Pregnancy provokes great change in the body. Many changes are normal, as they help to nurture the fetus and prepare for birth. However, for first-time mothers, it may be difficult to know whether a change is beneficial or dangerous. Here, Richmond University Medical Center discusses potential danger signs in pregnancy that indicate the need for advanced maternity care.
Danger Signs of Pregnancy in the First Trimester
The first trimester lasts through the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. While most mothers will not show a noticeable bump, they will experience other changes as the body prepares. Unpleasant physical and emotional symptoms are common and not usually cause for concern. If an expecting mother notices the following maternal warning signs, however, she should contact her OB/GYN physician immediately:
- Fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks through a pad in less than an hour
- Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Severe belly, arm, or leg cramping
- Severe abdominal pain
- Swelling in the hands, fingers, or face
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Dizziness that does not go away
- Fainting spells
- Gaps in memory
- Blurred vision or spots in the eyes
Danger Signs of Pregnancy in the Second Trimester
After 13 weeks, the worst symptoms of pregnancy often go away. Morning sickness and fatigue fade, as might any anxiety caused by the pregnancy. This trimester is when a baby bump typically begins to show. The fetus starts moving by 18 to 20 weeks. Warning signs at this stage include:
- Unusual or severe cramping
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Difficulty breathing, especially that gets worse over time
- Contractions, or tightening or pain that occurs more than four times in an hour
- Leaking amniotic fluid
Danger Signs of Pregnancy in the Third Trimester
The third trimester starts in week 28. The growing fetus makes it harder to feel comfortable and may cause minor issues, such as tiredness, frequent urination, and shortness of breath. There may also be false contractions as the body prepares for labor. Mothers should schedule frequent prenatal checkups to monitor the fetus. They should also watch for the following warning signs:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Painful contractions, which may indicate a preterm labor
- Water breaking or amniotic fluid leakage
- A sudden change or decrease in fetal movement
- Severe abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and severe headaches
What Are Other Pregnancy Danger Signs?
While these lists cover the most common warning signs, these may not be the only ones. A pregnant woman knows her own body best. If she notices anything wrong, even if the change was not listed here, she should not hesitate to reach out to her healthcare provider.
Fortunately, maternity medical care has made great strides over the last few decades. Most pregnancy complications are treatable and preventable. Richmond University Medical Center has some of the most experienced obstetricians and gynecologists in the New York City Metropolitan Area. You can schedule an appointment with one that has an office closest to your home through Richmond University Medical Center’s Richmond Health Network. The Network has offices in Staten Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Find Advanced Maternity Care at Richmond University Medical Center
When expectant mothers understand danger signs in pregnancy, they know when to seek advanced care and prevent complications. Richmond University Medical Center provides prenatal and maternity care at our hospital in Staten Island, New York, serving the community with state-of-the-art care. Contact us with any questions about pregnancy, symptoms, and warning signs, or to schedule a checkup.
