Pregnancy is an exciting time for most women. However there are certain signs that may indicate that your pregnancy in is danger.
Danger signs of pregnancy
Heavy bleeding in the first 2 months : Heavy bleeding and severe pain in the pelvis, typically within the first 2 months indicate ectopic pregnancy. If this condition is not detected early, it can result in death.
Abdominal cramping and spotting : This could be an indication of a miscarriage. Sometimes a miscarriage can even occur before a woman even realizes she’s pregnant. It can however occur as late as 20 weeks of pregnancy and is due to the mother’s inability to produce insulin.
Excessive thirst , frequent urination : Extreme thirst or hunger, frequent urination and fatigue are symptoms of gestational diabetes. This typically occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy and is due to the mother’s inability to produce insulin.
Vaginal bleeding accompanied by cramping : When a pregnant woman experiences vaginal bleeding with abdominal pain accompanied by cramping and tenderness in the uterus, she may be experiencing placental abruption. This is a condition in which the placenta pulls away from the wall of the uterus and deprives the fetus of oxygen. In mild cases, you may need bed rest . However in more severe cases, early delivery may be needed.
High blood pressure :This could be a sign of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy and its most common symptoms are high blood pressure, blurred vision, headaches and stomach pain. In most cases, the only treatment is delivery of the baby.
Contractions and vaginal discharge : When this occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is considered to be preterm labor. Signs of preterm labor include
- Abdominal cramping that radiates around to the back.
- Contractions
- Pressure in your pelvis
- Increase in vaginal discharge
Constant nausea and vomiting : This are signs of hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition mirrors morning sickness except that is it more severe and does not end after the first few weeks. This condition can result in dehydration and weight loss. The mother could be hospitalized to receive fluids through IV in more severe cases.
Constant fatigue : This could indicate anemia, a condition in which red blood cell count is lower than what it should be. It symptoms include constant fatigue, feeling faint, shortness of breath and becoming pale. The doctor may prescribe folic acid and iron supplements to help treat the problem. In severe cases, blood transfusion may be needed.
Late term vaginal bleeding : This could indicate a condition known as placenta previa. This causes the placenta to cover part or all of the cervical opening inside the uterus. Some women experience no symptoms while others experience vaginal bleeding without pain during the second or third trimester.
Content Sources
7warnign signs in pregnancy . WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/7-pregnancy-warning-signs#1. Accessed May 30th, 2018
Pregnancy danger signs. Sutter Health. http://www.babies.sutterhealth.org/during/preg_danger.html. Accessed May 30th, 2018