Written by Dr.M.D.Mazumdar, MD

Complications in pregnancy can occur at any time - in the first trimester, the second trimester or in the third trimester. While some of these complications are quite mild and easily treatable, others are more serious and need careful management.

Bleeding in Early Pregnancy

Bleeding in early pregnancy can be due to a number of different conditions. Some causes are simple and easily treatable like cervical polyps or cervical erosion. Bleeding due to implantation bleeding does not need treatment and clears up spontaneously.

Some causes of bleeding in pregnancy can be quite serious - like abortion/miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, placenta previa and placental abruption. These need early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Abortion/Miscarriage

The medical term of miscarriage is abortion. It is defined as the expulsion of a fetus which is less than 500 gms and at less than 22 weeks of pregnancy. A baby born before 22 weeks of pregnancy is not viable and cannot survive independently without the mother. Read more...

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized ovum implants and develops outside the uterine cavity. The normal position for a fertilized ovum to implant and grow is inside the uterine cavity. (see How Pregnancy Occurs). Read more...

Molar Pregnancy

Molar Pregnancy occurs due to a chromosomal Defect in the fetus. It is an abnormal pregnancy where the chorionic villi surrounding the ovum is converted into a mass of cysts or vesicles of varying sizes. The name comes from the similarity to the hydatid cysts formed in infections by liverflukes. Read More...

Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding is a common cause of bleeding in early pregnancy . It occurs at the time of implantation of the fertilized ovum. The bleeding is seen about 10-14 days after conception, which is roughly at around the same day as the next due periods. Read more...

Cervical erosion

Cervical erosion, also known as cervical ectopy, is a condition in which cells that normally line the inside of the cervical canal extend on to the surface of the cervix. Normally, the inside of the cervical canal is lined with columar epithelium and the outside with squamous epithelium. These connect at the squamo-columnar junction. In cervical erosion, the columnar epithelium may extend further down ad protrude on the surface of the cervical os and onto the vaginal portion of cervix. Read more...

Cervical Polyp

A cervical polyp is a small, benign, finger-like growth attached to some part of the cervix. It is more common in women over the age of 20 years who have had children. It is rare in young girls who have not yet got their menstrual periods and somewhat uncommon in women in menopause. Read more...

Placenta Previa

Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta is implanted completely or partially in the lower part of the uterus. It is more common in women who have had prior cesarian sections or any surgeries which has left a scar on the uterine wall.Read more...

Placental Abruption

Placental Abruption, also called 'Abruptio Placentae', is a condition in which there is premature separation of a normally situated placenta. It is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy. Read more...

Rh -ve Pregnancy

Rh-ve pregnancy is a condition that occurs when the mother's blood group is Rh-ve and the baby's blood group is Rh+ve, inherited from the father. Its importance lies in the fact that this difference in the Rh factor can produce complications in the baby. Read more...

Pre-eclamptic Toxaemia (PET)

Pre-eclamptic toxaemia (PET), also called Toxemia of pregnancy or induced hypertension, is a syndrome characterized by persistent high blood pressure , edema or swelling of the feet and ankles and presence of protein in the urine. This is a syndrome that develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. Read more...

Twin Pregnancy

A pregnancy with two fetus is known a twin pregnancy. It is a type of multiple pregnancy. Women with a family history of twins or women who have undergone artificial reproductive therapy (ART) for infertility are more likely to have a twin pregnancy. Read more...

Anemia in Pregnancy

Anemia in pregnancy can cause complications like low birth weight baby, intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR), preterm labor and postpartum complications like genital infections and breast abscess. It is a very common complication of pregnancy. Read more...

Diabetes in Pregnancy

Diabetes in pregnancy can cause complications like habitual abortion, low birth weight baby, intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR), stillbirth, and a high infant mortality. It is more common in women with a family history of diabetes. Read more...

Also Read-

• The Female Reproductive Anatomy - Uterus, ovaries etc.
• The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
• Vaginal Discharge with Itching .
• Care in the Postpartum Period.