Pregnancy complications

Pregnancy complications are complaints or disorders that can occur during pregnancy.

Overview

Pregnancy complications are complaints or disorders that can occur during pregnancy. Pre-existing illnesses can also lead to complications during pregnancy. One example is gestosis/pre-eclampsia (toxaemia of pregnancy). Complications that occur during birth are called birth complications.

Symptoms

First symptoms to cause alarm:

Causes and treatment

Causes

Possible consequences

Miscarriage, gestosis

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests
  • Blood pressure monitoring
  • Urine analysis
  • Blood test (liver and kidney function, blood count)
  • Ultrasound (sonography)
  • CTG (cardiotocography) to assess the foetal heartbeat and contractions
Possible therapies
  • Admission to hospital/bed rest
  • Medication
  • Curettage (scraping of the lining of the womb)
  • Premature delivery
    • In part, the only way to treat the causes
    • Depending on condition of mother and child
    • From induction of labour to emergency Caesarian section

What can I do myself?

  • Go for scheduled check-ups with gynaecologist
  • Inform gynaecologist
    • Pre-existing diseases and operations
    • Use of medication and drugs
  • Inform family doctor or specialist of pregnancy during consultations
  • Stop smoking
  • Don't drink alcohol during pregnancy
  • Normal weight before the pregnancy
  • Reduce stress (autogenic training, yoga)

When to see a doctor?

  • Labour-like and cramping pains (stomach, back)
  • Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
  • Discharge containing pieces of tissue
  • Circulatory problems (severe dizziness, loss of consciousness)
  • Severe headache
  • Visual impairment
  • Fever, chills
  • Unusual urinary output (bloody, purulent, cloudy, too little or a lot)
  • General feeling of being unwell (physically, mentally)

Further information

Selbsthilfe Schweiz (Self-Help Support Switzerland)
www.selbsthilfeschweiz.ch

“Wir eltern” (Parents) magazine
www.wireltern.ch

Synonyms

pregnancy complications

Exclusion of liability

CSS offers no guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information. The information published is no substitute for professional advice from a doctor or pharmacist.