Pregnancy complications

Most people will have no complications in pregnancy and will be cared for by a midwife, but for some, complications can arise. The information within this section aims to provide you with information about some of the complications that can occur in pregnancy.  Your pregnancy care is personalised to your individual needs as they arise, so should your pregnancy be affected by any of these conditions a member of your health care team will discuss with you how this may affect your pregnancy, your baby and birth choices.

We have a specialist team of obstetric doctors who will care for you alongside your midwife if you have any risks or complications. If you require input from them, you will have a named consultant obstetrician who will lead your care. You may see the consultant or a member of their team. They will provide you with information so that you can make the right decisions for your pregnancy to keep you and your baby safe and well. You will also carry on seeing your midwife.

 

Hyperemesis and Pregnancy Sickness

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/pregnancy-sickness/
• Pregnancy Sickness Support https://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/

 

Pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/pre-eclampsia/
• Action on pre-eclampsia https://action-on-pre-eclampsia.org.uk/

 

Reduced movements

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/your-babys-movements-in-pregnancy/
• Kicks Count https://www.kickscount.org.uk/Pages/Category/why-movement-matters

 

Back and pelvic pain

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/pelvic-girdle-pain-and-pregnancy/
• Pelvic Partnership https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk

 

Diabetes

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/gestational-diabetes/
• Diabetes UK https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/pregnancy
• Gestational Diabetes UK https://www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/
• Eye Screening https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/screening-tests-for-you-and-your-baby/diabetic-eye-screening

 

Cholestasis and itching in pregnancy

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/obstetric-cholestasis/
• ICP Support: https://www.icpsupport.org/

 

Bleeding in pregnancy and low-lying placenta

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/bleeding-and-pain-in-early-pregnancy/
• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/a-low-lying-placenta-after-20-weeks-placenta-praevia/

 

Having a small baby

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/having-a-small-baby/

 

Group B streptococcus (GBS)

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/group-b-streptococcus-gbs-infection-pregnancy-newborn-babies/
• Group B Strep Support https://gbss.org.uk/

 

Your baby is in a breech position at the end of pregnancy

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/breech-baby-at-the-end-of-pregnancy/
• Turning a breech baby in the womb https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/turning-a-breech-baby-in-the-womb/

 

Being overweight during pregnancy

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/being-overweight-pregnancy-after-birth/
• Labour Pains https://www.labourpains.com/ui/content/content.aspx?ID=45

 

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/reducing-the-risk-of-venous-thrombosis-in-pregnancy-and-after-birth/
• NHS https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/complications/deep-vein-thrombosis/
• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/treatment-of-venous-thrombosis-in-pregnancy-and-after-birth/

 

Epilepsy

• RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/epilepsy-in-pregnancy/

 

Acute kidney injury (AKI)

• COCH Padlet AKI resources and support: https://padlet.com/chester_classes/AKI

 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• STI clinics in Chester https://www.better2know.co.uk/clinics/city/chester
• Chlamydia https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Chlamydia/
• Genital Herpes https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/genital-herpes-in-pregnancy/
• HIV https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/hiv-and-pregnancy/

 

Cancer

• Mummy’s Star https://www.mummysstar.org/
• Breast cancer https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/pregnancy-and-breast-cancer/

 

Neonatal Care

If your baby is born early or requires extra support after birth, then that care is provided by our neonatal team. Please follow the link for more information about our neonatal unit: https://padlet.com/chester_classes/NNU

 

Baby loss and bereavement support

Although pregnancy and childbirth are safer now than ever before, not all pregnancies have the happy ending hoped for. It is always a very sad and difficult time when families are faced with unexpected loss and parents can be left feeling vulnerable, angry, and confused.

Unfortunately, we can’t take away the pain of loss, but we do all we can to support families at this difficult time. Our Lavender Midwives provide practical guidance, information and emotional support to families affected by baby loss. Please click on the link to access our Padlet with information and support resources: https://padlet.com/chester_classes/babyloss