When to Call the Doctor
Even when you follow the recommendations for a healthy pregnancy, problems may occur. Recognizing the warning signs and contacting your doctor in a timely manner is crucial. The following are warning signs that you need to report to your doctor immediately.
Dizziness
If you experience dizziness, report it to your doctor.
Gush or Leak of Fluid from Vagina
Whether your due date has arrived or not, this sign should never be ignored. If you are unsure as to whether the fluid is from the amniotic sac or from urination, contact your doctor. A simple test can be performed either in the office or hospital to determine if the amniotic sac has ruptured. Be prepared to tell you doctor the color, time, and approximate amount of fluid you lost. All information is critical to help your doctor treat premature spontaneous rupture of the amniotic sac.
Headaches
Constant and severe headaches should be reported to your doctor. Warning signs of swelling, sudden weight gain, blurring of vision, dizziness, and headaches, as described above, are associated with a disease of pregnancy called Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH). The onset of these symptoms is usually during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. At this time, medical science has not been able to establish the precise cause of this disease. Ignoring the symptoms can have serious consequences for you and your baby.
Not Feeling Your Baby Move
If the baby has not moved when you normally expect to feel movement, lie on your side and try to get the baby to move by gently pressing on your abdomen or by eating or drinking. Sometimes your baby may just be sleeping soundly. If your efforts to get the baby to move are unsuccessful, contact your doctor. No movement by baby is not normal.
Painful Urination
Painful urination may be related to a bladder infection and needs to be treated by your doctor.
Persistent Vomiting, Chills, and Fever
If vomiting, chills, or a fever greater than 101°F persist beyond 24 hours, report it to your doctor.
Preterm Labor
If you experience any of the following symptoms between 20 and 37 weeks please call your doctor.
- Pelvic pressure (feels like the baby is pushing down)
- Low, dull backache
- Menstrual-like cramps
- Change or increase in vaginal discharge
- Uterine contractions (hardness) occurring every 10 minutes or more often, with or without pain
- Intestinal cramping, with or without diarrhea
Although some women experience contractions called Braxton-Hicks or false labor contractions, it is not safe to assume that is what you are experiencing. To determine if this is true labor, place your hands on top of your abdomen. You will feel the muscle of the uterus get harder when you have a contraction and will usually feel an ache or pulling sensation in your pelvic or groin area or lower back. See What is True Labor?
Severe Abdominal Pain
See your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain.
Sudden Weight Gain
Sudden weight gain of 3-5 pounds in one week should be reported to your doctor.
Swelling
Swelling of the ankles is common during pregnancy, especially during warm weather. However, when the swelling is constant and involves your face and hands, report it to your doctor.
Vaginal Bleeding
Bright red bleeding, with or without pain, is abnormal and needs to be reported to your doctor, no matter the stage of pregnancy. If you are in the early weeks of your pregnancy and you suspect a miscarriage, your doctor may want to see any clots or tissue you have passed.