Your body experiences significant changes in pregnancy and so it can be hard to know if what you are experiencing is a harmless pregnancy ache or pain that comes with carrying another person inside of you, or if it is a symptom of something more serious. To help you recognize when to contact your health care provider, we’ve provided a list of signs that should not be ignored, and what they may mean.
This list is not meant to help you diagnose yourself, but is meant to encourage you to call your health care provider if you are experiencing any of the signs listed or are worried about any symptom you experience during your pregnancy. Health care professionals agree: it’s better to be safe than sorry.
There are many pregnancy symptoms that are part of a healthy pregnancy but if you are unsure, ask. Your health and your baby’s health are worth it. Partner with your caregiver to provide the best health possible for you and your baby by being alert to any changes that are not normal for you, and communicate these symptoms to your health care provider immediately so that early action can be taken if necessary.
Bleeding - Vaginal bleeding could be a sign of an uncommon and very serious complication known as placental abruption. The placenta nourishes baby during pregnancy and if it severely separates from the uterus before delivery, the baby could be deprived of oxygen and nutrients. If left untreated, mother and baby are both at serious risk.1
Discharge - If you have an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the colour or type – watery or mucousy – this could signal early labour or an infection.
Leaking fluid - This may not be a dramatic gushing; it could be just a trickle. In this case, it may be hard to tell if it is your water that has broken (the amniotic sac will tear before labour and release fluid) or if it is urine leakage, commonly experienced because of the increased pressure on your bladder. To differentiate between the two, put a sanitary pad on and lie down for about a half hour. If you feel leakage when you get up it may indicate that your water has broken and you are going into labour.2
Nausea and vomiting - Most women experience nausea at some stage of their pregnancy but if it is excessive, you may become dehydrated and malnourished. If this happens, your health and your baby’s health can be compromised because you are not getting the nutrition you need. Your baby needs balanced nutrition for healthy development and a lack of nutrition could lead to further complications such as birth defects or premature labour.
Change in baby’s activity level - You know what is normal for your baby and if this significantly changes, it could mean your baby is in distress. You should typically be able to count at least ten kicks from baby every two hours,3 but your health care provider can advise you best on how to perform fetal kick counts.
Severe headache, vision problems, swelling or puffiness, and abdominal pain - These can signal preeclampsia, a very serious condition also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension that can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood.4Without enough blood, the placenta can’t properly supply baby with air and food, which can lead to further complications.
Severe itching - This may be a symptom of cholestasis, a liver disease that only happens in pregnancy and can lead to fetal distress. The itching may be all over your body or it may be primarily in your hands and feet.5
Painful or increased urination - Discomfort or burning during urination or a need to frequently urinate may indicate a urinary tract infection. This can lead to kidney infection or premature labour if left untreated.
Flu or fever - During pregnancy, you are more susceptible to the flu because of the added stress to your immune system, which can compromise your baby’s health.
Early contractions - At this stage in your pregnancy, you may have experienced Braxton-Hicks contractions. They are typically infrequent and although they may be uncomfortable, they are not painful and are nothing to worry about. If, however, the intensity and frequency of the contractions change and they become painful, you may be going into early labour. This is something that can be stopped if needed so that your baby can continue to develop before birth.
If you have been exposed to the flu or anything contagious, call your health care provider first before going to their office. In this way, you reduce the risk of exposing other pregnant women to the virus.
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