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Problems in early pregnancy are most likely to be due to a pregnancy not attaching or forming properly.
Usually if a pregnancy is not going to be viable it will miscarry. Mostly, that will happen very early in the pregnancy, often before the mother even knows that she is pregnant. Most miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies happen in the early weeks of a pregnancy. Sometimes a pregnancy can seem to be developing normally and, for reasons that are often mysterious, a miscarriage may happen many weeks later. Consequently, early pregnancy can be a worrying time for women, especially if the parents have been waiting a long time for the pregnancy. This section will guide you through some of the more common concerns in early pregnancy and help you to know how to respond if things don't go as planned.
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Bleeding in early pregnancy
One in four women will bleed in early pregnancy, many of whom go on to have a healthy baby. But any bleeding in pregnancy should be investigated because there is a chance that something is wrong and you may need treatment.
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Miscarriage
Miscarriage happens when a pregnancy stops growing and the pregnancy tissue passes out of the body. Some women feel crampy, period-like pain and in most cases there will be vaginal bleeding. Miscarriage is very common in the first few weeks of pregnancy.
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Treating miscarriage
If a miscarriage has begun, there is nothing that can be done to stop it. Any treatment you have will be aimed at avoiding heavy bleeding and infection.
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Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is one that is growing in the wrong place, usually in the fallopian tube. Occasionally, an ectopic pregnancy can also be found on the ovary, in a scar from a previous caesarean section or in other parts of the abdomen.
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Hydatidiform mole
A hydatidifom mole or molar pregnancy is very uncommon affecting around 1 in 1,200 pregnancies. It is usually found in early pregnancy.
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Disclaimer
The Women’s does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women’s provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.