While pregnancy can be a meaningful journey, it may also come with unexpected challenges, especially for first-time parents. Understanding potential complications and their warning signs enables early intervention, reducing health risks for both mother and baby.
What Is a Pregnancy Complication?
Pregnancy complications are health issues that can affect the mother, baby, or both. They may arise from existing conditions, new pregnancy-related problems, or unexpected developments. While many pregnancies progress smoothly, complications are not unusual. Some are mild and manageable, while others may require more intensive monitoring or intervention.
With proper medical guidance, like regular monitoring and reporting any unusual symptoms, pregnancy risks can be better managed.
What Complications Can Occur During Pregnancy?
While some complications are mild and manageable, others may require close monitoring or immediate medical attention. Some of the most common complications during pregnancy include:
Vaginal Bleeding
While light bleeding or spotting can be harmless, heavier or persistent bleeding may signal a potential complication. It can be a sign of more serious conditions such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or preterm labour.
Preterm Labour
Preterm labour occurs when a woman goes into labour before 37 weeks of pregnancy. A full-term pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks, with babies born before 37 weeks considered premature. Preterm labour can result in early birth, increasing the risk of complications due to underdeveloped organs and low birth weight.
Gestational Diabetes (GD)
Gestational diabetes is a condition that typically arises between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, where high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia) develop due to the body’s reduced ability to use insulin effectively. This happens when pregnancy hormones from the placenta interfere with insulin function.
Infections
Pregnant individuals are more vulnerable to infections, which can affect both the mother and foetus. Infections can be acquired through environmental exposure or be sexually transmitted. Their impact varies depending on the type, timing, and severity. Common symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
Miscarriage
A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. Most miscarriages occur during the first trimester, often before the 12th week, and are usually linked to chromosomal or genetic abnormalities that hinder normal embryo development.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This condition is more likely if the fallopian tubes are damaged. Ectopic pregnancies can cause internal bleeding and typically require emergency medical intervention, including surgery.
Extreme Morning Sickness
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), or extreme morning sickness, is a rare but severe pregnancy complication characterised by persistent nausea and excessive vomiting. Unlike typical morning sickness, HG can lead to dehydration and significant weight loss and may require hospitalisation.
Congenital Disorders
Congenital disorders—also known as birth defects—are conditions that develop before or at birth. These may be structural (e.g., heart or limb malformations) or functional (e.g., metabolic or genetic conditions).
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition marked by high blood pressure and possible damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver. It usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and can continue up to six weeks postpartum. It is more common in women with a history of high blood pressure.
Placenta Previa or Accreta
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta attaches low in the uterus, partially or completely covering the cervix. This can block the baby’s exit during delivery, making vaginal birth unsafe. Placenta accreta is a related condition where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall, which can lead to severe complications during delivery.
Low Amniotic Fluid (Oligohydramnios)
Amniotic fluid plays a vital role in cushioning the baby, allowing movement, and preventing umbilical cord compression. Oligohydramnios—having too little amniotic fluid—can lead to complications such as preterm birth, restricted growth, or difficult labour.
Depression and Anxiety
Antenatal depression is a prolonged emotional condition marked by persistent sadness, anxiety, and loss of interest in daily activities during pregnancy. It goes beyond occasional mood swings and can interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and antenatal care.
Anaemia
Anaemia during pregnancy is typically caused by iron deficiency and occurs when there is a lack of red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently throughout the body. Pregnant individuals require more iron to support the growing baby and placenta, making them more prone to developing anaemia.
Who Is at Risk for Pregnancy Complications?
While most pregnancies progress smoothly, certain conditions or factors can increase the risk of complications. These may relate to pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle habits, maternal age, or issues that arise during pregnancy. Identifying these risk factors early allows for appropriate monitoring and care.
Pre-existing Health Conditions
Pregnant women with these conditions can increase the risk of complications and may require specialised, coordinated care:
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Diabetes
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Cancer
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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
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Kidney Disease
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Epilepsy
Pre-existing Health Conditions
A woma'’s age can influence pregnancy outcomes:
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Maternal Age - Women under 20 may be more likely to experience preterm birth and low birth weight. Those over 35 face increased risks of chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
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Pre-pregnancy Weight - Being underweight can lead to growth restrictions in the baby. Being overweight or obese raises the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and delivery complications.
Harmful Exposures
Certain behaviours or environmental exposures before and during pregnancy can harm the developing foetus:
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Smoking and Vaping - Both can restrict oxygen flow to the foetus, leading to low birth weight and premature birth.
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Alcohol Use - This can result in foetal alcohol syndrome, causing lifelong developmental and physical challenges.
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Exposure to toxins - Some occupational or environmental exposures may increase the risk of birth defects or complications.
Pregnancy-related Factors
Certain conditions that arise during pregnancy itself may affect its progression:
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Carrying Multiples - Carrying twins or more increases the risks of complications like preterm labour, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
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Placental Problems - A placenta that’s poorly positioned or not functioning properly can limit the baby’s growth and raise the risk of early birth.
History of Pregnancy Complications
Lastly, experiencing complications like preterm birth, caesarean delivery, or preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy may increase the risk of similar issues in future pregnancies. These cases often benefit from early assessment and tailored antenatal care.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Pregnancy Complications?
Whether you know in advance that you are at higher risk for complications or want to ensure a safe pregnancy, taking proactive steps can help reduce potential risks:
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Preconception Care: Schedule a pre-pregnancy appointment with your doctor. This visit can help address existing medical conditions, update vaccinations, and discuss medications you may need to adjust.
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Regular Antenatal Visits: Routine check-ups allow doctors to monitor both your health and your baby’s development, helping detect and address potential issues early.
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Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on a balanced diet, avoid harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol, stay active, and aim for a healthy weight to support a safe pregnancy.
At GynaeMD Women's Clinic, Dr Regina Zuzarte-Ng—a well-established Singapore obstetrician—provides women with personalised, evidence-based care through every stage of pregnancy. With years of experience in both public and private healthcare, Dr Regina supports women with a warm, compassionate approach, offering expert guidance from routine antenatal check-ups to high-risk pregnancy management.
Our clinic provides access to comprehensive obstetric and gynaecological services in a safe, supportive environment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.