Although most pregnancies are normal for the entire nine months there are still some risk factors that can lead to a problems pregnancy. The most common conditions are hyperemesis gravidarum, ectopic pregnancy, late miscarriage, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. It is important for a patient to tell their doctor of any unusual symptoms promptly during their pregnancy and especially during the third trimester.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is one condition for a problems pregnancy. This occurs when a woman has morning sickness or excessive vomiting for the entire nine months of pregnancy. This most commonly occurs in first time mothers and occasionally occurs in the same women during subsequent pregnancies. The danger of this condition is dehydration and malnutrition and possible harm to the baby, which is easily treatable if brought to a physician's attention.

Ectopic pregnancy is a problems pregnancy condition where the fetus implants outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. The symptoms of this condition are cramping, painful abdomen and often bleeding. Treatment consists of removal of the ectopic pregnancy by laparoscopy and occasionally electrocautery. Early detection of this condition can help save the fallopian tube and avoid future fertility problems.

Late miscarriage occurs between the end of the first trimester and the 20th week of pregnancy. Signs of this problems pregnancy include cramping and heavy bleeding. If these symptoms occur a woman should get to her physician immediately as often the miscarriage can be halted with medication. Treatment for this condition if stopped in time is complete bed rest or hospitalization. If the causes for the late miscarriage are hormonal insufficiency, diabetes or hypertension they can be treated before attempting another pregnancy so that the next one will be successful.

Preeclampsia or toxemia is a pregnancy related form of high blood pressure. It is unknown what causes this pregnancy problem condition. The symptoms of this condition are swelling of the extremities and face usually accompanied by sudden excessive weight gain, headaches and dizziness. High blood pressure is the main indicator of this problem and is usually caught during a weekly physician visit during the last trimester. If this condition is not caught in time it can result in convulsions and occasionally coma for the mother. 

Gestational diabetes is a common problems pregnancy that occurs in 1 out of 100 pregnancies. This condition is temporary and ends when the pregnancy does and occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin to cope with the increased sugar in the blood. Symptoms of this condition include frequent urination and excessive fatigue. Physicians usually test for sugar in the urine during each visit during pregnancy to help catch this condition early. Another test, the glucose tolerance test is often used and entails drinking a very sugary drink, waiting an hour and then testing the blood to see how quickly the sugar was metabolized.

It is important for women to seek medical attention when they suspect something is unusual or doesn't feel right during their pregnancy. Prompt medical attention can save both mother and baby when threatening conditions occur.