While a majority of women experience healthy pregnancies, some women face complications that range from a slight risk to a life-threatening situation for mother and baby. It is important to know the danger signs during pregnancy and the various complications that are possible. You need to be informed and be ready to act early in case you experience problems.

Danger signs are warnings that something is wrong, and all pregnant women should know about these signs.

If you smoke, drink alcohol or take certain drugs, your baby can develop complications such as:

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
• low birth weight
• prematurity
• learning disabilities
• developmental delays

Saying no is the best way to addresses issues related to smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs during your pregnancy. If you are addicted to any of these, consider getting professional care to help you quit and to help save your baby's future.

Pregnancy complications can start early in your pregnancy or may not be present until you go into labor. Exposure to infections or sexually transmitted diseases can put mother and baby at risk throughout the pregnancy. Complications may develop when the mother is exposed to, or contracts:

• chickenpox
• German measles
• cytomegalovirus
• toxoplasmosis
• syphilis
• herpes simplex virus
• HIV

Most physicians will test to see if you have immunity to the measles at your first visit. If you have not had chicken pox, avoid being around children that have them or have been exposed to them. The best way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases is to use condoms during sex – even while pregnant – if you are not in an exclusive relationship.

Toxoplasmosis is obtained from a parasite that you can get from raw or undercooked meat, cat feces, or unpasteurized dairy products. While pregnant, it is best to eat meat cooked well and not to drink milk that is not pasteurized. Pregnant women should also avoid emptying a litter box. If you have a cat in your home, see if someone else can do this task while you are pregnant. If not, use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after emptying.

For information on having your baby at Methodist and services available, please visit our Maternity Services section.