Back pain, nausea and leg swelling are common symptoms in pregnancy and usually not a cause for concern. But some symptoms require prompt medical attention. Pay attention especially to bleeding, sudden and sharp pain, itching and severe swelling.
Bleeding in pregnancy
Minor and painlessvaginal bleedingvaginal bleeding - both at the beginning and in the later stagespregnancy- are quite frequent and should not be cause for concern. They usually occur at the time you would normally have your period, possibly after sexual intercourse or for no apparent reason. However, you should always contact your doctor. Any bleeding, combined with pain, can be a symptom of a serious problem. Call an ambulance or go to the ER as soon as possible, if:
- bleeding is accompanied bypainin the lower abdomen - in the first half of pregnancy it may be a sign of imminent miscarriage, in the second half of pregnancy it is usually a sign that there are problems with the placenta (placenta previa be prematurely detached)
- you do not feel severe pain, but you bleed bright red blood - such blood may indicate placenta previa
- you notice brownish droppings, persistent or recurring - may be a symptom of a molar (degeneration of trophoblast cells preventing pregnancy).
Pain in pregnancy
When the pain is mild and passes quickly, you do not need to run to the doctor right away, because it is probably nothing dangerous, and for example the effect of stretching the ligaments. However, be vigilant and keep a close eye on your body so as not to overlook the truly alarming signals. Warning! React immediately when you feel:
- chronic abdominal pain combined with a feeling of hardening (tightening) of the uterus
- acute pain on one or both sides of the uterus - these symptoms may be a sign of trouble (ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, premature birth)
- cramp pain in the lower abdomen, accompanied by pain in the shoulders and rectum (especially when passing stools), may mean an ectopic pregnancy
- pain in the upper abdomen, near the liver, may indicate advanced pregnancy poisoning (gestosis).
Large swellings in pregnancy
Your hands and legs (especially your ankles andcalves). These swellings usually appear in the evening, but disappear after rest, applying cold compresses or a special preparation. Such swelling is not a cause for concern.
Note! See a doctor as soon as possible if:
- there are swellings not only on the hands and feet, but also on the face (the entire face may be swollen) or in other parts of the body (thighs, lower abdomen)
- do not disappear after a longer rest, e.g. you wake up in the morning swollen, while after the night the swelling should disappear
- suddenly appeared
- are very annoying
- you have high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or more) with edema
- swelling is accompanied by rapid weight gain. These are symptoms of pregnancy poisoning - a disease that, if left untreated, can lead to such serious consequences as premature birth or fetal development disorders.
Note! If your leg (calf, thigh or groin) is swollen and the swollen area is painful and hot - this could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis, which also requires urgent medical attention.
Sudden pain
It is known that during pregnancy, this and that can hurt: stomach, spine or head. Sometimes you don't pay attention to it. However, the ailments listed below must not be ignored:
- chest pain may be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) or pleurisy - both require prompt medical attention
- sharp pain in the groin or lower back, especially when it is accompanied by chills and fever - may indicate a kidney infection
- headache with double vision or flashes in front of your eyes - when these symptoms occur together, there is a high risk that you may be suffering from severe pregnancy poisoning (also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension).
No fetal movement
The first movements of the baby are felt by the expectant mother between the 16th and 20th week of pregnancy (usually a little later in the first pregnancy than in the next ones). After the 28th week, at certain times of the day, you should feel at least 10 baby movements every hour.
Note! Call the doctor or go to the hospital without delay, if:
- after 20 weeks of pregnancy you do not feel any fetal movements for 24 hours
- After the 28th week of pregnancy, when you are usually very active (in the evening), you feel less than 10 movements per hour.
- you notice a change in the nature of your movements, e.g. when your child is not moving in the evening, although it has been very active so far, or vice versa - when it suddenly "kicks" suddenly in the morning or before noon, and usually it is a period of little activity. Reduced or altered activitycharacter may be a sign that the child is in danger - then a CTG test should be done quickly.
Draining fluid from the vagina
It is sometimes difficult to know whether high humidity in the vagina and underwear is the result of frequent discharge during pregnancy (harmless), involuntary leakage of urine (harmless) or a rupture of the fetal bladder and leakage of amniotic fluid, which can be dangerous for child. It means that the fetal bladder is leaky and no longer protects the baby - bacteria from the vagina can reach the uterus and infect it. Therefore, be vigilant. If you suspect that your vagina is leaking water, see your doctor immediately. The amniotic fluid is best recognized by its characteristic, sweet smell. In pharmacies, you can also buy the Al-Sense Kit home test (price: about PLN 50 for 3 pieces).
Vomiting during pregnancy
Strong, persistent vomiting may dehydrate the body, which is dangerous for you and your baby. Seek medical attention, especially if vomiting is accompanied by fever or diarrhea, or if you are unable to eat, causing weight loss.
Diarrhea in pregnancy
You should be concerned about passing loose, semi-liquid stools more than 2-3 times a day. And if you notice blood or mucus in your stools, call for medical attention immediately. Diarrhea depletes the body of fluids, which is dangerous. You may need to be connected to a drip to replace the fluids lost.
Itching in pregnancy
When your whole body itches (especially the insides of your hands and soles of your feet), and it becomes almost unbearable at night, it is very likely that you have gestational cholestasis. It is a liver dysfunction - harmless to the mother, and even fatal for the child. If the doctor confirms this, your pregnancy must be closely monitored.
Convulsions in pregnancy
Each seizure in a woman expecting a baby requires urgent consultation with a doctor, because it may be a symptom of the so-called eclampsia (the most severe form of pregnancy intoxication). If seizures occur, call an emergency room so that appropriate measures (e.g. intravenous administration of anticonvulsants) can be started as soon as possible.
High fever in pregnancy
If the temperature does not exceed 37.8ºC and you do not have any other symptoms - call a doctor and make an appointment. If your body temperature exceeds 38.8 ° C, you need immediate treatment, especially if the fever is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, chills, pain.
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