Warning Signs During Pregnancy
Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy and after birth. Most of the time, these changes are normal. But sometimes, they can be signs of a serious health problem. It’s important to know when to get help.
Always contact your provider if you have any pain or bleeding, or feel like something is not right.
When to Call Your Provider
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait! If you have any of the following warning signs, call your provider:
Common Warning Signs
- Chills or a fever over 100.4°F
- A hard hit or fall on your belly
- Baby is moving less than usual
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
- Bad stomach pain or contractions
- Nausea and vomiting that won’t stop
- Pain or burning when you pee
- Bleeding from your vagina
Preeclampsia (High Blood Pressure)
Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can happen during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks, and sometimes after giving birth. It’s normal for your blood pressure to rise a little bit during your pregnancy. But if it gets too high, it can become dangerous for both you and your baby. Signs of high blood pressure include:
- Very bad headache that won’t go away after drinking water and taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
- Very bad pain in your belly, especially under your right rib
- Blurry vision, or seeing flashes of light
Preterm Labor (Before 37 Weeks)
Preterm labor, also known as premature labor, occurs when the cervix opens before the 37th week of pregnancy. Signs of this include:
- Contractions (your stomach gets hard and you feel pain) more than four times in an hour
- Low, dull backache
- Stomach cramps, like when you get your period
- Blood or water from your vagina
Sepsis
Sepsis is a serious condition that happens when an infection that starts in one part of your body spreads into your blood. It happens when your body’s response to that infection starts to harm your own organs and tissues.
If you have an infection during pregnancy, labor, or after birth and you do not get it treated, you are at risk for sepsis. Learn more about what to watch for:
Medical Care
