Pregnancy is a beautiful journey for every woman but it can also be challenging and overwhelming. While some discomforts like nausea, fatigue, and back pain are normal during pregnancy, specific symptoms can indicate potential danger to both the mother and the baby. Recognizing these danger signs and seeking medical help immediately can help prevent complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy. This article will discuss the most common and severe danger signs of pregnancy and what you can do about them.
Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy can be a sign of a serious problem and require immediate medical attention. While spotting in early pregnancy is okay, heavy bleeding may be a danger sign. There are several reasons why vaginal bleeding occurs; miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, placenta previa, and placental abruption.
Symptoms of vaginal bleeding are; clots from the vagina, back pain, cramping, and heavy bleeding. It is important to seek medical attention immediately when you experience vaginal bleeding. If you experience the symptoms listed, contact your doctor right away.
Severe Nausea and Vomiting
Often, morning sickness is common during the first trimester. However, there are a few cases of excessive vomiting and nausea. The condition is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. It is characterized by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting, leading to dehydration, malnutrition, and weight loss. It affects around 1-2% of pregnancies and can pose significant risks to the mother and the developing fetus.
Hyperemesis gravidarum can cause severe dehydration due to excessive vomiting and inadequate fluid intake, leading to electrolyte imbalances, kidney damage, and reduced blood volume. Dehydration can also increase the risk of preterm labor and low birth weight in the fetus.
Severe abdominal pain
Cramping and abdominal discomfort are common in pregnancy. However, if the pain is severe, you need immediate medical attention. Several factors cause severe abdominal pain, like; ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, urinary tract infection, preeclampsia, and preterm labor.
Severe abdominal pain in pregnancy is dangerous to both the mother and baby if not treated immediately. It can lead to low birth weight, preterm birth, miscarriage, stillbirth, and maternal hemorrhage. If you experience severe abdominal pains, seek medical attention immediately.
Severe headache and vision changes
Severe headaches and vision changes in pregnancy are danger signs. It is caused by; dehydration, hormonal changes, migraines, and preeclampsia. If untreated. Severe headaches can be dangerous to both mother and baby. To know if you have severe headache and vision changes, check out for the following; a severe headache that does not go away even with rest, blurred vision, double vision, shortness of breath, and high blood pressure. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Decreased fetal movement
Feeling your baby move is one of the most exciting and reassuring experiences of pregnancy. However, if you notice a decrease in fetal movement, it can be a warning sign. Decreased fetal activity can be caused by; fetal health (genetic abnormalities or infection), maternal health (high blood pressure, placental problems, or diabetes), and maternal position where some lying or sitting position may restrict the baby’s movements and the baby’s sleep cycle.
A pregnant woman should monitor her baby’s movement, and if you don’t feel them, contact her doctor. If there is a decrease in the baby’s movements or abnormal movements, please get in touch with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
High fever
A high fever during pregnancy can be a danger sign that requires prompt medical attention. It can be caused by; infections, allergies, and other conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. High fever is dangerous since it can lead to preterm labor, fetal distress, miscarriage or stillbirth, and neural tube defects in the baby. Seek medical attention if your fever is high and you are experiencing symptoms like sweating, shaking, or pain during urination.
Preterm labor
Preterm labor, also known as premature labor, occurs when a woman enters labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm labor can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Some symptoms of preterm labor include frequent contractions, cramps, lower back pain, pelvic pressure, or vaginal bleeding.
Preterm labor is often caused by; infections such as UTI or STIs, previous preterm delivery, cervical insufficiency whereby the cervix opens too soon, and multiple pregnancies. Seek immediate medical attention when symptoms of preterm labor occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is preeclampsia, and how can you treat it?
Preeclampsia is a severe blood pressure condition that occurs during pregnancy. Mothers with preeclampsia have high blood pressure and protein levels in the urine. Often, it happens after the 20th week of pregnancy and can affect both the baby and the mother. Because of how risky the condition is, it needs treatment from a doctor.
What should I do if I experience bleeding during pregnancy?
There are two reasons for bleeding in pregnancy. First, in early pregnancy, during the implantation, you may experience some spotting, which is normal. Second, miscarriage can cause bleeding. You should monitor the bleeding and the color of the blood. Visit your doctor as soon as possible if it goes beyond spotting.
Is it normal to swell during pregnancy?
Yes, it is normal to experience some swelling, especially in the legs, feet, and fingers. However, excessive swelling is a dangerous sign. Dangerous swelling includes; severe swelling in hands, feet, and face, swelling accompanied by pain, headache or blurred vision, and decreased urination.
When should I seek medical attention during pregnancy?
Seek medical attention immediately after you find out you are pregnant and for a medical checkup. Also, seek medical attention when any of the above danger signs occur.
Wrap up!
It is important to be aware of the danger signs of pregnancy and to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of them. Remember, early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications and save lives. So, stay alert, stay healthy, and enjoy your pregnancy!