Pregnancy is mostly very exciting, but sometimes the truth is, it can also be quite scary. Most of the time pregnancies are without any hitch, but a change can come very fast at times. Just knowing the signs of danger makes such a big difference. In case problems are found early, help is sought quickly, and thus, both you and your baby are given the greatest chance of survival.
These are the things that you should fear:
Bleeding from the vagina at any phase during pregnancy is absolutely not something that you should neglate or ignore. It is true that a little spotting can happen, especially in the early stages, but if you are bleeding heavily, then you should call your doctor immediately. It may indicate a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or problems with the placenta like abruption or previa – if it is at a later stage.
Headaches that are very painful or that go on forever, and in particular, if the vision gets affected or there is sudden sensitivity to light, can indicate high blood pressure problems like preeclampsia. It is a very risky condition if it is not taken care of.
Is there some terrible pain in your belly or pelvis?
Do not decide to wait with it. This could be a sign of placenta problems, infection, or even a uterine rupture. Time cannot be waited on for some issues.
The absence of movements from your baby after 28 weeks of pregnancy or the sudden disappearance of the feeling of kicks is a very big warning signal. Of course, babies can have their quiet days, but a clear reduction in movement is a very good reason to call your provider without delay.
During pregnancy, a high fever (more than 38°C or 100.4°F) is a very dangerous thing for both of you. If you are not able to bring it down, then you should definitely be checked. Infections that occur during pregnancy have a tendency to become very serious quite fast.
What about sudden swelling just in case it is not full term yet?
And the swelling being on your face, hands, or feet together with fast weight gain is, maybe, another indication of preeclampsia. It is closely related to this syndrome. Therefore, a doctor’s attention here is a must, as soon as possible.
What will you do if you are not full-term yet?
Labour that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy is called early labour. Watch for such kind of signs as regular contractions, persistent back pain, pressure in the lower area, cramping, or fluid leaking. If you experience any of these, get checked without a moment’s delay. Sometimes early intervention can help slow things down and can give your baby extra time in the womb.
Besides that, there are some other things that you should constantly be aware of:
Continuous vomiting (and not just the usual morning sickness) that can make you dehydrated and weak, and therefore, needs proper treatment.
Severe itching, mainly on your hands or feet, that sign of liver problems and is very harmful to both you and your baby.
If you are short of breath or having difficulty in breathing, felt any kind pain in your chest, everything indicates to emergency, and you need to get some medical help immediately. These could be the symptoms of a blood clot, heart problem, or severe anaemia.
Last but not least, this is also a kind of important things during pregnancy, try not to ignore mental health as well. In case you felt everything is just too much for you to understand, are very anxious, depressed, or even felt like hurting yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your mental health is equally important as your physical health.
To sum it all up:
Conditions can go from completely normal to very serious and complicated in a very small-time during pregnancy period. Be self-confident in yourself. Whenever and whatever you feel that something is not right, don’t keep it to yourself, tell someone immediately and seek for medical help. Regular check-ups are good, but listening to your body and being quick to react when you see a warning sign can really save your life. No one knows you better than yourself, so don’t hesitate to get the care you deserve.