The information in this page is provided solely for role-play purposes and should not be relied on to treat a real life medical ailment. See a doctor!!!!!!

Most pregnancies are uncomplicated and end with the birth of a normal, healthy baby. A woman should see a healer regularly, as most problems can be treated if caught early enough. Regular care also helps the woman to recognize the difference between normal changes and those that may represent early warning signs.

Early Warning Signs

- Bleeding, no matter how slight, from the vagina, rectum, nipples, or lungs (coughing blood).

- Swelling or puffiness of the face or hands.

- A sudden large weight gain.

- Persistent severe swelling of the legs.

- Severe or repeated headaches.

- Dimness, blurred vision, flashes of light, or spots before the eyes.

- Sharp or prolonged abdominal pain.

- Severe or continue vomiting.

- Chills and/or fever.

- Sudden escape of fluid from the vagina.

Any of these signs should be reported immediately to a healer and the woman examined by a senior journeyman or higher ranked midwife.

Pregnancy Related Problems

Miscarriage - Miscarriage is the loss of the embryo or fetus at any time before the fifth (untimewarped) month of pregnancy begins. Miscarriage rates are high, with twenty percent of fertilized ova failing to implant and sustain their growth beyond the next menstrual period. Many women do not even realize they are pregnant; those that do should be treated with compassion, although it should be noted that some women might be reluctant to confide in a stranger, especially if it is a man. Some women experience a 'threatened miscarriage' with only slight bleeding. Complete miscarriages carry the danger of severe bleeding and shock.

The woman is likely to be frightened and distressed. Be persistent with your offers of assistance--the woman must see a Healer. Signs and symptoms observed are cramp-like pains in her lower abdomen or pelvic area, vaginal bleeding which may be sudden and profuse, signs of shock and the passage of the fetus and other products of conception. Get her to lie down in a semi reclining position and give her a clean towel. Check her pulse rate: if it increases rapidly, she is danger of going into shock, so treat as appropriate. Beth-root can be administered to aid the bleeding. She should remain in bed for at least 2-3 days following the miscarriage, longer if there are complications, and not return to full duties for a sevenday.

Note: A woman who /betweens/ to end a pregnancy is inducing a miscarriage, and her body will endure the same symptoms as a natural miscarriage. Therefore, she should follow the same care regimen.

Anemia - Anemia is basically a 'lack of blood' and is a deficiency of a component of the blood. Advise the mother on diet: usually additional green vegetables or red meat is enough to re-address the balance. There are other, more severe forms of anemia that if found, will cause the healer to follow the pregnancy more closely. A woman should tell the healer if anyone in her family has a history of anemia or blood diseases.

Backache - Backache may be experienced in the final trimester of pregnancy; this happens as the ligaments in the back loosen. Correct posture, exercise and antenatal relaxation go far and will help to prepare the woman for labor. A back-rub of rose, lavender and chamomile can also help the woman, especially if her partner takes an active role.

Bladder and Kidney Infections - The risk of bladder and kidney infections increases during pregnancy, due to changes and increased pressure on the urinary tract. Warning signs include pain, chills, fever, frequent urination in mid-pregnancy, burning on urination, and blood in the urine. Increase intake of fluids while an infection is present.

Congenital Abnormalities - While rare on Pern, all these are evident at birth, and most children with them do not survive. However, children with misshapen limbs, blindness, deafness and muteness may survive.

Ectopic Pregnancy - An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo grows in a location other than the womb. Commonly, it grows where fertilized--the Fallopian tubes. Normal symptoms of pregnancy are noted, followed by acute abdominal pain with shock (the tube normally ruptures), collapse and vaginal bleeding. The fetus should be aborted immediately and surgery may be required as an intervention.

Note: Ectopic pregnancies are terminal for the fetus and can be extremely dangerous for the mother, but if treated effectively should not predispose her to infertility. Treatments with abortifacients are recommended. This condition should only be treated by a Master Healer.

Excessive Amniotic Fluid - Amniotic fluid, also commonly referred to as the 'water', will eventually surround the fetus, providing a watery cushion against any temperature changes, injury, pressure or inflammation as the baby increases in size. The water also keeps the baby from rubbing against the wall of the uterus. At first, the amniotic fluid comes from the mother's blood serum, but later it receives urine from the fetus. As the baby swallows amniotic fluid, its kidneys secrete urine into the amniotic fluid and the process continues, as the fluid is 'recycled' through the fetus' kidneys.

The average amount of water in the amniotic sac is a little over one quart. When this amount exceeds two quarts, it is abnormal and becomes somewhat uncomfortable for the mother. There are certain complications that may arise with excessive water. For instance, it is known that there are more defective babies when there is more than the normal amount of amniotic fluid. Also, when there is excessive water, there is a greater likelihood that the bag of water will break with a gush even before labor begins. At this time, the umbilical cord may 'wash' past the baby into the vagina. With subsequent labor contractions, the blood vessels in the cord then become compressed between the baby's head (or a breech) and the cervix or pelvic wall. Unless this compression is relieved and blood is allowed to flow through the umbilical cord, the baby will suffocate. Sometimes, the baby can be saved only by immediate delivery, which may require intervention.

Toxemia - Toxemia is a severe complication of pregnancy. The cause is unknown, but it can be treated if diagnosed early. Signs of toxemia include a sudden weight gain, swelling of the feet and hands, severe headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or spots before the eyes. These may be accompanied by changes in the urine and an increase in blood pressure. Toxemia usually only occurs in the latter half of pregnancy. Notify a healer immediately if any of these signs appear. Untreated toxemia is dangerous both to mother and baby because it can progress to convulsions.

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