Miscarriage is defined as the loss of a pregnancy before it has reached 20 weeks’ gestation. If a loss of pregnancy occurs after 20 weeks, it is known as a stillbirth. Miscarriages often occur without any obvious cause. When a pregnancy ends prematurely, it can be very distressing; however, counselling and support are available.…

Vaginal bleeding can happen at any stage of pregnancy. While it can be worrying, most women who experience vaginal bleeding during their pregnancy go on to deliver a normal and healthy baby.…

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo begins to develop at a site other than within the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube. Unfortunately, it results in the loss of the pregnancy. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can cause dangerous complications, such as haemorrhage into the abdomen.…

A molar pregnancy occurs when the pregnancy develops abnormally, forming a mass of tissue inside the uterus. It is sometimes also known as a hydatidiform mole. There is usually a period of monitoring hormone levels following a molar pregnancy.…

HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can develop in the second half of pregnancy, or soon after delivery. It causes liver inflammation, poor clotting and the breakdown of red blood cells. It requires urgent treatment.…

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is the infection of a woman’s reproductive organs and surrounding pelvic tissues. It occurs most commonly when a sexually-transmitted infection spreads beyond the vagina to internal pelvic organs. This can lead to long-term complications if not recognised and treated early.…