What is a Complicated Pregnancy?

Risks are often determined with pre-pregnancy counselling when the mothers past medical and obstetric history can be assessed. Known medical disorders such as connective tissue diseases, blood clotting disorders and maternal cardiac disease are some important examples of maternal problems which can pose major problems to the mother’s health through the pregnancy which in turn can impact on fetal well being through the pregnancy.

Some patients may require the involvement of a physician or haematologist in antenatal care. Mothers with pre-existing medical problems may be on medication which is unsafe in pregnancy. Such women should ideally be seen before they conceive and have their medicines changed or ceased before they conceive.

Poor past obstetric history such as recurrent miscarriage, late pregnancy loss(FDIU), growth restriction and placental problems, major haemorrhages, and previous surgical difficulties will often reflect the probability of problems that are likely to recur. Dr Steven Hatzikostas has experience in caring for such women and the skill in managing problems should they occur.

Some risks can only be identified as the pregnancy progresses. Low lying placenta and previous cesarean section may sometimes be linked with morbidly adherent placenta which can pose life-threatening risks. Some risks may present unexpectedly in pregnancy and especially in labour. The skill to perform all types of delivery and the experience to manage haemorrhage are imperative skills that the obstetrician has mastered.