Haemorrhage

Sudden and severe bleeding. In pregnancy it is usually called antepartum haemorrhage and after the birth it is called postpartum haemorrhage. Any bleeding in pregnancy should be reported to a doctor or midwife. Spotting or slight bleeding is not unusual in early pregnancy and not usually an emergency. Sudden bleeding, especially if accompanied by signs of shock - pale skin, sweating, feeling faint and a weak pulse - all indicate a medical emergency. Call an ambulance and/or doctor straight away.

Hb

This stands for haemoglobin, the red pigment in blood cells which allows the cells to transport oxygen around the body. Low haemoglobin levels may cause anaemia.

Hyperventilation

This occurs when breathing becomes too shallow or too fast, causing dizziness and feelings of faintness. In labour it can upset the baby’s blood gases so that he does not breathe readily at birth. It can be reduced by breathing slowly and steadily into cupped hands or a paper bag to help rebalance the blood gases.