Warning Signs During Pregnancy

Pregnancy as such is very safe in 90% of the cases with or without some of the mild problems, but in a few cases, there might be complications leading to high-risk pregnancy. As we all know pregnancy is divided into three trimesters i.e first trimester (months 1-3), second trimester (months 4-6), and third trimester (months 7-9). All these trimesters might have different warning or danger signs.

In the first three months, a few warning signs to look out for include

Bleeding or spotting – Bleeding or spotting with/without pain which may be indicative of progression towards abortion, pregnancy located in the tube, or loss of pregnancy.

Excess vomiting (a state where one isn’t even able to take in water)- This condition is known as hyperemesis gravidarum and can lead to metabolic disturbances, and dehydration and can affect the baby’s as well as the mother’s health.

Fever – Any kind of infection in the first three months of the pregnancy can directly affect the fetus. Viral infections like Rubella and German measles increase the risk of abortion and congenital malformations in the baby.

Warning signs seen in the second trimester include:

Excessive abdominal pain and contractions – Excessive abdominal pain and contractions could be indicative of incompetent os and this need to be corrected with cervical cerclage.

Bleeding and spotting – Conditions like low-lying placenta and abortion are linked to warning signs like bleeding and spotting.

No fetal movement (5 months and beyond)- A woman generally starts experiencing fetal movement by the 5^th month of pregnancy. An absence of the same could be a warning sign and need the doctor’s attention.

Warning signs in the third trimester include:

Excessive swelling on the face, legs, and hands – These signs could be indicative of preeclampsia (high blood pressure). Additionally, preeclampsia or toxemia of pregnancy also has other warning signs like excessive headache, and heartburn (epigastric pain).  

A sudden gush of blood/bleeding – Sudden excessive bleeding is a sign of placental abruption and this warning sign could be experienced in any of the trimesters. It is not solely confined to the third trimester.

Sudden decrease or loss of fetal movement – A sudden drop or absence of fetal movement is indicative of intrauterine fetal demise.

Shortness of breath- Women who are anemic may tend to experience shortening of breath. This condition can be prevented and managed by regular blood investigation right from the start of the pregnancy.

Fever – Fever can be indicative of urinary tract infection, viral infection, cholera, typhoid, etc.

All these signs mentioned above need immediate doctor’s attention and should not be overlooked.