Pre-eclampsia is a condition in which placental abnormalities cause serious complications for a pregnant woman, such as high blood pressure and leaky kidneys. Involvement of other organs distinguishes it from pregnancy-induced high blood pressure.…

A placental abruption occurs in pregnant women when the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus before the baby has been born. Also known as abruptio placenta, this is an emergency that can threaten the life of both mother and baby.…

Listeriosis is a condition caused by infection with a bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes. It will typically pass after a few days with no lasting effect, however, listeriosis can be extremely dangerous, especially to unborn babies and infants. The best way to prevent listeriosis is with good food-safety practices.…

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.…

Low-lying placenta (also called placenta praevia) occurs when the placenta attaches to the uterus in a position that is too low down in the uterus. This can block the passage for delivery of the baby and if labour occurs, cause severe bleeding.…

A birth is defined as premature if it occurs before 37 weeks’ gestation. Although the risk of complications for premature babies increase the earlier they are born, survival rates are continuing to improve as treatments evolve and develop.…