What are some of the more common complications of pregnancy?
Although the majority of pregnancies are uneventful, sometimes complications do occur. The following are some of the more common pregnancy complications:

amniotic fluid complications
Too much or too little amniotic fluid in the membranes surrounding the fetus may indicate a problem with the pregnancy. Too much fluid can put excessive pressure on the mother’s body, leading to preterm labor, or can cause pressure on the mother's diaphragm leading to breathing difficulties. Fluids tend to build up in cases of uncontrolled diabetes, multiple pregnancy, incompatible blood types, or birth defects. Too little fluid may indicate birth defects, growth retardation, or stillbirth.

bleeding
Bleeding in late pregnancy may be a sign of placental complications or a vaginal or cervical infection. Women who bleed in late pregnancy may be at greater risk of losing the fetus and hemorrhaging (bleeding excessively). Bleeding at any time during the pregnancy should be reported to your physician immediately.

ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is the development of the fetus outside of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy can occur in the fallopian tubes, cervical canal, or the pelvic or abdominal cavity. The cause of an ectopic pregnancy is usually a blocked fallopian tube.

Ectopic pregnancies occur in one out of 100 to 200 pregnancies and can be very dangerous to the mother. Symptoms may include spotting and cramping. The longer an ectopic pregnancy continues, the greater the likelihood that a fallopian tube will rupture. Diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy is usually suspected when the uterus does not grow as expected. An ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment of an ectopic pregnancy may include surgical removal of the fetus, resulting in an early termination of the pregnancy.

miscarriage/stillbirth
A miscarriage is the loss of the fetus before 20 weeks of pregnancy. A stillbirth is the loss of a fetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Most miscarriages occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and are usually due to fetal abnormalities. Some miscarriages occur when the cervix is weak and opens too early. In some cases, a physician can repair this type of abnormality by suturing the cervix closed until delivery.

Miscarriages are usually preceded by spotting and intense cramping. To confirm that a miscarriage or stillbirth has occurred, an ultrasound may be performed. Treatment for a miscarriage or stillbirth is usually not necessary, as the fetus and contents of the uterus are often naturally expelled. If this process does not naturally occur, a physician will remove the contents of the uterus and the placenta to ensure that an infection does not result. If necessary, this removal process may be aided with the use of a suction curettage, a procedure that involves scraping away the tissue in the uterus.

placental complications
Under normal circumstances, the placenta attaches itself firmly to the top of the uterine wall. However, two placental complications may occur, including:

abruptio placentae
Sometimes the placenta becomes detached from the uterine wall prematurely (abruptio placentae) leading to bleeding and a reduction of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. The detachment may be complete or partial, and the cause of abruptio placentae is often unknown. Abruptio placentae occurs in less than 3.5 percent of all pregnancies.

Abruptio placentae is more common in women who smoke, have high blood pressure, and/or in women who have had previous children or a history of abruptio placentae.

Symptoms and treatment of abruptio placentae depend upon the degree of detachment. Symptoms may include bleeding, cramping, and abdominal tenderness. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by performing a complete physical examination and an ultrasound. Women are usually hospitalized for this condition and may have to deliver the baby prematurely.

placenta previa
Normally, the placenta is located in the upper part of the uterus. However, placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta adheres itself to the uterus near or covering the cervix. Often, the placenta moves to the upper half of the uterus during pregnancy requiring no treatment. When the placenta does not move and remains in the lower half of the uterus, the condition is called placenta previa. 

This type of placental complication occurs in one in every 200 deliveries and occurs more often in women who have scarring of the uterine wall from previous pregnancies, in women who have fibroids or other abnormalities in the uterus, or in women who have had previous uterine surgeries. 

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. The baby usually has to be delivered by cesarean section, to prevent the placenta from detaching early and depriving 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, and swelling due to fluid retention. Eclampsia is the more severe form of this condition, which can lead to seizures, coma, or death.

The cause of preeclampsia is unknown, but it is more common in first pregnancies, affecting about five percent of all pregnant women. Other risk factors for preeclampsia include:

• a woman carrying multiple fetuses
  
  
• a teenage mother
  
  
• a woman older than 40
  
  
• a woman with preexisting high blood pressure and/or kidney disease

Symptoms may include severe swelling of the hands and face, high blood pressure, headache, dizziness, fever, irritability, decreased urine output, abdominal pain, and 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/or close monitoring of both the fetus and the mother.

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