Warning Signs During Pregnancy
If you observe any of these signs, call your caregiver immediately.
· Bleeding. Vaginal bleeding
(especially bright red blood) at any time during pregnancy should be reported
to caregiver immediately.
· Headaches (especially a constant
or severe headache for 2 – 3 hours); blurred vision or spots before your eyes;
sudden or increased swelling of arms, hands, or face; pain right under your
ribcage. These symptoms can indicate severe high blood pressure.
· Fever above 102.
· Premature labor symptoms.
(see below)
· Increased discharge from
your vagina, or fluid leaking from your vagina, especially a sudden gush of
fluid.
· Decreased fetal movements
(haven’t felt the baby move in the last 6 hours)
If you observe any of these signs, call your caregiver today.
· Fever above 100
· Severe vomiting. In early
pregnancy, many women vomit. But if you are vomiting so much that it interferes
with your normal daily activities, contact caregiver.
· Burning or frequent
urination. Foul-smelling urine or vaginal discharge. Itching or burning of the
vagina.
· Sudden, unexplained weight
gain of more than 2 pounds.
There’s more details on these warning signs and what they might
mean on the web. One of the best summaries is an Acrobat Reader file, so you’ll
only be able to read it if you have that… www.advanceforlpns.com/resources/060401Page20.pdf
Pre-term Labor / Premature Labor
The following may be signs of pre-term labor. If you experience any
of these before 37 weeks, you should call your caregiver immediately. Also,
empty your bladder, drink lots of water, and lie down on your left side. The sooner you treat pre-term labor, the more
likely it is that labor will stop, and the less likely that you’ll have a
premature baby. (See also discussion of labor
variations)
·
Uterine contractions. Five or more per hour.
·
Cramps that feel like menstrual cramps you would have during your
period.
·
Dull backache, in your lower back, just above your tailbone. (Feels
different than a “normal” backache.)
·
Pressure in your pelvis, vagina, groin, or thighs.
·
Increase / change in vaginal discharge. Fluid from the vagina.
Compiled by Janelle Durham,
2004