movements compared with your baby’s usual pattern.
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Difficulty breathing, fainting, or seizures.
These symptoms do not always mean that a serious complication has occurred, but they require prompt assessment to determine the cause and provide appropriate care.
Timely Pregnancy Care Can Make a Difference
Even a pregnancy that has progressed normally can develop complications. Recognising warning signs, attending regular antenatal appointments, and seeking medical help without delay are essential steps in protecting maternal and fetal health.
At Momstory, Sahyadri Hospital, part of the Manipal Group, expectant mothers can consult the obstetrics and gynecology team for pregnancy monitoring, evaluation of concerning symptoms, and personalised care throughout pregnancy.
If you notice any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your pregnancy, consult your obstetrician rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment.
