Pregnancy is a time of profound physiological change, and with these transformations come a variety of symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to signs of a serious underlying condition. Knowing which symptoms are expected and which warrant immediate attention is important for the health of both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus. When an unexpected or severe symptom occurs, contacting a healthcare provider is always recommended, as they can offer guidance and determine the appropriate course of action. This distinction between routine changes and concerning symptoms helps ensure that necessary medical intervention is sought promptly.
Immediate Medical Emergencies
Certain symptoms during pregnancy signal a life-threatening situation that bypasses the need to call a healthcare provider’s office first. These scenarios demand immediate activation of emergency services or a direct trip to the nearest emergency room. Waiting for a call-back is inappropriate when a person is experiencing a catastrophic event that requires rapid stabilization.
Severe, acute symptoms such as a sudden loss of consciousness or persistent seizures should be treated as immediate medical emergencies. Seizures, which can be a manifestation of eclampsia, require rapid medical intervention to prevent potential brain damage or other severe complications. Profound or sudden shortness of breath, especially when accompanied by chest pain or a rapid heart rate, may indicate a life-threatening complication like a blood clot in the lungs. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital in these situations.
Heavy vaginal bleeding, defined as soaking through one sanitary pad in an hour for two or more consecutive hours, is a serious sign. This level of blood loss can quickly lead to shock and may be a symptom of placental abruption, where the placenta separates prematurely from the uterine wall. Placental abruption can also present with intense, sudden abdominal or back pain that does not resolve with rest, even if visible bleeding is minimal or absent.
Symptoms Requiring Urgent Provider Contact
Many serious symptoms require immediate professional guidance from the healthcare provider’s on-call service, but do not necessarily require a 911 call unless advised by the provider. These situations need to be addressed right away to assess the severity and determine the next steps, which could include going to the hospital. Any concern about the baby’s movement falls into this urgent category.
If you perceive a significant decrease or cessation of fetal movement, contact your care team immediately. While fetal movements change as pregnancy progresses, a sudden or sustained reduction in the baby’s individual pattern of movement warrants an immediate assessment of fetal well-being. Attempts to stimulate the fetus with food or drink should not delay an urgent medical evaluation.
Signs of preeclampsia, a condition involving high blood pressure and potential organ damage, also require prompt attention. These symptoms include a sudden onset of a severe headache that is not relieved by typical pain medication, visual disturbances like seeing spots or flashing lights, and sharp pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. Sudden, excessive swelling of the hands or face, or a rapid weight gain of more than three to five pounds in one week, should also prompt an urgent call.
A sudden gush or continuous trickle of fluid from the vagina may signal a rupture of membranes, commonly known as the water breaking. If this occurs before 37 weeks of gestation, it is particularly concerning as it increases the risk of infection and preterm delivery. A high temperature, defined as a fever over 100.4°F, especially when accompanied by chills, is another urgent concern that could indicate an infection requiring immediate treatment. Persistent, severe vomiting that prevents the pregnant person from keeping down fluids or food for over 12 hours also warrants an urgent call due to the risk of dehydration.
Non-Urgent Questions and Concerns
Many common pregnancy symptoms are expected parts of the physiological changes and can typically be addressed during scheduled office hours. These concerns are important for comfort and reassurance but are not time-sensitive medical emergencies. Mild spotting, especially in the first trimester, is common and often related to implantation or minor cervical changes, though any bleeding should be mentioned to the provider.
Questions about the safety of over-the-counter medications, supplements, or minor aches and pains should be saved for a routine call or appointment. Common discomforts like persistent heartburn, mild constipation, or round ligament pain, which is a sharp sensation in the abdomen or groin, are usually managed with lifestyle adjustments. Mild cold or flu symptoms without a high fever also fall into this category.
General anxiety, mood changes, or concerns about mental health should also be brought up to the provider. While not urgent in the same medical sense, these issues affect daily function and well-being and are important components of comprehensive prenatal care. If the symptoms are causing significant distress or interfering with daily life, a call during business hours can help arrange a timely assessment.
What to Prepare Before Calling
Effective communication with a healthcare professional, regardless of the urgency of the situation, can expedite care and ensure you receive the correct advice. Before placing a call, it is helpful to gather specific pieces of information to relay to the nurse or physician.
Information to Gather
- Current gestational age, stating the number of weeks and days you are into the pregnancy.
- A detailed description of the symptom, including exactly when it started, its duration, and its severity on a scale of one to ten.
- Mentioning what makes the symptom better or worse, such as rest or movement, provides helpful context for the provider.
- A current temperature reading should be taken and noted if the concern involves a fever.
- A list of all current medications, including prenatal vitamins, supplements, and any over-the-counter drugs recently taken.
Keeping your provider’s after-hours contact information readily accessible will save time when an urgent situation arises. This preparation ensures that the medical professional can quickly triage the situation and provide the most appropriate next steps.