7 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore During Pregnancy

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MIM Editor

As you try all you can to stay healthy in anticipation of baby’s arrival, here are 7 symptoms that may signal something is wrong and should have you racing to your doctor immediately for prompt evaluation and remedies.

1. Sharp Abdominal Pains

Severe pains in your tummy may suggest a variety of both harmless and severe conditions. For instance, abdominal pain may indicate a stomach bug, heartburn or pre-eclampsia – pregnancy-induced hypertension – which is quite common and life-threatening. It is common after the 20th week of pregnancy, affects 1 in 10 pregnant women, reduces blood flow to the baby and can cause fatal health complications.

Sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen may also indicate an ectopic pregnancy, a fibroid degenerating and bleeding into itself, miscarriage or premature labour.

2. Leaking from the Vagina

If this occurs before 37 weeks, your membranes may have broken prematurely and labour may be near. See your doctor to be sure and prevent getting infected. He may schedule a premature birth.

3. Severe Headaches

Though headaches are very common, persistent and very severe ones during pregnancy may be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Other symptoms of pre-eclampsia include abdominal pain, especially on the right side, swelling of the face, feet and hands, rapid weight gain, severe vomiting and blurred vision. See your doctor if you have these symptoms.

4. Fever

See your doctor if you have a fever that is over 37.5 degrees Celsius, even if you do not have flu or cold symptoms as it may be a sign of infection. A fever above 39 degrees Celsius demands even more urgent attention as it could be harmful to your baby. Your doctor will likely recommend safe antibiotics and bed rest.

5. Vaginal Bleeding

Talk to your doctor about any bleeding during pregnancy, even if it is not heavy. Light spotting during pregnancy may indicate complications such as an ectopic pregnancy, especially if accompanied by severe abdominal pain on one side.

Bleeding or brown vaginal discharge may also indicate a miscarriage or the risk of one, especially if you experience severe back pain. Bleeding in your third trimester may signal premature labour or problems with the placenta.

Getting your vaginal bleeding evaluated will enable you get appropriate and prompt help.

6. Increased Thirst

This may indicate severe dehydration – you may require intravenous fluids – or gestational diabetes if accompanied by little or no urination. This should be promptly evaluated to avoid severe complications for both you and baby.

7. Decreased Baby Movements

While it’s normal for baby to have quiet or less active periods, you should detect a minimum of 10 movements in 2 hours, especially if you are over 21 weeks pregnant. So, note your how much your baby moves and talk to your doctor if you notice an unusual dip in the frequency and intensity of movement to rule out chances your amniotic fluid is low or baby is in some distress.

If your amniotic fluid is low, you are likely just dehydrated and taking lots of water will help.

Your doctor may induce labour if you are over 38 weeks pregnant and baby’s decreased movements indicate distress to prevent further complications.

Overall, trust your instincts. If you feel something may be wrong, seeing your doctor to be sure won’t hurt. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

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