Understanding Risks and When to Seek Care
Most pregnancies progress without serious complications. However, understanding potential risks allows for early detection, timely treatment, and improved outcomes. Complications do not mean failure. They mean your pregnancy may need closer monitoring and additional care.
If you would like to return to the Complications & Concerns guide, visit the Complications & Concerns hub.
Pregnancy Topics
Cholestasis of Pregnancy - Diagnosis, Symptoms & Treatment
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection
HELLP Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR); Small For Gestational Age (SGA)
Molar Pregnancy: Symptoms, Risks & Treatment
Urinary Tract Infection - UTI During Pregnancy
Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy
D&C Procedure After a Miscarriage
Low Amniotic Fluid Levels: Oligohydramnios
Trichomoniasis During Pregnancy
Polyhydramnios: High Amniotic Fluid During Pregnancy
Umbilical Cord Prolapse and Compression
Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy
What is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) during Pregnancy
Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy
The Most Common Pregnancy Complications
Gestational Hypertension: Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)
Incompetent Cervix: Weakened Cervix
Rh Factor Blood Type and Pregnancy
What Is a Pregnancy Complication?
A pregnancy complication is a medical condition that develops during pregnancy and may affect the parent, the baby, or both. Some complications are mild and manageable. Others require close monitoring or intervention. Early recognition is one of the most important protective factors.
High Blood Pressure Disorders
Preeclampsia involves elevated blood pressure and signs of organ stress after 20 weeks of pregnancy.1 Symptoms may include severe headache, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, and sudden swelling.
Learn about preeclampsia — symptoms, risks, and how it is managed
Gestational Hypertension refers to high blood pressure without additional organ involvement.
Understand gestational hypertension and how it differs from preeclampsia
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops when pregnancy hormones affect insulin function. It is typically diagnosed during the glucose tolerance test.2 Most cases are managed through diet, monitoring, and sometimes medication.
Find out how gestational diabetes is diagnosed, managed, and monitored
Bleeding During Pregnancy
Bleeding can occur for many reasons. Some causes are mild. Others require urgent care. Any heavy bleeding should be evaluated immediately.
Learn what different types of bleeding during pregnancy may mean
Understand placenta previa — what it is and how it affects pregnancy
Learn about placental abruption and why it requires immediate care
Infections During Pregnancy
Certain infections may affect pregnancy outcomes. Prompt treatment often prevents complications.
Find out how UTIs during pregnancy are treated and why they matter
Learn about Group B strep testing and what a positive result means
Understand the risks of chlamydia during pregnancy and how it is treated
Placental and Amniotic Fluid Disorders
The placenta and amniotic fluid play critical roles in fetal development. These conditions typically require specialized monitoring.
Learn about oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid) and how it is managed
Understand polyhydramnios (high amniotic fluid) and what it means for your pregnancy
Find out what placenta accreta is and why it requires specialized care
Preterm Labor and Growth Concerns
Preterm labor occurs before 37 weeks3 and requires immediate medical evaluation.
Fetal growth restriction may occur when a baby is not growing as expected.
Learn about fetal growth restriction and how it is monitored
Understand intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and its causes
Cervical and Structural Concerns
Certain structural conditions may affect pregnancy. These conditions are managed with individualized care plans.
Learn about incompetent cervix and the risks it may pose during pregnancy
Find out what cervical cerclage involves and when it may be recommended
Blood and Clotting Disorders
Pregnancy naturally increases clotting factors. In some cases, abnormal clotting can occur. Immediate evaluation is required for sudden severe symptoms.
Understand the risk of blood clots during pregnancy and warning signs to watch for
Learn about HELLP syndrome — a serious complication related to preeclampsia
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. It is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include sharp abdominal pain and bleeding.
Learn about ectopic pregnancy symptoms, risks, and why immediate care is critical
What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
A pregnancy may be considered high-risk due to pre-existing medical conditions, multiple gestation, advanced maternal age, or previous pregnancy complications. High-risk does not mean inevitable complication — it means closer monitoring.
Find out what makes a pregnancy high-risk and what that means for your care
When to Seek Immediate Care
Contact your provider or seek emergency care if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe headache with vision changes
- Sudden swelling
- Decreased fetal movement
- Fever over 100.4°F
Prompt care improves outcomes.
A Steady Perspective
Reading about complications can feel heavy. Most pregnancies are healthy, many complications are manageable, and early detection improves outcomes significantly. Understanding risks allows you to respond — not panic.
