Pregnancy brings many changes, and understanding what warrants medical attention is important for both the pregnant individual and the developing baby. Recognizing when to seek professional advice is a proactive step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
Immediate Concerns
Certain symptoms during pregnancy signal the need for immediate medical attention. Severe vaginal bleeding, characterized by soaking through a pad within an hour for two or more hours, requires urgent evaluation. This can indicate serious complications.
Sudden and severe abdominal pain or cramping, especially if it does not subside, is another concerning symptom. A sudden gush of fluid from the vagina before the expected delivery date, which might indicate premature rupture of membranes, also necessitates immediate medical assessment. A noticeable absence or significant decrease in fetal movement after quickening (the first perception of fetal movement) is a serious indicator requiring urgent medical attention to check on the baby’s well-being.
Sudden and severe swelling in the face or hands, particularly if it appears rapidly, can be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition involving high blood pressure and potential organ damage. This condition can also manifest with a persistent severe headache, vision changes like blurring or flashing lights, or pain in the upper right abdomen below the ribs. Sudden onset of difficulty breathing or chest pain, especially if accompanied by heart palpitations or dizziness, should also prompt immediate medical evaluation.
Symptoms Requiring Medical Advice
Some symptoms, while not typically emergencies, still warrant a prompt call to a healthcare provider. Persistent or worsening headaches, particularly if not relieved by common methods, should be discussed with a doctor, especially if they occur without other severe symptoms like vision changes or upper abdominal pain. Blurred or double vision should also prompt a call to your provider, as these can sometimes be linked to conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
Significant swelling in the ankles or feet that does not resolve with rest or elevation, or if one leg is significantly more swollen than the other, should be reported. This could indicate a deeper issue, such as a blood clot. Painful or frequent urination, or cloudy or foul-smelling urine, should be addressed promptly. Untreated UTIs during pregnancy can lead to kidney infections and other complications.
A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher during pregnancy requires medical advice. Persistent vomiting that extends beyond typical morning sickness, especially if it leads to dehydration or prevents keeping down food and fluids, should be reported. Any unusual vaginal discharge or itching, such as changes in color, odor, or consistency, or if accompanied by pain, warrants a call to the doctor to rule out infection.
Common Pregnancy Discomforts
Many discomforts are a normal part of pregnancy and typically do not require a doctor’s call unless they become severe or are accompanied by other concerning signs. Mild nausea and vomiting, common especially in the first trimester, can occur at any time of day. Fatigue is a frequent experience, particularly in early pregnancy, due to hormonal changes.
Frequent urination throughout pregnancy is caused by hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on the bladder. Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is normal, often worsening at the end of the day or in warmer weather. Braxton Hicks contractions, or “practice contractions,” are irregular tightening sensations in the abdomen that prepare the uterus for labor but do not lead to cervical changes. These are usually uncomfortable rather than painful and often stop with a change in activity or position.
Heartburn, constipation, and mild backaches are common physiological changes during pregnancy. These discomforts are generally manageable with lifestyle adjustments or over-the-counter remedies and are not usually signs of a serious problem.
General Guidelines for Contacting Your Doctor
When contacting your healthcare provider, have specific information ready. Describe your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and any factors that make them better or worse. This helps the medical team assess your situation accurately.
Understanding your clinic’s after-hours policy is beneficial. Many practices have an on-call service for urgent concerns outside of regular business hours. Knowing when to go to an emergency room versus calling the on-call doctor is important; generally, life-threatening symptoms or sudden, severe changes warrant an emergency room visit.
If something feels “off” or “not right,” even if not listed as an immediate concern, contact your healthcare provider. Healthcare professionals prefer patients call with concerns rather than wait, ensuring timely assessment and reassurance.