Something to Remember In some cases, because of illness, your doctor may suggest that your baby is born early. The main reason for this are pre-eclampsia, infection, placenta praevia and placental abruption. Greenslopes Maternity Your Journey 39 Pre-eclampsia Pre-eclampsia is one of the more common complications of pregnancy and can occur at any time during the second half of pregnancy and the first few days after the birth. The signs of pre-eclampsia are high blood pressure, protein in urine and sudden excessive swelling of the face, hands and feet. Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition of pregnancy. Cases may vary from mild to severe and treatment varies accordingly. Women with pre-eclampsia are closely monitored. In the case of severe pre-eclampsia, more intensive monitoring of you and your baby will be provided and you may have to have your baby earlier than planned. It’s important to remember that: • a healthy mother and baby is what matters the most • sometimes things happen that are outside your control. Labour, birth and after Emergency caesarean A caesarean section is a surgical operation in which your baby is born through a cut in your abdomen and uterus. It is usually performed under a regional (spinal or epidural) anaesthesia. Sometimes a general anaesthetic is needed. Some caesarean sections are planned in advance because of existing problems with your pregnancy. In other cases, the decision to perform a caesarean is made during the course of labour. This is called an emergency caesarean. If your baby dies Pregnancy loss can occur at any time, from very early in the pregnancy through to babies that die soon after birth. Despite advances in medicine and technology, a small percentage of pregnancies end prematurely, often for unknown reasons. Regardless of the gestation of the pregnancy, each loss is unique. Bereaved parents will react in their own individual way depending on their personal values and beliefs. When a loss occurs, particularly a loss in later pregnancy or a still birth, you will need to make choices about your care and how you would like us to provide bereavement services. For example, you will be asked to decide about the burial or cremation of your baby. You will also be asked to give permission for a post mortem, which is a medical examination to determine, amongst many things, why your baby has died. We encourage you and your partner to take your time in making this decision. Your doctor and the maternity staff will respond to your needs by providing counselling, support and advice to you and your family Premature labour and birth Premature labour is when labour begins before 37 weeks gestation. The reason for labour starting prematurely is often not clear. Causes can include multiple pregnancy, a weak cervix, fibroids, an abnormally shaped uterus, urinary tract or other infection in the mother and smoking. If you have had a premature baby before, your chances of having another premature baby are higher. In some cases, because of illness, your doctor may suggest that your baby is born early. The main reason for this are preeclampsia, infection, placenta praevia and placental abruption. Premature labour is when labour begins before 37 weeks gestation.
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