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Cesarean Delivery (Cesarean Section, C-section, Cesarean Birth) Procedure Overview What is a cesarean delivery? Click Image to Enlarge Cesarean delivery (also called a cesarean section or C-section) is the surgical delivery of a baby by an incision through the mother's abdomen and uterus. This procedure is performed when it is determined to be a safer method than a vaginal delivery for the mother, baby, or both. In a cesarean delivery, an incision is made in the skin and into the uterus at the lower par...

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) (CVS, Chorionic Villus Biopsy) Procedure Overview What is chorionic villus sampling? Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta, a structure in the uterus that provides blood and nutrients from the mother to the fetus, to test for chromosomal abnormalities and certain other genetic problems. The chorionic villi are tiny projections of placental tissue that look like fingers and contain the same genetic mate...

External and Internal Heart Rate Monitoring of the Fetus (Fetal Monitoring, External and Internal) Procedure Overview What is external and internal fetal heart rate monitoring? Fetal heart rate monitoring is a procedure used to evaluate the well-being of the fetus by assessing the rate and rhythm of the fetal heartbeat. During late pregnancy and labor, your physician may recommend monitoring the fetal heart rate and other functions. The average fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute, a...

Pelvic Ultrasound (Ultrasound-Pelvis, Pelvic Ultrasonography, Pelvic Sonography, Pelvic Scan, Lower Abdomen Ultrasound, Gynecologic Ultrasound, Transabdominal Ultrasound, Transvaginal Ultrasound, Endovaginal Ultrasound) Procedure Overview What is a pelvic ultrasound? A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis. A pelvic ultrasound allows quick visualization of the female pelvic organs and structures including the ...

Amniocentesis Procedure (Amniotic Fluid Analysis) Procedure Overview What is amniocentesis? Amniocentesis is a procedure used to obtain a small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. Amniotic fluid is a clear, pale yellow fluid made by the fetus. The fluid protects the fetus from injury and helps to regulate the temperature of the fetus. In addition to various enzymes, proteins, hormones, and other substances, the amniotic fluid contains cells shed by the fetus. These ce...

Digestive and Liver Disorders Overview What is digestion? Food and drink must be changed into smaller molecules of nutrients to be absorbed into the blood and carried to cells throughout the body. Digestion is the process by which food and drink are broken down into smaller parts so that the body can use them to build and nourish cells, and to provide energy. Click Image to Enlarge How does the digestive process work? Digestion involves: the mixing of food. the movement of food through the digestive tra...

First Trimester Screening What is first trimester screening? First trimester screening is a combination of fetal ultrasound and maternal blood testing performed during the first trimester of pregnancy. This screening process can help to determine the risk of the fetus having certain birth defects. There are three parts of first trimester screening: Click Image to Enlarge ultrasound test for fetal nuchal translucency (NT) Nuchal translucency screening uses an ultrasound test to examine the area at the ba...

Lumbar Puncture (LP) (Spinal Tap, Spinal Puncture, CSF Collection) Procedure Overview What is a lumbar puncture? A lumbar puncture (LP), also known as a spinal tap, is a diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure performed by a physician. The procedure is performed by inserting a hollow needle into the subarachnoid space in the lumbar area (lower back) of the spinal column. The subarachnoid space is the canal in the spinal column that carries cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between the brain and the spinal cord....

Maternal and Fetal Infections Overview Infection is the invasion and multiplying of microorganisms in the body. The body may respond in different ways depending on the type of infection and the extent of the infection. An infectious disease is caused by one or more of the following: viruses bacteria parasites fungi Infectious diseases can range from common illnesses, such as the cold, to deadly illnesses, such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Depending on the specific illness and country (...

Maternal and Fetal Testing Overview The vast majority of women have healthy pregnancies and their babies are born without difficulties. However, women with high-risk pregnancies often need a close watch for potential problems or complications. Fortunately, there are many tests and procedures to monitor the health of both mother and baby. Many of these pose little or no risk and can provide tremendous amounts of information to physicians and expectant parents. Some types of testing and procedures, howeve...

Newborn Multiples Care of multiple birth babies: Because many multiples are small and born early, they may be initially cared for in a special care nursery called the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In the NICU: The NICU combines advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals to provide specialized care for the tiniest patients. NICUs may also have intermediate or continuing care areas for babies who are not as sick but do need specialized nursing care. Some hospitals do not have the pers...

Second Trimester Prenatal Screening Tests Second trimester prenatal screening may include several blood tests, called multiple markers. These markers provide information about a woman's risk of having a baby with certain genetic conditions or birth defects. Screening is usually performed by taking a sample of the mother's blood between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy (16th to 18th is ideal). The multiple markers include: alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP) - a blood test that measures the level of al...

Types of Genetic Diseases There are several types of genetic disorders. The way in which the disorder is inherited can help determine the risks it will have on a pregnancy and the risk it will recur in future children. Risks for having a baby with a birth defect from a genetic abnormality may be increased when: the parents have another child with a genetic disorder. there is a family history of a genetic disorder. one parent has a chromosomal abnormality. the fetus has abnormalities seen on ultrasound. ...

Ultrasound in Pregnancy What is an ultrasound? An ultrasound scan is a diagnostic technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs. A screening ultrasound is sometimes done during the course of a pregnancy to monitor normal fetal growth and verify the due date. Ultrasounds may be performed at various times throughout pregnancy for different reasons: In the first trimester: to establish the dates of a pregnancy to determine the number of fetuses and identify place...

About the Nervous System What is the nervous system? The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It is made up of two major divisions: central nervous system - consisting of the brain and spinal cord. peripheral nervous system - consisting of all other neural elements. In addition to the brain and spinal cord, principal organs of the nervous system include the following: eyes ears sensory organs of taste sensory organs of smell sensory receptors ...

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) / Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) What is HIV? Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that is responsible for causing acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus destroys or impairs cells of the immune system and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. In adults and adolescents, HIV is most commonly spread by sexual contact with an infected partner. In the US, nearly all HIV infections in children...

Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy What is acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP)? Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a rare, but serious, condition of pregnancy in which there is an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver or liver cells. Fat normally accumulates in the liver in the form of triglycerides and fatty acids, but excessive fat can cause liver damage. AFLP is quite rare, however, it is a serious condition that cannot be predicted or prevented. What causes acute fatty liver of pregnancy? The caus...

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) What is an alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP)? Alpha-fetoprotein screening is a blood test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mothers' blood during pregnancy. AFP is a protein normally produced by the fetal liver and is present in the fluid surrounding the fetus (amniotic fluid), and crosses the placenta into the mother's blood. The AFP blood test is also called MSAFP (maternal serum AFP). Abnormal levels of AFP may signal the following: open neural tube defects (...

Amniocentesis What is an amniocentesis? An amniocentesis is a procedure used to obtain a small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus to diagnose chromosomal disorders and open neural tube defects (ONTDs) such as spina bifida. Testing is available for other genetic defects and disorders depending on the family history and availability of laboratory testing at the time of the procedure. An amniocentesis is generally offered to women between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy who are at i...

Amniotic Fluid Problems / Hydramnios /Oligohydramnios What is amniotic fluid? Amniotic fluid is an important part of pregnancy and fetal development. This watery fluid is inside a casing called the amniotic membrane (or sac) and fluid surrounds the fetus throughout pregnancy. Normal amounts may vary, but, generally, women carry about 500 ml of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid helps protect and cushion the fetus and plays an important role in the development of many of the fetal organs including the lungs,...

Anemia in Pregnancy Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. It carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues. What is anemia? Anemia is a condition of too few red blood cells, or a lowered ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen or iron. Tissue enzymes dependent on iron can affect cell function in nerves and muscles. The fetu...

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (aPL) What is antiphospholipid syndrome (aPL)? Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the body produces large amounts of antiphospholipid antibodies. Phospholipids are a special type of fat containing phosphate that makes up the outer walls of the body's cells. Antiphospholipid antibodies attack the phospholipids. This causes many different problems including increased blood clotting. Cardiolipin is one type of phospholipid and specific anticardiolipin anti...

Autoimmune Diseases Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body makes antibodies against one's own normal body chemicals. In these diseases, antibodies cannot tell antigens in the inside of the cell from antigens outside of the cell. When the antibodies attack the internal cells, the reactions can be local - in just a small area, or systemic - throughout the whole body. The skin and connective tissues (cartilage, bone, tendons) are most affected but other tissues can be affected, as well, inclu...

Biophysical Profile (BPP) What is a biophysical profile (BPP)? A biophysical profile (BPP) is a test that combines a nonstress test with ultrasound. A nonstress test (NST) measures the fetal heart rate in response to the movements of the fetus. An ultrasound is a diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs. Biophysical profile testing is usually performed in the last trimester of pregnancy. There are five parts to a biophysical profile: the nonstre...

Birth Defects What is a birth defect? A "birth defect" is a health problem or physical change, which is present in a baby at the time he/she is born. Birth defects may be very mild, where the baby looks and acts like any other baby, or birth defects may be very severe, where you can immediately tell there is a health problem present. Some of the severe birth defects can be life threatening, where a baby may only live a few months, or may die at a young age (in their teens, for example). Birth defects ar...

Bleeding in Pregnancy / Placenta Previa / Placental Abruption Bleeding may occur at various times in pregnancy. Although bleeding is alarming, it may or may not be a serious complication. The time of bleeding in the pregnancy, the amount, and whether or not there is pain may vary depending on the cause. Bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy is quite common and may be due to the following: miscarriage (pregnancy loss) ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tube) gestational trophoblastic di...

Cholestasis of Pregnancy What is cholestasis of pregnancy? Cholestasis of pregnancy is a condition in which the normal flow of bile in the gallbladder is slowed or stopped resulting in itching and jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes). Although it may begin in early pregnancy, cholestasis is more common in the last trimester of pregnancy and usually goes away within a few days after delivery. Cholestasis of pregnancy occurs in about one woman out of 1,000 overall, but it is more l...

Chorioamnionitis What is chorioamnionitis? Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the membranes (placental tissues) and amniotic fluid. It occurs in about 1 to 5 percent of all pregnancies, but is much more common in preterm births. Chorioamnionitis can cause bacteremia (blood infection) in the mother and may lead to preterm birth and serious infection in the newborn baby. Other terms for chorioamnionitis include intra-amniotic infection and amnionitis. The organisms usually responsible for chorioamnioniti...

Chorionic Villus Sampling What is chorionic villus sampling (CVS)? Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that involves taking a sample of some of the placental tissue. This tissue contains the same genetic material as the fetus and can be tested for chromosomal abnormalities and some other genetic problems. Testing is available for other genetic defects and disorders depending on the family history and availability of laboratory testing at the time of the procedure. In comparison to amnioce...

Chronic Hypertension What is chronic hypertension? Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. Each time the heart beats, it is pumping blood into these arteries - resulting in the highest blood pressure when the heart contracts and is pumping the blood. High blood pressure, or hypertension, directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (heart attack) and stroke (brain attack). Hypertension is defined in an adult as a blood pressure: greater than or equal to 140 mm...

Diabetes and Pregnancy What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition where sufficient amounts of insulin are either not produced or the body is unable to use the insulin that is produced. Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide fuel. When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood and the body's cells literally starve to death. What are the different types of diabetes? There are three basic types of diabetes including: type 1 diabetes - also called...

Digestive and Liver Disorders There are many digestive and liver conditions that may complicate a pregnancy and require clinical care by a physician. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have prodded a brief overview. Digestive and Liver Disorders Overview Hyperemesis Gravidarum Cholestasis of Pregnancy Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy

Doppler Flow Studies What is a Doppler flow study? Doppler flow is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood through a blood vessel. Waveforms of the blood flow are shown on the ultrasound screen. Doppler flow studies may be used to assess blood flow in the umbilical blood vein and arteries, fetal brain, and fetal heart. Doppler flow is sometimes called Doppler velocimetry. A Doppler flow study is often used when a fetus has intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which mea...

Ectopic Pregnancy What is ectopic pregnancy? About 2 percent of all pregnancies develop outside the uterus, called an ectopic pregnancy. These are nearly always in the fallopian tube. Rarely, an ectopic pregnancy will be located in an ovary or in the cervix, or even in the abdomen. Ectopic pregnancy is more common in women with the following conditions: infertility (difficulty conceiving) endometriosis - a condition in which the tissue normally inside the uterus grows in other areas of the pelvis. sexua...

Epilepsy What is epilepsy? Epilepsy, also called a seizure disorder, is defined as a neurological disorder that involves recurrent seizures. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), it is estimated that epilepsy affects 1 percent of the US population (about 2.5 million people). Transmission of information from nerve cell to nerve cell occurs by electrochemical process. Abnormal patterns in the electrical activity may cause seizures. A seizure disorder includes an...

Fetal Blood Sampling What is fetal blood sampling? Fetal blood sampling is a procedure to remove a small amount of blood from the fetus during pregnancy. In the past, fetal blood sampling was used only during labor through the mother's open cervix to test blood from the fetal scalp for oxygenation. Today, in many perinatal care centers, fetal blood sampling is performed by specially trained perinatologists as part of diagnosing, treating, and monitoring fetal problems at various times during pregnancy. ...

Fetal Monitoring What is fetal monitoring? During late pregnancy and during labor, your physician may want to monitor the fetal heart rate and other functions. Fetal heart rate monitoring is a method of checking the rate and rhythm of the fetal heartbeat. The average fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute. The fetal heart rate may change as the fetus responds to conditions in the uterus. An abnormal fetal heart rate or pattern may mean that the fetus is not getting enough oxygen or the...

Fetal Movement Counting What is fetal movement counting? Fetal movement counting, often called kick counting, is a way a mother can help monitor the movements of her unborn baby by counting the number of kicks in a certain time period. By 20 weeks gestation, most women are able to feel their baby's movements. But, movements vary in frequency, strength, and patterns depending on the maturity of the fetus. Generally, most fetuses have circadian (biologically timed) activity rhythms and tend to be more act...

Genetics What is genetics? Genetics is the study of the patterns of inheritance - how traits and characteristics are passed from parents to their children. Genes are formed from segments of DNA ( d eoxyribo n ucleic a cid), the molecule that encodes genetic information in the cells. DNA controls the structure, function, and behavior of cells and can create exact copies of itself. Humans have an estimated 70,000 different genes that contain specific genetic information. These genes are located on chromos...

Gestational Hypertension What is gestational hypertension? Gestational hypertension is a form of high blood pressure in pregnancy. It occurs in about 5 percent to 8 percent of all pregnancies. Another type of high blood pressure is chronic hypertension - high blood pressure that is present before pregnancy begins. Gestational hypertension can develop into preeclampsia This condition occurs most often in young women with a first pregnancy. It is more common in twin pregnancies, in women over the age of 3...

Glossary - High-Risk Pregnancy | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [back to top] alpha-fetoprotein - a protein produced by the fetus that is excreted into the amniotic fluid. Abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein may indicate brain or spinal cord defects, multiple fetuses, a miscalculated due date, or chromosomal disorders. amniocentesis - a test performed to determine chromosomal and...

Heart Disease The heart in pregnancy: The heart is the hardest working muscle in the human body. Located almost in the center of the chest, the adult human heart is about the size of one fist. At an average rate of 80 times a minute, the heart beats about 115,000 times in one day or 42 million times in a year. During an average lifetime, the human heart will beat more than three billion times - pumping an amount of blood that equals about one million barrels. Even at rest, the heart continuously works h...

HELLP Syndrome What is HELLP syndrome? HELLP syndrome is a serious complication of severe gestational hypertension (high blood pressure problems of pregnancy). The actual incidence is not known, but it appears to develop in about 2 percent to 12 percent of women with gestational hypertension. It usually develops before delivery but may occur postpartum (after delivery) as well. HELLP syndrome consists of the following problems: hemolysis - red blood cells break down. elevated liver enzymes - damage to l...

Herpes What is herpes (HSV)? Genital herpes can be spread to the baby during delivery, if a woman has an active infection at that time. Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Herpes infections can cause blisters and ulcers on the mouth or face (oral herpes), or in the genital area (genital herpes). HSV is a life-long infection. Symptoms of HSV may include painful blisters or open sores in the genital area, which may be preceded by a tingling or burning sensati...

Topic Index Preconception Care Prenatal Counseling Maternal and Fetal Testing Pregnancy Complications Pregnancy and Medical Conditions Sickle Cell Disease Autoimmune Disease Glossary Every family looks forward to a healthy pregnancy and to the birth of a healthy newborn. And, for the vast majority of women, pregnancy follows a fairly routine course. But, for some, there may be unexpected difficulties and challenges along the way with a high-risk pregnancy. Having a high-risk pregnancy means that a woman...

Hyperemesis Gravidarum What is hyperemesis gravidarum? About half of all pregnant women experience nausea and sometimes vomiting in the first trimester - a condition often called morning sickness, as these symptoms are often more severe in the morning. Some women may have nausea and vomiting throughout the pregnancy. The cause of morning sickness may be due to the changes in hormone levels during pregnancy. A small percentage (about 1 to 2 percent) of women develop a severe form of nausea and vomiting o...

Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism means overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in too much thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The over secretion of thyroid hormones leads to overactivity of the body's metabolism. Although there are several forms of hyperthyroidism, the most common is Graves' disease. What is Graves' disease? Graves' disease is most often associated with hyperthyroidism and is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism found in pregnancy. Research...

Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy What is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is a condition marked by an underactive thyroid gland and may occur during pregnancy. Unfortunately, many symptoms of hypothyroidism are masked by symptoms of pregnancy, such as fatigue, weight gain, and abnormal menstruation and, as a result, the disease is left undetected and untreated. In addition, the risk for developing hypothyroidism increases with age, which is significant because more and more women are delaying pregnancy until t...

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) What is intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)? Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a term used to describe a condition in which the fetus is smaller than expected for the number of weeks of pregnancy. Another term for IUGR is fetal growth restriction. Newborn babies with IUGR are often described as small for gestational age (SGA). A fetus with IUGR often has an estimated fetal weight less than the 10th percentile. This means that the fetus weighs less than 9...

Listeriosis What is listeriosis? Listeriosis is a food-borne illness transmitted by bacteria in contaminated food. The listeria organism has been found in a variety of raw foods, such as uncooked meats and vegetables, as well as in processed foods that become contaminated after processing, such as soft cheeses and cold cuts at the deli counter. Unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk may contain the bacterium. Infection occurs after eating a contaminated food. It is most common du...

Maternal and Fetal Infections There are many maternal and fetal infections that require clinical care by a physician. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have prodded a brief overview. Maternal and Fetal Infections Overview Group B Streptococcus Listeriosis Toxoplasmosis Herpes Hepatitis B AIDS / HIV Urinary Tract and Kidney Infections Chorioamnionitis

Maternal and Fetal Testing To evaluate the health of a pregnancy and fetus, there are many types of prenatal tests that may be performed. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Maternal and Fetal Testing Overview First Trimester Screening Second Trimester Screening Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Ultrasound Chorionic Villus Sampling Amniocentesis Fetal Blood Sampling Fetal Monitoring Fetal Movement Counting Nonstress Testing (NST) Biophysical Profile (BPP) Doppler F...

Migraine Headache Headaches are quite common in pregnancy. The most common are tension headaches and migraine headaches. Most headaches come and go, but others may be more bothersome or may be caused by other complications. It is important for women to consult their physician about any headaches they may have before, during, or after pregnancy. What are migraine headaches? Vascular headaches, a group that includes migraine, are thought to involve abnormal function of the brain's blood vessels or vascula...

Miscarriage What is a miscarriage? Miscarriage is usually defined as an early pregnancy loss. Miscarriage is also called spontaneous abortion. Types of miscarriage include the following: threatened - spotting or bleeding in the first trimester may or may not mean a miscarriage will occur. About 10 to 20 percent of women will miscarry in the first trimester. The woman is monitored for further bleeding. Ultrasound exams (a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer t...

Myasthenia Gravis and Pregnancy What is myasthenia gravis? Click Image to Enlarge Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a complex autoimmune disorder in which antibodies destroy neuromuscular connections. This results in muscle weakness and fatigue. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation estimates the incidence of MG in the United States to be about 20 out of 100,000 and occurs in women more often than men. The degree of muscle weakness depends on the severity of the disease. Weakness occurs in the muscles under voluntar...

Neurological Conditions and Pregnancy There are many neurological conditions that affect a pregnancy and require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. About the Nervous System Migraine Headache Epilepsy Multiple Sclerosis

Nonstress Testing What is a nonstress test? A nonstress test (NST) measures the fetal heart rate in response to the fetus' movements. Generally, the heart rate of a healthy fetus increases when the fetus moves. The NST is usually performed in the last trimester of pregnancy. How is a nonstress test performed? The actual procedure for a NST may vary, but, generally, the procedure is as follows: The test is often performed in a special prenatal testing area of the hospital, or in your physician's office. ...

Nutrition Before Pregnancy Becoming healthy before becoming pregnant: Pre-conception nutrition is a vital part of preparing for pregnancy. Factors such as a woman's weight compared with her height and what she eats can play an important role in a mother's health during pregnancy and the health of her developing fetus. Pre-pregnancy weight: A mother's pre-pregnancy weight has a direct influence on her baby's birthweight. Studies show that underweight women are more likely to give birth to small babies, e...

Online Resources - High-Risk Pregnancy This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contain...

Overview of Pregnancy Loss What is pregnancy loss? Pregnancy loss is the death of an unborn baby at any time during pregnancy. It is estimated that pregnancy loss occurs in over half of all early pregnancies. Most of these occur so early that the mother does not even know she is pregnant. Although 15 to 20 percent of diagnosed pregnancies are lost in the first or second trimesters of pregnancy, nearly all occur during the first trimester. Only about 1 percent of diagnosed pregnancies are lost after 16 w...