Warning Signs During Pregnancy

What are the Warning Signs During Pregnancy

A pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, starting from the first day of your last period until the baby is born. Pregnancy is divided into three phases called trimesters.

• The first trimester refers to week 1 through week 13 of pregnancy.
• The second trimester is the start of week 14 through the end of week 27.
• The third trimester is the start of week 28 until you deliver your baby.

During each trimester of pregnancy, certain signs and symptoms may indicate a problem. Talk with your health care provider about your current health and any medical conditions you have. Make sure you know the symptoms that you should watch for and report.

How does this affect me?

Warning signs in the first trimester of pregnancy

While some changes during the first trimester may be uncomfortable, most do not represent a serious problem. Let your health care provider know if you have any of the following warning signs in the first trimester:

• You cannot eat or drink without vomiting, and this lasts for longer than a day.
• You have vaginal bleeding or spotting along with menstrual-like cramping.
• You have diarrhea for longer than a day.
• You have a fever or other signs of infection, such as:
  • Pain or burning when you urinate.
  • Foul smelling or thick or yellowish vaginal discharge.

Warning signs in the second trimester of pregnancy

As your baby grows and changes during the second trimester, there are additional signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem. These include:

• Signs and symptoms of infection, including a fever.
• Signs or symptoms of a miscarriage or preterm labor, such as regular contractions, menstrual-like cramping, or lower abdominal pain.
• Bloody or watery vaginal discharge or obvious vaginal bleeding.
• Feeling like your heart is pounding.
• Having trouble breathing.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that lasts for longer than a day.
• Craving non-food items, such as clay, chalk, or dirt. This may be a sign of a very treatable medical condition called pica.

Later in your second trimester, watch for signs and symptoms of a serious medical condition called preeclampsia.These include:

• Changes in your vision.
• A severe headache that does not go away.
• Nausea and vomiting.

It is also important to notice if your baby stops moving or moves less than usual during this time.

Warning signs in the third trimester of pregnancy

As you approach the third trimester, your baby is growing and your body is preparing for the birth of your baby. In your third trimester, be sure to let your health care provider know if:

• You have signs and symptoms of infection, including a fever.
• You have vaginal bleeding.
• You notice that your baby is moving less than usual or is not moving.
• You have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that lasts for longer than a day.
• You have a severe headache that does not go away.
• You have vision changes, including seeing spots or having blurry or double vision.
• You have increased swelling in your hands or face.

How does this affect my baby?

Throughout your pregnancy, always report any of the warning signs of a problem to your health care provider. This can help prevent complications that may affect your baby, including:

• Increased risk for premature birth.
• Infection that may be transmitted to your baby.
• Increased risk for stillbirth.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have any of the warning signs of a problem for the current trimester of your pregnancy.
• Any of the following apply to you during any trimester of pregnancy:
  • You have strong emotions, such as sadness or anxiety, that interfere with work or personal relationships.
  • You feel unsafe in your home and need help finding a safe place to live.
  • You are using tobacco products, alcohol, or drugs and you need help to stop.

Get help right away if:

You have signs or symptoms of labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy. These include:

• Contractions that are 5 minutes or less apart, or that increase in frequency, intensity, or length.
• Sudden, sharp abdominal pain or low back pain.
• Uncontrolled gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina.

Summary

• A pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, starting from the first day of your last period until the baby is born. Pregnancy is divided into three phases called trimesters. Each trimester has warning signs to watch for.
• Always report any warning signs to your health care provider in order to prevent complications that may affect both you and your baby.
• Talk with your health care provider about your current health and any medical conditions you have. Make sure you know the symptoms that you should watch for and report.