Health Topics for Pregnancy and Childbirth

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Department of Pediatrics

UI Family Care Center

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

Danger signs in pregnancy

During pregnancy you might experience some discomforts. Normal discomforts can include heartburn, a need to urinate frequently, backache, and feeling tired. But there are other symptoms that may signal danger for you or your baby. Most pregnancies do not have any problems. but it is very important for you to know the danger signs of pregnancy, so you can get immediate help, if needed.

Notify your healthcare provider immediately if any of the following occur:

• cramping within the first 20 weeks that is different or worse than other normal cramping
• bleeding or spotting from the vagina
• weakness, dizziness or fainting
• sudden, continuous or crampy abdominal pain, and tenderness when the abdomen is pressed
• any fever over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.1 degrees Centigrade)
• continuous vomiting with weight loss and dehydration (The signs of dehydration include: increasing thirst, dry mouth, weakness or lightheadedness, dark urine or a decrease in urination.)
• bleeding in the retina of the eye caused by increased blood pressure during vomiting
• blood pressure above 140/90 with: headache, swelling of the face, eyes, hands, or feet; blurred vision or flashing lights in front of the eyes; and high protein levels in the urine (If these symptoms occur and the blood pressure has risen quickly, but is not above 140/90, you should still call your healthcare provider.)
• the baby is moving less than normal (less than 4 kicks each hour) and
• signs of pre-term labor that occur within the first 20 to 37 weeks that include:
• contractions every 10 minutes or more often in an hour
• clear, pink or brownish fluid (water) leaking from the vagina
• pelvic pressure (may feel like the baby is pushing down)
• low, dull backache and
• abdominal or menstrual-like cramps (which may come and go)

The causes of these symptoms require medical attention. Cramping and bleeding within the first 20 weeks can be signs of a miscarriage. This means the pregnancy is having problems and may be lost.

Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen between weeks 6 and 16 could mean an ectopic pregnancy has occurred. This type of pregnancy occurs outside the uterus, in the fallopian tubes, the cervix, pelvis or abdomen. As it grows it tears the walls of the tube. This causes bleeding, which makes the woman's blood pressure drop. She may get weak, dizzy, or faint. Due to the bleeding, this can be a life-threatening situation.

Vaginal bleeding, sudden continuous or crampy abdominal pain, and tenderness when the abdomen is pressed are signs of an abruptio placenta. This means the placenta breaks away from the wall of the uterus before delivery. This could be a serious situation for the mother and baby. The mother needs to be hospitalized.

Heavy, bright red, painless vaginal bleeding that begins suddenly in the last few months of the pregnancy are signs of placenta previa. This occurs when the placenta attaches over or near the opening of the cervix, instead of on the smooth side wall of the uterus. If the placenta cannot stay attached, it can cause bleeding. This can be very serious for the mother and baby.

Extremely severe nausea and vomiting that causes weight loss and dehydration is called hyperemesis gravidarum. This type of vomiting is continuous and can lead to starvation and other serious medical problems for the mother. Dehydration can lead to early labor. Increased blood pressure during vomiting can also cause bleeding into the eye.

Blood pressure higher than 140/90 with: headache; swelling of the face, eyes, hands, or feet; blurred vision or flashing lights in front of the eyes; and protein in the urine is called pre-eclampsia, or toxemia. This happens between the 20th week of pregnancy and the end of the first week after delivery. Mild cases are treated at home with bed rest. More severe cases are hospitalized. Eclampsia is more severe and can result in seizures or coma, if not treated quickly.

If the baby's movements are less than normal, that could mean the baby is having problems. This is called fetal distress. Normally the baby should move 3 to 5 times an hour.

If the signs of labor begin between weeks 20 and 37, it is called pre-term labor. Every attempt will be made to stop labor, if the baby is not ready to be born. Any fever over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.1 degrees Centigrade) could be a sign of infection or illness that could trigger early labor.

If you are pregnant and have any of these danger signs, call your provider immediately.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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