Listen to your body when it speaks.
The journey of pregnancy can change a woman’s life forever. It is a life-changing experience that can be both miraculous and overwhelming. Your world changes the moment you notice those two pink lines. You begin to notice every twinge and cramp. Warning Signs of Pregnancy.
Let’s be clear: Not every strange symptom is cause for concern. Growing a tiny person is not without its strange and uncomfortable feelings. There are some signs that you should stop searching on Google and immediately call your doctor.
It’s not about instilling fear, but about being aware. When you know what you should be looking out for, it’s easier to act quickly when something feels wrong. You should trust your gut instincts. You know your own body better than anyone.
You should never ignore these eight warning signs of pregnancy.
1. Bleeding in Pregnancy at Any Stage: Warning Signs of Pregnancy
Light spotting during early pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean it is a problem. It can occur after intimacy or during implantation. Any bleeding should be discussed with your midwife or doctor.
In your first trimester, bleeding, especially when it is heavy, bright red or accompanied by severe abdominal pain, can sometimes be an indication of:
- Early pregnancy and miscarriage. Other symptoms include cramping, lower back pain and tissue escaping from the vagina.
- Ectopic pregnancy: When the fertilised ovum implants outside of the uterus. This usually occurs in the fallopian tubes. This is a medical crisis that can lead to death if it’s not treated immediately. The symptoms include dizziness, sharp abdominal pains, shoulder pains, and fainting.
Bleeding in the second and third trimesters could be an indication:
- Placenta previa: When the placenta covers the cervix in part or completely.
- Placental Abstraction: The placenta separates from the uterine walls before delivery. This is a rare but dangerous condition that can cause harm to both mother and child.
Bleeding is a serious issue during pregnancy, no matter the time it occurs.. Calling your doctor can determine whether the bleeding is minor or urgent.
2. Contractions in the third trimester
Your body begins to prepare for labour as you enter your third trimester. You may start to feel Braxton Hicks Contractions, those irregular tightenings in your uterus. These contractions usually stop when you drink water or change position. They are mild and not painful.
If the contractions are:
- Regular (every 10 mins or less)
- Intensity increases
- Associated with lower back pressure, pelvic or vaginal fluid leakage, or both
Then it may be an indication of preterm labour.
Preterm Labour is labour that starts before 37 weeks. Early intervention is crucial for babies born prematurely, as they can be at risk of a variety of health problems. Your provider may be in a position to stop or slow down the labour and administer medications that will help your baby’s lung development if caught early enough.
What’s the takeaway? Don’t try to tough it out or assume it’s just Braxton Hicks. If you’re feeling regular, uncomfortable contractions–especially before your due date–get checked.
3. Severe Headaches that Won’t Abate
Headaches are indeed common during pregnancy, thanks to hormones, but persistent and severe headaches should not be ignored.
- Rest or hydration does not relieve the pain
- Vision changes (blurry, seeing spots).
- The second or third trimester
- Associated with swelling of the face, hands or legs
- Consequences of nausea, vomiting or upper abdominal discomfort
These symptoms may be an indication of Preeclampsia. This pregnancy complication is marked by high blood pressure and can cause damage to the brain, liver, or kidneys. Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious–even life-threatening–problems for both mom and baby.
If you feel that something is not right, or your headache seems ‘off’, call your doctor. It is better to be cautious than ignore a serious condition.
4. Sudden or severe swelling
Mild swelling is super common during pregnancy–especially in the feet and ankles, and particularly after a long day of standing or sitting. When swelling is:
- Sudden
- Severe
- Face, hands or the area around the eyes
- Accompanied by headache, rapid weight gain, or vision changes
It could be a sign of preeclampsia, just as persistent headaches can. This condition can occur quickly and usually occurs after 20 weeks.
It’s worth getting checked, even if the results aren’t serious. All expecting parents deserve peace of mind.
5. Fetal Movement Decreased
You’ll soon become familiar with the daily rhythm of your baby once you begin to feel those little magical kicks, usually between 18 and 25 weeks. While each baby is unique, a decrease in movement after 28 weeks can be cause for concern.
Don’t make assumptions. The level of activity in your baby is an important indicator of his or her well-being.
What to do?
- Lie on your left.
- Eat a cold snack or drink something cold.
- Count the kicks. In two hours, you should feel at least 10 movements.
If not, or if you feel “off”, contact your midwife or OB immediately. You may be recommended a non-stress or ultrasound test to check your baby’s condition.
6. Fever or chills
If you have a mild fever during pregnancy, it could be that your body is fighting off a harmless virus. If your fever is above 100.4°F, degF (38°C), or you have chills, body pains or other symptoms such as a cough, rash or body aches, then it’s best to consult your doctor.
A high fever during pregnancy–especially in the first trimester–can pose risks to your developing baby. This may be an indication of an infection, such as:
- A UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
- The Flu
- COVID-19
- Or even Listeria is a bacterial disease sometimes caused by contaminated foods
If you have back pain or cloudy urine (which can indicate a UTI), then call your doctor.
7. Sudden leakage of fluid
You may feel a sudden gush or a steady trickle of fluid from your vagina. This could indicate that your sac amniotic has ruptured. Your water may have broken.
It can happen near your due date. Yay! Baby’s on its way! If it happens before 37 weeks, it is considered premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM).
How to identify:
- Amniotic fluid is normally transparent and odourless
- Even when you switch positions, the leak continues.
- You may get soaked through your underwear or a pad
If you are unsure if it is amniotic or urine, put on a pad to monitor the amount of fluid and the smell. Still uncertain? Call your provider to be on the safe side. You can ask them to do a test.
8. Intense itching (especially on hands and feet)
You may be experiencing a strange pregnancy symptom if you experience persistent, intense itching on your hands and soles. This could indicate a liver disorder called Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP).
ICP may seem obscure, but it can increase your baby’s risk of complications, including stillbirth. Other symptoms include:
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
ICP can be diagnosed by a blood test. It is typically treated with medication and constant monitoring. The good news is? The good news?
You Know Best What You Feel.
If you take away anything from this article, it would be that your body is unique. A pregnancy experience cannot be standardised. Do not hesitate to let someone know if you feel something is wrong, whether it’s listed on the list or not. Do not worry about sounding paranoid or annoying. It’s better to ask your healthcare team than to wait.
It is important to pay attention to your instincts, comfort and peace of mind.
