Pregnancy and bringing forth new life are miracles that occur on a daily basis. Given the availability of modern medical care, most pregnancies progress quite normally from conception to the birth of a healthy baby or babies. Occasionally, though, a pregnancy can have factors that complicate it. Below are some of the most common complications of pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized is implanted anywhere other than the wall of the uterus. This most commonly occurs in the fallopian tube, the reason they are often called tubal pregnancies. The causes vary from certain STDs to a woman having had pelvic surgery to attempts at sterilization and still getting pregnant. There is only one treatment. The pregnancy must be terminated before the fetus grows to a size that would allow tearing and damage to internal structures that could threaten the life of the mother. Methotrexate is used if the ectopic pregnancy is caught early enough. Surgery may be required if the pregnancy is very far along.

Gestational diabetes occurs when the mother’s body stops producing an adequate supply of insulin. This is a very common complication and is usually treatable with changes in the diet. Insulin may be required in more severe cases.

If a woman is Rh negative and the father of the baby is Rh positive, the odds are that the baby will be Rh positive as well. The Rh factor refers to a protein that surrounds the red blood cells and in the case of an Rh negative mother, will result in her body building antibodies to fight off the intrusion of the Rh positive cells. Her body literally tries to fight off the baby. Rhogam is a drug that is given during the pregnancy to prevent the buildup of antibodies harming the baby and again at birth to help desensitize the mother’s body. Otherwise, any future pregnancies will result in miscarriage as her body fights and kills the baby because of the Rh protein.

Group B strep is a group of bacteria that cause many infections in newborn babies. A culture from the mother can reveal the presence of group B strep infection and it can be treated during the pregnancy as well as after the baby is born. These bacteria are related to but not the same as group A strep which cause strep throat.

Low birth weight is a common consequence of substance abuse, including tobacco and alcohol, during the pregnancy. Failure to see a doctor for prenatal care and poor nutrition are also factors that can cause a low birth weight. Babies born at low weights are at higher risks for respiratory diseases, including asthma, and other serious health problems.

Premature birth is when the mother goes into labor before the 37^th week of pregnancy. Preemies, as these babies are called, often must spend a great deal of time in the hospital in neo natal ICU because they are not fully developed. Sometimes, it is possible to slow or even stop a premature labor. If this is the case, bed rest is usually prescribed to help the mother go ahead and carry the baby to full term.