Pregnancy is not all about having beautiful glowing skin, a cute little baby bump and getting all that extra attention from your partner. It also comes with different kinds of health issues every single day. While most of them will go away on their own, some symptoms should not be ignored. These symptoms or warning signs should be brought to medical attention as soon a possible.
So here is a quick list of the 7 pregnancy warning signs that you should watch out for!
- Bleeding
Bleeding during any stage of pregnancy is a serious warning sign. If it happens in the first trimester, it can mean Ectopic pregnancy (the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus), the pregnancy has to be ended in this case to save the mother. Bleeding during second trimester usually means having a miscarriage. In the third trimester, it might indicate placental abruption (the placenta gets separated from the uterine lining). Bleeding during pregnancy is always serious and needs emergency medical attention.
- Vomiting and Severe Nausea
Nausea is a very common pregnancy problem. But if it turns severe to the point that you cannot eat anything, medical attention is needed. Severe nausea and vomiting can result in dehydration, as well as malnutrition. Your doctor can change your diet plan or recommend a supplement to help with this case.
- Declining Activity Level of the Baby
The baby’s activity level can decline when it is sleeping or resting. But if it continues for a long time, or stop totally, then the issue needs emergency medical attention. As a troubleshooting procedure, you can try drinking something cold and then lying down on your side to see if the baby is moving. You can also keep track of the baby’s kicks. A general approximation states that, you should feel at least 10 kicks in 2 hours. Any less than that should be taken to the doctor.
- Early Contractions
Having contractions early in the third trimester can mean preterm labor. It can also mean Braxton-Hicks or False labor contractions. Braxton-Hicks are nothing to worry about and usually subsides. But if regular contractions continue to happen, which are 10 minutes apart and the intensity increases over time, an emergency trip to the doctor must be arranged. The doctor will arrange for emergency delivery or stop the labor if it’s too early.
- Water Breaks
If you suddenly feel a gush of water running down your legs, then it could mean that your water has broken. At the later stage of pregnancy, it can also be leaked urine due to increased pressure on the bladder. If you are unsure whether it is just urine or an actual rupture of membrane, go to the toilet and empty to empty your bladder. If the water continues to flow, it will mean that your water has broken. In that case call your midwife or go to the doctor immediately.
- Severe Abdominal Pain, Headache and Visual Disturbances in the Third Trimester
Having a severe and constant pain in the abdomen and head, along with visual disturbances when you are in your third trimester can mean Preeclampsia. A serious condition of Preeclampsia can put the life of the mother and the baby at risk. It happens due to excessive protein in urine and high blood pressure. If you are developing these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. An early detection can help control the situation before it gets worse.
- Flu
Catching a flu usually is not a big deal. But in case of pregnant women, it can cause serious complications and even put the life of the baby at risk. So if you catch the flu, don’t take it lightly and tell talk to your doctor about it. Prescribed medicines can help get rid of it without causing any additional harm.
While you are pregnant, your body is changing so rapidly that it is tough to say whether a symptom that you are experiencing is normal or dangerous. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor, no matter how minor the issue might seem. If any of the above mentioned warning signs come up, seek help immediately. Even if the doctor is not available over phone, you can always rush to the hospital or emergency room.
