No matter how much you have read up on pregnancy, or how much advice you get from other pregnant moms, there may still be times when you worry about certain feelings and symptoms. But how do you know whatâs ânormalâ, or when itâs time to see a doctor? Here are the main pregnancy symptoms that should set off alarm bells. If you experience any of these, call your doctor right away.
1. Pain in the lower bellyÂ
Severe pain on either or both sides of your lower belly needs investigating. While you could have stretched a ligament, which is common during pregnancy, it could also indicate something more sinister, for example a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature labour or placental abruption.
2. Pain in the middle or upper tummy area
Sharp or severe pain in your middle or upper tummy, with or without nausea or vomiting, could be caused by severe indigestion, heartburn, a stomach bug, or food poisoning, which could be indirectly harmful to pregnancy. If you’re in the second half of your pregnancy this pain could also indicate pre-eclampsia, a serious condition which requires immediate medical attention.
3. Running a fever
If you have a fever with a temperature above 37.5 degrees C, but with no cold, flu or other symptoms, call your doctor within the day. If your temperature is more than 39 degrees C, call your doctor immediately, as you may have an infection which will need treating. If your temperature rises higher than 39 degrees C for an extended period of time it can be harmful to your baby.
4. Blurred vision and flashing spots
If you experience double vision, blurring, flashing spots, dimming or similar vision disturbances in the second half of your pregnancy, call your doctor straight away. These vision symptoms may be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
5. Swollen hands and feet
Swelling or puffiness in your hands, face and eyes is common in late pregnancy, and in most cases itâs not a cause for concern. However, if your swelling is severe or comes on suddenly, with a headache or problems with your vision, you may have pre-eclampsia.
6. A headache that wonât go away
If a bad headache lasts for more than 2 or 3 hours, and you have vision disturbances and severe swelling in your body in the second half of your pregnancy, again, this could be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
7. Vaginal bleeding
Spotting or very light bleeding without pain is common in early pregnancy, and it may simply be what is known as breakthrough bleeding. Even so, let your doctor know if you bleed at any stage during your pregnancy. It may indicate a serious complication if itâs:
- Heavy bleeding, combined with persistent back or abdominal pain
- Bleeding that’s different from your normal period, i.e. darker in colour or lighter in flow than usual, together with severe, persistent, one-sided pain in your tummy
- Sudden, painless bleeding, which can happen if you have a low-lying placenta (this will be seen at your 20 week scan)
- Dark bleeding with clots
8. Fluid leaking from the vagina
If you are leaking fluid from your vagina before 37 weeks it may mean that your waters have broken early â let your doctor know. You should also call your midwife or labour ward to find what’s best to do if your labour doesnât start within 24 hours of your waters breaking.
9. Sudden thirst
If you’re suddenly thirsty, and your urine is dark yellow, it could be a sign of dehydration. If you’re thirsty and urinating more often than usual it could be a sign of gestational diabetes. Both of these increase the risk of complications for you and your baby, so let your doctor know.
10. A burning sensation when I urinate
This may mean a urinary tract infection if you feel a painful or burning sensation when passing urine, pass cloudy, bloody or smelly urine, have a raised temperature and feel feverish, or experience pain. If you have any of these symptoms then see your doctor, so they can treat your UTI.
If you’re not sure about a symptom, or simply feel uneasy, trust your judgment and call your doctor. Remember, you can always talk to one of our doctors. Just sign up here if you’re not a member, or log in here if you are. We are here for you – 24/7/365!
Source:
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy-symptoms-you-should-never-ignore#ixzz2rCiyRP6S