Pregnancy Complications: Common Risks, Warning Signs & Treatment

What Are the Most Common Pregnancy Complications?

The most common pregnancy complications include preeclampsia (2-8% of pregnancies), gestational diabetes (6-9%), miscarriage (10-20% of known pregnancies), ectopic pregnancy (1-2%), placenta previa, and hyperemesis gravidarum. Most can be effectively managed with early detection and proper medical care.

Pregnancy is a complex physiological process that involves dramatic changes in virtually every organ system in the body. While the majority of pregnancies progress normally, a significant proportion encounter complications that can range from mild discomforts requiring monitoring to life-threatening emergencies demanding immediate intervention. Understanding these complications, their warning signs, and available treatments is essential for every expectant parent.

Pregnancy complications can broadly be categorized based on when they occur and what systems they affect. Some complications, such as ectopic pregnancy and early miscarriage, occur predominantly in the first trimester. Others, like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, typically develop in the second or third trimester. Certain conditions, such as placenta previa and preterm labor, may present challenges throughout the latter half of pregnancy and during delivery.

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 15% of all pregnancies develop complications, with some being more common in certain populations due to factors such as maternal age, pre-existing health conditions, and access to healthcare. Advanced maternal age (over 35), obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and a history of previous pregnancy complications are among the strongest risk factors for developing problems during pregnancy.

Regular prenatal care is the single most effective way to detect complications early and improve outcomes. Studies consistently show that women who receive adequate prenatal care have significantly lower rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality compared to those who receive inadequate or no care. Prenatal visits typically include blood pressure monitoring, urine testing, blood tests, and ultrasound examinations that can identify many complications before they become dangerous.

What Is Preeclampsia and How Dangerous Is It?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition characterized by high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher) and protein in the urine, developing after week 20. It affects 2-8% of pregnancies globally and is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality. Without treatment, it can progress to eclampsia (seizures) or HELLP syndrome.

Preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications that can develop during pregnancy. It is a multi-system disorder that primarily affects the cardiovascular and renal systems, but can also impact the liver, brain, and blood clotting mechanisms. The condition is defined by the new onset of hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher measured on two occasions at least 4 hours apart) combined with proteinuria (excess protein in the urine) or other signs of organ dysfunction after 20 weeks of gestation.

The exact cause of preeclampsia is not fully understood, but current research suggests it originates from abnormal development of the placenta in early pregnancy. When the placental blood vessels do not form properly, the placenta receives inadequate blood flow, leading to the release of inflammatory factors and substances that damage the maternal blood vessel lining. This endothelial dysfunction then causes the widespread symptoms associated with preeclampsia, including high blood pressure, kidney damage, and fluid retention.

Risk factors for preeclampsia include first pregnancy, advanced maternal age (over 40), obesity, pre-existing hypertension or kidney disease, diabetes, twin or multiple pregnancies, and a personal or family history of preeclampsia. Women of African descent also face a disproportionately higher risk, likely due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and healthcare access factors.

The progression of preeclampsia can be unpredictable. Some women develop mild symptoms that remain stable until delivery, while others rapidly deteriorate. Severe preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, characterized by seizures that can be fatal, or to HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets), which represents a severe form of the disease affecting multiple organs simultaneously.

Warning Signs of Preeclampsia

Recognizing the warning signs of preeclampsia is critical because early intervention can prevent life-threatening complications. While routine blood pressure monitoring during prenatal visits catches many cases, some women develop symptoms between appointments that require immediate attention.

• Severe headache: Persistent, intense headache that does not respond to regular painkillers
• Visual disturbances: Blurred vision, flashing lights, spots, or temporary vision loss
• Rapid swelling: Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet (beyond normal pregnancy swelling)
• Upper abdominal pain: Pain under the ribs on the right side, indicating liver involvement
• Nausea and vomiting: New onset after week 20 (different from morning sickness)
• Sudden weight gain: Gaining more than 1 kg (2.2 lbs) per week due to fluid retention
• Reduced urine output: Producing less urine than normal despite adequate fluid intake

Treatment of Preeclampsia

The only definitive cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby and placenta. The challenge for healthcare providers is balancing the risks of continuing the pregnancy (allowing the disease to potentially worsen) against the risks of preterm delivery. For mild preeclampsia diagnosed before 37 weeks, close monitoring with frequent blood pressure checks, blood tests, and fetal surveillance may allow the pregnancy to continue safely.

For severe preeclampsia, magnesium sulfate is administered intravenously to prevent seizures (eclampsia). Antihypertensive medications such as labetalol, nifedipine, or hydralazine are used to control dangerously high blood pressure. If the condition deteriorates or the pregnancy has reached 37 weeks, delivery is recommended regardless of symptom severity.

What Is Gestational Diabetes and How Is It Managed?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, typically diagnosed between weeks 24-28 through an oral glucose tolerance test. It affects 6-9% of pregnancies and is managed through dietary changes, blood sugar monitoring, exercise, and in some cases insulin therapy. GDM usually resolves after delivery but increases the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. During normal pregnancy, hormones produced by the placenta cause a natural degree of insulin resistance, which ensures adequate glucose delivery to the growing fetus. In women who develop gestational diabetes, the pancreas cannot compensate adequately for this increased insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

The condition is important to diagnose and treat because uncontrolled blood sugar during pregnancy can have significant consequences for both mother and baby. For the baby, excessive glucose crosses the placenta and stimulates fetal insulin production, leading to macrosomia (excessive birth weight over 4 kg), which increases the risk of birth injuries, shoulder dystocia, and the need for cesarean delivery. Babies born to mothers with poorly controlled gestational diabetes also face higher risks of neonatal hypoglycemia, jaundice, and respiratory distress syndrome.

For the mother, gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing preeclampsia, requiring cesarean delivery, and experiencing birth complications. Perhaps most importantly, women who develop gestational diabetes have a 50% lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes, making postpartum follow-up and lifestyle modification crucial for long-term health.

Screening for gestational diabetes typically occurs between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Women with risk factors such as obesity, age over 35, family history of diabetes, or previous gestational diabetes may be screened earlier. The test involves drinking a standardized glucose solution and measuring blood sugar levels at specific intervals.

Managing Blood Sugar During Pregnancy

The cornerstone of gestational diabetes management is dietary modification. Most women can achieve adequate blood sugar control through careful meal planning that emphasizes complex carbohydrates, adequate protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding concentrated sugars can help maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Regular physical activity, such as walking for 30 minutes after meals, can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and help control blood sugar levels. Blood sugar self-monitoring, typically performed four times daily (fasting and one or two hours after each meal), allows women and their healthcare providers to assess whether dietary measures are sufficient or if medication is needed.

When diet and exercise alone are insufficient, insulin therapy is the preferred pharmacological treatment during pregnancy because it does not cross the placenta. In some cases, oral medications such as metformin may be used, though insulin remains the gold standard. The goal of treatment is to maintain fasting blood sugar below 5.3 mmol/L (95 mg/dL) and one-hour postprandial levels below 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL).

What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy and Why Is It Dangerous?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube (95% of cases). It affects 1-2% of pregnancies and is a medical emergency because the growing embryo can cause the tube to rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding. Early symptoms include one-sided abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and shoulder tip pain.

An ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the fertilized egg implants and begins to grow in a location other than the uterine cavity. The vast majority of ectopic pregnancies (approximately 95%) occur in the fallopian tubes, which is why the condition is often called a tubal pregnancy. Less commonly, ectopic pregnancies can develop in the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity.

The fallopian tube is not designed to support a growing pregnancy. As the embryo grows, it stretches the tube, causing pain and eventually rupture if not detected and treated. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy can cause massive internal hemorrhage and is one of the leading causes of maternal death in the first trimester. The risk is heightened because the bleeding is internal and may not be immediately apparent to the woman or those around her.

Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include previous ectopic pregnancy (which increases the risk to 10-15% in subsequent pregnancies), history of pelvic inflammatory disease, prior fallopian tube surgery, endometriosis, use of intrauterine devices (IUDs), smoking, and assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF. Women who have had any of these risk factors should seek early pregnancy assessment to rule out an ectopic location.

Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

Early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can be subtle and may initially resemble a normal early pregnancy or a threatened miscarriage. However, certain symptoms should raise suspicion and prompt immediate medical evaluation.

• One-sided abdominal pain: Sharp or stabbing pain on one side of the lower abdomen, which may come and go or be persistent
• Vaginal bleeding: Often dark or watery bleeding that is different from a normal period
• Shoulder tip pain: Pain at the tip of the shoulder, which can indicate internal bleeding irritating the diaphragm
• Pain during urination or bowel movements: Discomfort that may be mistaken for a urinary tract infection
• Dizziness or fainting: Signs of internal bleeding and blood loss requiring emergency care

Treatment Options

Treatment for ectopic pregnancy depends on the location, size, and whether the tube has ruptured. If detected early and the ectopic pregnancy is small, medical treatment with methotrexate (a medication that stops the pregnancy from growing) may be used, allowing the tissue to be naturally absorbed by the body over several weeks. This approach avoids surgery and preserves the fallopian tube.

If the ectopic pregnancy is larger or has ruptured, surgery is necessary. Laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery) is preferred when possible, as it offers faster recovery. In some cases, the affected fallopian tube can be preserved (salpingostomy), but in others it must be removed (salpingectomy). Women who lose a fallopian tube can still become pregnant naturally through the remaining tube, though fertility may be somewhat reduced.

How Common Is Miscarriage and What Causes It?

Miscarriage (spontaneous pregnancy loss before 20 weeks) occurs in 10-20% of known pregnancies, with the majority happening in the first 12 weeks. The most common cause is chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo (50-60% of cases), which are random events beyond anyone's control. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding and cramping, though not all bleeding in early pregnancy leads to miscarriage.

Miscarriage is the most common complication of early pregnancy, yet it remains one of the least understood and most emotionally devastating experiences for expectant parents. The medical term for miscarriage is spontaneous abortion, referring to the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation without any external intervention. Research suggests that the actual rate of pregnancy loss may be even higher than commonly reported, as many miscarriages occur so early that the woman may not yet know she is pregnant.

The most frequent cause of miscarriage is chromosomal abnormalities in the developing embryo. These genetic errors, which account for approximately 50-60% of all first-trimester miscarriages, occur randomly during cell division and are not caused by anything the parents did or did not do. The risk of chromosomally abnormal pregnancies increases with maternal age, which is one reason why miscarriage rates are higher in women over 35.

Other causes of miscarriage include structural abnormalities of the uterus (such as fibroids or a septum), hormonal imbalances (particularly progesterone deficiency or thyroid disorders), blood clotting disorders (such as antiphospholipid syndrome), infections, uncontrolled diabetes, and certain autoimmune conditions. In many cases, particularly with first-trimester miscarriages, the exact cause is never identified.

It is critically important to understand that the vast majority of miscarriages are not preventable and are not caused by the woman's actions. Common myths attributing miscarriage to exercise, stress, sexual activity, or lifting heavy objects are not supported by medical evidence. While extreme physical trauma or certain infections can increase the risk, normal daily activities do not cause miscarriage.

Types of Miscarriage

Healthcare providers classify miscarriage into several categories based on the clinical presentation. A threatened miscarriage involves vaginal bleeding with a closed cervix, where the pregnancy may still continue. An inevitable miscarriage occurs when bleeding is accompanied by cervical dilation, indicating that loss is imminent. A missed miscarriage (also called a silent miscarriage) occurs when the embryo has stopped developing but has not been expelled, often diagnosed during a routine ultrasound.

Incomplete miscarriage refers to situations where some pregnancy tissue has been expelled but remnants remain in the uterus. A complete miscarriage occurs when all pregnancy tissue has been naturally expelled. Recurrent miscarriage, defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses, affects approximately 1% of couples and warrants specialized investigation to identify potential underlying causes.

Treatment and Recovery

Management of miscarriage depends on the type and the individual woman's preference. Three main approaches are available: expectant management (waiting for natural passage of tissue), medical management (using medication such as misoprostol to help the uterus expel the tissue), and surgical management (aspiration or curettage to remove the tissue). Each approach has its own advantages, and the choice should be made in consultation with the healthcare provider based on clinical circumstances and the woman's wishes.

Physical recovery from a miscarriage typically takes a few weeks, during which time the bleeding gradually decreases and the uterus returns to its normal size. Most women can resume normal activities within a few days. However, the emotional recovery often takes much longer, and feelings of grief, guilt, anger, and sadness are entirely normal. Professional support through counseling should be offered to all women and their partners following pregnancy loss.

What Are the Danger Signs During Pregnancy?

Danger signs during pregnancy that require immediate medical attention include heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, seizures, severe headache with visual disturbances, significantly reduced fetal movement after 28 weeks, water breaking before 37 weeks, and high fever. These symptoms may indicate life-threatening complications requiring emergency care.

Knowing which symptoms are normal during pregnancy and which represent potential emergencies can be lifesaving. While pregnancy involves many uncomfortable but harmless symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and back pain, certain warning signs should never be ignored. The WHO identifies several key danger signs that every pregnant woman and her support network should be aware of.

The urgency of seeking care depends on the specific symptom and its severity. Some symptoms, such as mild headache or occasional spotting, may warrant a call to the healthcare provider during office hours. Others, such as heavy bleeding, seizures, or severe abdominal pain, constitute medical emergencies requiring immediate attention at the nearest emergency department.

It is always better to seek assessment for a concerning symptom and be reassured than to wait and risk a potentially dangerous delay. Healthcare providers understand that pregnancy creates anxiety, and they would rather evaluate a woman with a normal finding than miss a developing complication. No pregnant woman should feel embarrassed or hesitant about contacting her care team with concerns.

Monitoring Fetal Movement

After approximately 28 weeks of pregnancy, monitoring fetal movement becomes an important tool for assessing the baby's wellbeing. While every baby has its own pattern of activity, a significant decrease in movement can be a warning sign of fetal distress. The traditional "kick count" method involves counting fetal movements during a quiet period; most healthcare providers recommend feeling at least 10 movements within 2 hours.

If you notice a significant decrease in your baby's movement or if the baby stops moving entirely, contact your healthcare provider or maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day. Studies have shown that timely assessment of reduced fetal movement, including electronic fetal monitoring (CTG) and ultrasound, can identify babies at risk and allow interventions that may prevent stillbirth.

When Should You See a Doctor During Pregnancy?

Seek urgent medical care during pregnancy for any heavy bleeding, severe pain, signs of preeclampsia (headache, visual changes, swelling), reduced fetal movement, water breaking early, or fever over 38°C (100.4°F). Regular prenatal visits are essential for early detection of complications. Non-urgent concerns should be discussed at your next scheduled appointment or via phone consultation.

Understanding when to seek medical care during pregnancy involves distinguishing between normal pregnancy discomforts and symptoms that could indicate a complication. Regular scheduled prenatal visits form the foundation of pregnancy monitoring, but additional assessment may be needed between appointments if concerning symptoms develop.

Most healthcare systems provide access to a maternity helpline or triage service that pregnant women can call for advice at any time. These services are staffed by experienced midwives and nurses who can help determine whether a symptom needs immediate evaluation, can wait until the next business day, or can be managed with self-care measures. Using these resources appropriately ensures that women receive timely care when needed.

Routine prenatal care typically involves monthly visits during the first and second trimesters, increasing to every two weeks during weeks 28-36, and weekly visits from week 36 until delivery. Women with high-risk pregnancies may need more frequent monitoring, including additional ultrasounds, blood tests, and specialist consultations. This schedule allows healthcare providers to track blood pressure trends, monitor fetal growth, and screen for conditions such as gestational diabetes and anemia.

Can Pregnancy Complications Be Prevented?

While not all pregnancy complications can be prevented, the risk can be significantly reduced through regular prenatal care, maintaining a healthy weight, taking folic acid (400 micrograms daily) before and during early pregnancy, managing pre-existing conditions, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and following recommended screening schedules. Low-dose aspirin starting from week 12-16 can reduce preeclampsia risk by up to 62% in high-risk women.

Prevention of pregnancy complications begins ideally before conception with preconception counseling and optimization of health. Women planning pregnancy should consult their healthcare provider to review medications, manage chronic conditions, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and begin taking folic acid supplements. Folic acid (400 micrograms daily, or 4-5 mg for women with previous neural tube defect pregnancies) taken from at least one month before conception through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy is one of the most impactful modifiable risk factors. Obesity (BMI over 30) increases the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, blood clots, cesarean delivery, and stillbirth. Conversely, being significantly underweight is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. The recommended weight gain during pregnancy varies based on pre-pregnancy BMI, ranging from 5-9 kg for obese women to 12.5-18 kg for underweight women.

Physical activity during pregnancy is not only safe for most women but actively beneficial. The ACOG recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy. Regular exercise reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, excessive weight gain, and depression. Activities such as walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, and stationary cycling are generally considered safe throughout pregnancy, though women should consult their healthcare provider about their specific exercise plan.

Avoiding harmful substances is critical for preventing complications. Alcohol should be completely avoided during pregnancy, as there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Smoking increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, placental abruption, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Women who quit smoking before or during early pregnancy significantly reduce these risks. Recreational drugs, excessive caffeine (over 200 mg daily), and certain medications can also harm the developing baby.

Prenatal Screening and Monitoring

Regular prenatal screening allows early detection of many complications. First-trimester screening (weeks 11-14) can assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and identify early signs of potential complications. The anatomy scan at approximately 20 weeks evaluates fetal development and can detect structural abnormalities. Glucose screening between weeks 24-28 identifies gestational diabetes, and group B streptococcus screening at weeks 35-37 determines the need for antibiotic prophylaxis during labor.

Women identified as high-risk through screening may benefit from additional preventive measures. Low-dose aspirin (75-150 mg daily) starting from weeks 12-16 is recommended by WHO and ACOG for women at high risk of preeclampsia, with studies showing risk reduction of 17-62%. Progesterone supplementation may be offered to women with a history of preterm birth or a short cervix identified on ultrasound.

What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting that goes beyond typical morning sickness. It affects 0.3-3% of pregnancies and can cause dehydration, weight loss of more than 5% of pre-pregnancy weight, and electrolyte imbalances. HG often requires hospitalization for intravenous fluids and anti-nausea medication, and typically improves by weeks 16-20.

While nausea and vomiting affect up to 80% of pregnant women to some degree, hyperemesis gravidarum represents the severe end of the spectrum. This condition goes far beyond normal morning sickness, causing persistent, excessive vomiting that prevents the woman from maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration. The distinction between typical morning sickness and hyperemesis is important because the latter can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

The exact cause of hyperemesis gravidarum has been debated for decades, but recent research has identified a hormone called GDF15 (Growth Differentiation Factor 15) as a key driver. GDF15 is produced by the placenta in increasing amounts during early pregnancy and triggers nausea and vomiting through its action on receptors in the brainstem. Women who develop hyperemesis may have higher levels of GDF15 or greater sensitivity to it, possibly due to lower pre-pregnancy exposure. This discovery has opened new avenues for potential prevention and treatment.

Risk factors for hyperemesis include a history of the condition in a previous pregnancy (15-20% recurrence rate), twin or multiple pregnancies, molar pregnancy, being the daughter of a woman who experienced hyperemesis, and certain genetic variants. The condition is not caused by psychological factors, and the outdated notion that hyperemesis is psychosomatic has been thoroughly debunked by modern research.

Treatment of Severe Nausea

Treatment of hyperemesis follows a stepwise approach. Initial measures include dietary modifications (small, frequent meals of bland foods), ginger supplements, acupressure wristbands, and adequate rest. If these measures are insufficient, antiemetic medications such as ondansetron, promethazine, or cyclizine may be prescribed. For women who cannot tolerate oral medications, suppositories or intravenous administration may be necessary.

Hospitalization is required when dehydration becomes significant, electrolyte levels become dangerously imbalanced, or the woman is unable to retain any food or fluids. In hospital, treatment typically involves intravenous fluids with electrolyte correction, intravenous antiemetics, and nutritional support. In severe cases, nasogastric or parenteral nutrition may be needed to maintain adequate nutrition for both mother and baby.

What Other Complications Can Occur During Pregnancy?

Other significant pregnancy complications include placenta previa (placenta covering the cervix), placental abruption (premature placental separation), preterm labor (before 37 weeks), intrahepatic cholestasis (liver condition causing severe itching), Rh incompatibility, and infections such as urinary tract infections and group B streptococcus. Each requires specific management by healthcare providers.

Beyond the major complications discussed above, several other conditions can affect pregnancy outcomes and require medical attention. Understanding these conditions helps pregnant women recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate care.

Placenta Previa

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the opening of the cervix (the birth canal). It affects approximately 0.3-0.5% of pregnancies and is typically diagnosed during the routine 20-week ultrasound. While many cases of low-lying placenta identified early in pregnancy resolve as the uterus grows, complete placenta previa usually persists and requires delivery by cesarean section. The main symptom is painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester, which can be heavy and life-threatening.

Placental Abruption

Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, cutting off the baby's blood and oxygen supply. It affects approximately 1% of pregnancies and can be life-threatening for both mother and baby. Symptoms include sudden severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding (which may be concealed), uterine tenderness, and signs of fetal distress. Risk factors include high blood pressure, previous abruption, smoking, cocaine use, and abdominal trauma. Placental abruption is a medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation and often emergency delivery.

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a liver condition that typically develops in the third trimester, affecting approximately 0.5-1.5% of pregnancies. The hallmark symptom is intense itching, particularly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, that is often worse at night. The itching is caused by elevated bile acid levels in the blood due to impaired bile flow from the liver. ICP is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and, in rare cases, stillbirth. Treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can reduce bile acid levels and relieve itching, and many providers recommend induction of labor at 37-38 weeks to minimize risks.

Preterm Labor

Preterm labor, defined as labor that begins before 37 weeks of gestation, affects approximately 10% of pregnancies worldwide. Signs include regular contractions, lower back pain, pelvic pressure, and vaginal discharge changes. If preterm labor is identified early, interventions such as tocolytic medications (to temporarily stop contractions), corticosteroids (to accelerate fetal lung maturity), and magnesium sulfate (for neuroprotection) can significantly improve outcomes for the premature baby. Women with a short cervix identified on ultrasound may benefit from progesterone treatment or cervical cerclage to prevent preterm delivery.