Warning signs during pregnancy

Your body undergoes many changes during the nine months of pregnancy. It adapts to support the normal development of the foetus. During this period, it’s natural to experience some minor inconveniences. There are, however, manifestations that should send you urgently to your doctor’s office. Some symptoms may indicate that your health or your baby’s health is at risk. Here’s a list of pregnancy warning signs you shouldn’t ignore!

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is a medical emergency and requires specialist consultation. In the first trimester of pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may be caused by a miscarriage or may be the result of an ectopic pregnancy.

In the last trimester of pregnancy, they may also indicate serious problems with the placenta.

Intense/persistent abdominal or pelvic pain

Any acute pain in the abdomen or pelvis that occurs in the first two trimesters of pregnancy can be interpreted as a sign of a possible miscarriage.

Fever and chills during pregnancy

Fever and chills, often mistaken for signs of a cold, are a reaction of the immune system to inflammation and infection in the body. Some infections can be dangerous to the health of the foetus and require emergency medical treatment.

Burning sensation when urinating and unusual appearance of urine

These are common symptoms of urinary tract infections. During pregnancy, the risk of these infections spreading to the kidneys is high due to hormonal changes.

Abnormal vaginal discharge during pregnancy

Vaginal secretions that are smelly, unusual in texture or that cause an itchy and/or burning sensation should send you to the obstetrician!

If you are suspicious but can’t get to the doctor right away, you can have a specific test from the Veneris range done at home.

Very severe headache accompanied by visual disturbances

In the last trimester of pregnancy, these signs may indicate pre-eclampsia – a severe prenatal condition caused by hypertension!

Swelling of the face, fingers and toes

As a result of water retention, oedema is relatively common during pregnancy.
But if you notice excessive swelling of the fingers and soles, accompanied by swelling around the eyes, call your doctor immediately. It could be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

Persistent vomiting

Morning sickness is common, especially in the first three months of pregnancy. The situation changes if they persist, increase in intensity and affect the general condition, causing severe dehydration.

Intense itching of the hands and feet

Acute itching, usually accompanied by light-coloured stools, urine staining and yellowing of the skin are symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy (a condition of liver origin that can affect the baby’s health).

Baby inactivity

In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy you should monitor the fetus’ movements in the womb daily. If you don’t feel any movement for several hours, you should let your doctor know as soon as possible.

Premature labour

In the last trimester of pregnancy, watch out for signs that could predict premature labour:

• pelvic pressure (feel the baby in the lower pelvis);
• persistent low back pain;
• abdominal cramps similar to those that accompany menstruation;
• contractions occur every 20 minutes.

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If you experience any of these warning signs during pregnancy, seek medical help as soon as possible! Only a specialist can confirm or deny your concerns. All this can help you to overcome all the tense moments with good results.