Most pregnant women do not experience complications, but it's important for you to familiarize yourself with potentially dangerous symptoms in the event that you need to seek care. Reasons to immediately call you doctor or go to the emergency room include:
- Contractions of the uterus or baby balling up (more than five in an hour before 37 weeks).
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Severe headaches, dizziness or problems seeing.
- Leaking or gushing fluid from your Vagina.
- Chills and fever over 100 F.
- Severe pain or champs in your back or abdomen.
- The baby's movement slow down or stops.
- Pain or burning during urination.
Normal Symptoms versus Potentially Dangerous Symptoms
Normal Symptoms
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Dangerous Symptoms
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Headache that is relieved by rest and acetaminophen
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Strong headache from which you get no relief
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Mild nausea, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation
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Vomiting that lasts for 12 hours; unable to keep anything in your stomach for 24 hours; severe upper abdominal pain.
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Swollen feet at the end of the day; gradual weight gain during pregnancy
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Swollen face, hands and feet or sudden weight gain of 3-5 pounds
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Feeling lightheaded if you haven't eaten or if you change position suddenly
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Fainting or blacking out
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Feeling hot or flushed
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Fever over 100.4 degree
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Frequent urination
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Burning when you urinate
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Pink or reddish tinged vaginal discharge at the end of pregnancy
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Flow of bright, red blood as in a menstrual period
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Contractions of the uterus: high in front; tightening feeling (indicating Braxton-Hicks contractions)
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If less than 37 weeks, five or more contractions in one hour after resting and taking fluids
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Baby moves throughout the day; may take rest periods
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Sudden decrease in baby's movement or no movement
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In case any dangerous symptom is observed please call your OB as soon as possible or call 911 for emergency services.
