Health conditions and complications

Abdominal (tummy) pain during pregnancy can be serious or life-threatening. Read more to know what signs to look out for and when to get help.

Abdominal separation (diastasis recti) is when your tummy muscles separate during and after pregnancy. Find out about the symptoms and treatment.

Anaemia during pregnancy can cause you to feel weak, tired and dizzy. Learn about what causes anaemia and how it is treated in pregnancy.

If asthma is well managed during pregnancy, you can avoid flare ups which could harm your baby. Learn more about how to manage asthma when pregnant.

Every baby is unique and it is important for you to get to know your baby’s movement patterns.

There are several things you can do to help prevent backache during your pregnancy. Learn how to cope with back pain while pregnant.

Incontinence of your bladder (wee) or bowel (poo) is common during pregnancy. Learn what causes incontinence and how to prevent and manage it.

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is relatively common, but you should always seek medical attention immediately if it happens to you.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition some people experience during pregnancy. Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome and how to treat it.

Chickenpox in adults is a serious disease, especially in pregnant women. Find out how to protect yourself and what to do if you have chickenpox.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) affecting both males and females. Chlamydia can cause complications in pregnancy.

Cholestasis is a rare pregnancy condition that involves itchy skin. It can be harmful to your baby so tell your doctor or midwife if you feel itchy.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Learn about protecting your baby against the cold sores virus, during pregnancy and birth.

Colds will often get better on their own, but the flu can be serious when pregnant or breastfeeding. Learn more about treatment and vaccination.

Your body has a great deal to do during pregnancy. Sometimes the changes taking place will cause irritation or discomfort, and on occasions they may seem quite alarming.

Constipation is common during pregnancy. Learn about the causes, and how you can prevent or reduce symptoms, both before and during your pregnancy.

Learn about COVID-19 and pregnancy. Find out what to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms while pregnant and how you can protect yourself and your baby.

Read about cytomegalovirus (CMV) and risks of catching the virus during pregnancy. Learn about risk factors, how to reduce spread and signs of illness.

Eczema is the most common skin condition in pregnancy, it can also occur when breastfeeding. Find out more about symptoms and treatment of eczema.

Having to urinate more often during pregnancy is very common. Read about why it happens, how you can reduce it and when to see a doctor.

Gestational diabetes can happen during pregnancy. It can be managed. Learn about the causes, risk factors and what it can mean for you and your baby.

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection. Read more about the symptoms, diagnosis and possible complications of gonorrhoea during pregnancy.

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a bacteria that causes both mild and severe disease in pregnancy. Learn more about symptoms and when to see your doctor.

Haemorrhoids are an uncomfortable but common condition during pregnancy. Find out about what causes haemorrhoids and how to treat them.

Hay fever and allergies won't harm you or your baby, but a stuffy nose, sneezing and a lack of sleep can impact your general wellbeing.

Headaches and migraines can be common during pregnancy. Find out what you can do to improve your symptoms and when you should see a doctor.

High blood pressure in pregnancy is common and usually gets better after birth. You may need extra tests as it can signal a more serious condition.

Information on living with HIV during your pregnancy and planning for pregnancy.

Learn how endometriosis can affect fertility, pregnancy, birth and recovery, and what support and care options are available.

There are many ways you can be injured during pregnancy. Learn what to do if you’re pregnant and have a fall, accident, burn, or other injury.

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Read more to learn about causes, symptoms and how to improve your sleep.

An intrauterine infection is an infection that occurs inside your uterus (womb). Learn more about the causes, risk factors, symptoms and treatment.

Itching is common in pregnancy, but it can sometimes be a sign of a pregnancy condition. Learn about relief for itch and when to see your doctor.

Leg cramps are a normal but uncomfortable part of pregnancy that often occur at night. They may be eased by stretching, walking, or using heat packs.

Listeria are bacteria carried in some foods that can cause an infection and may lead to miscarriage. Find out ways to avoid Listeria infections.

It’s common in pregnancy for your blood pressure to drop slightly at first, before rising to pre-pregnancy levels by the time your baby is born.

A low platelet count during pregnancy is usually nothing to worry about. Learn more about the causes and treatments for thrombocytopenia.

Find out about measles during pregnancy, how it could affect you and your baby, and what to do if you've had contact with someone who has measles.

Morning sickness is a feeling of nausea or the experience of vomiting (being sick) during pregnancy. Find out what you can do to feel better.

Mumps is an infection caused by the mumps virus. Find out more about symptoms, treatments, and how to avoid mumps if you're planning a pregnancy.

Nosebleeds during pregnancy are common. Generally, there's no need to worry and you should be able to treat a bleeding nose yourself at home.

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects your ovaries and can make it harder to fall pregnant. Learn about treatments to improve your chances of pregnancy.

Placenta accreta is a serious but rare pregnancy complication that causes heavy bleeding. If you have it, you will need special care at the birth.

Placenta praevia is when the placenta lies low and may cover the cervix, complicating your baby's birth. Learn about diagnosis and treatment.

Placental abruption is when your placenta partially or completely separates from the wall of the uterus before your baby’s birth.

Placental insufficiency is when the placenta doesn’t provide enough oxygen and nutrients for your baby. Find out about symptoms, causes and risks.

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that can happen in pregnancy, causing high blood pressure. Read about the symptoms and treatment of pre-eclampsia.

If you have type 1 or 2 diabetes, maintaining stable blood sugar levels before and during pregnancy is important for you and your baby’s health.

You can pass hepatitis B (Hep B) to your baby during birth. Learn more about having hepatitis B during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can damage your liver. Learn more about why it's best to get treatment for HepC before you're pregnant.

Pregnancy rhinitis is a common problem. Your symptoms may include a stuffy nose and watery eyes. Learn more about how you can relieve your symptoms.

Rhesus disease happens when the blood types of a mother and her baby don’t match. Find out what it could mean for your baby and how it is treated.

If you catch rubella while pregnant, it can be dangerous for your baby. Learn about the rubella symptoms, how to protect yourself against infection.

Sepsis is a life-threatening response that your body has to infection. Sepsis during pregnancy or after childbirth is a medical emergency.

If you experience severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, read on to learn about treatment options, staying hydrated and when to seek help.

During pregnancy, it's normal for skin conditions to develop. Learn more about common skin conditions and when to seek medical advice.

If you are pregnant, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause serious problems for you and your baby. See how STIs are diagnosed and treated.

Swollen ankles and feet are very common during pregnancy. Learn how to help relieve some of the discomfort and know when symptoms are serious.

Having syphilis during pregnancy can cause serious health issues for your baby. Learn more about the symptoms and how to avoid getting syphilis.

Learn what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 while pregnant. Read about symptoms and treatment of COVID-19 during labour and breastfeeding.

Changes in the levels of female hormones during pregnancy increase your chances of developing thrush and make it more likely to keep coming back.

It’s not uncommon to experience thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy. Learn about the signs, testing and how it can be treated to support your baby.

Toxoplasmosis is a common infection caused by a parasite. Symptoms include high temperature, swollen glands, sore throat and aching muscles.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection in pregnancy. Learn how to lower your risk of developing one and how to treat it.

Find out about vaginal discharge during pregnancy, including what’s normal and what’s not and when you should see your doctor or midwife.

Vasa praevia is a rare pregnancy condition that affects the blood vessels between your baby and the placenta. Learn how vasa praevia is managed.

Many changes in your body during pregnancy are normal, but some can be signs of complications. Learn what to look out for and get help if you need it.

A higher risk pregnancy means that you or your baby have more of a chance of problems during pregnancy. Learn what this means for you and your baby.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection. Learn about its diagnosis and treatment, and how vaccination can protect you and your baby.