Pregnancy Conditions To Be Aware Of

Umbilical Cord Prolapse

Leading up to your delivery, your doctor may become concerned about whether or not your baby's umbilical cord is compressed. This is simply due to increased pressure, potentially occurring in approximately 1 out of every 10 deliveries. Mild periodic compressions are fairly common and generally harmless, however, extreme compression can lead to a decrease in available oxygen and nutrients. As the flow of these necessities decrease, the probability of complications increase. Before labor, this can be diagnosed using a fetal Doppler or an ultrasound.

Placenta Previa

Within the third trimester, placenta previa affects approximately one out of every two hundred women. This is when the placenta sits low in the uterus, potentially causing it to separate from the uterine wall as you go into labor. If you have had twins or triplets, surgery on your uterus, a cesarean birth, or more than one child, you're at an increased risk. The most common sign is painless bleeding during your third trimester. If this happens to you, see your doctor immediately – as you may be required to bed rest.