Danger Signs During Pregnancy

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	Dangerous Symptoms
Headache that is relieved by rest and acetaminophen	Strong headache from which you get no relief
Mild nausea, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation	Vomiting that lasts for 12 hours; unable to keep anything in your stomach for 24 hours; severe upper abdominal pain.
Swollen feet at the end of the day; gradual weight gain during pregnancy	Swollen face, hands and feet or sudden weight gain of 3-5 pounds
Feeling lightheaded if you haven't eaten or if you change position suddenly	Fainting or blacking out
Feeling hot or flushed	Fever over 100.4 degree
Frequent urination	Burning when you urinate
Pink or reddish tinged vaginal discharge at the end of pregnancy	Flow of bright, red blood as in a menstrual period
Contractions of the uterus: high in front; tightening feeling (indicating Braxton-Hicks contractions)	If less than 37 weeks, five or more contractions in one hour after resting and taking fluids
Baby moves throughout the day; may take rest periods	Sudden decrease in baby's movement or no movement

In case any dangerous symptom is observed please call your OB as soon as possible or call 911 for emergency services.