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At the Beginning of Pregnancy
Some danger signs of pregnancy may be present from the earliest stages. If a woman is having unprotected sex, she may note missed periods as a possible sign of pregnancy and should take a test to confirm. If feeling faint or dizzy, having intense nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps, vision changes, or spotting between periods, it’s important to call the physician or healthcare provider right away.
During Pregnancy
If symptoms such as frequent headaches, swollen extremities, chest pain or rapid heartbeat (palpitations), severe abdominal pain (especially persistent), heavy vaginal bleeding, difficulty breathing or sudden onset contractions appear during pregnancy, it’s best to contact a physician right away. It’s also important to note any signs that are irregular for your particular pregnancy; even if they don’t seem ‘dangerous,’ they should still be noted and addressed with a doctor.
Post-delivery Period
After delivery it’s essential to keep monitoring any warning signs you experienced during your pregnancy; this time period can also present its own dangerous situations such as postpartum hemorrhage or infection. If you notice sudden high fever over 100F or chills post-delivery, worsening abdominal pain/tenderness in the area of your C-section incision (if applicable), worsening nausea and vomiting combined with explosive diarrhea – it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. In addition, women should pay attention to severe changes in emotion not related to “baby blues” which could indicate postpartum depression/postpartum psychosis – if at any point during the first 9 months post-delivery thoughts of self harm seem inevitable it’s critical for them to get help right away.
Include risk factors
Pregnancy complications can occur at any point throughout the pregnancy, although certain risk factors may increase one’s likelihood of experiencing a complication. Risk factors for potential pregnancy complications include: advanced maternal age (over 35 years), pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases; carrying multiple babies; having a history of preterm births or miscarriages; smoking or using recreational drugs; being overweight or underweight; and having a low-lying placenta.
If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider during regular check-ups. In addition to discussing risk factors with your healthcare provider, there are several other signs and symptoms that may indicate a potential problem in pregnancy. These signs and symptoms include dizziness or fainting, severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding or fluid discharge alongside other symptoms such as headaches and vision changes. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if these signs occur during pregnancy.
Include self-care advice
Self-care is important for pregnant women as it can reduce the risk of a pregnancy-related complication and help manage stress levels during this time. It is paramount to make sure you are taking care of yourself during pregnancy by getting proper rest and making healthy dietary choices. Make sure to get plenty of exercise, especially moderate activities like walking, swimming, or yoga. Also be mindful of your alcohol and caffeine intake, as too much may be risky during pregnancy. Consult your doctor about which prenatal vitamins and supplements you should take so that you can provide healthy nutrition for yourself and your baby. It is also important to attend regular doctor visits where healthcare professionals can monitor your progress and address any issues that may arise. Additionally, staying connected with family and friends is beneficial for emotional well-being in both expecting moms and moms with newborns. Proper self-care can also help avoid some common pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, constipation, swelling in the legs/feet, or excessive fatigue. By implementing these lifestyle habits along with guidelines from your health care provider, you are helping ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Include resources
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it is also important to be aware of the potential danger signs. Everyone’s experience of pregnancy is unique, and medical attention should always be sought if you have any concerns or worries. Here are some potential danger signs to be aware of:
• Severe abdominal pain or cramp
• Sudden increase in vaginal discharge
• Sudden decrease in baby’s movements
• Severe headaches or vision changes such as blurred vision
• Swelling or pain in your legs/calf muscles
• Faintness and dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Leaking fluid from the vagina
If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, it is best to seek prompt medical advice. If you experience any sudden and severe pains or bleeding, visit the emergency department straight away.
Helpful Resources:
1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 (24/7) – https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
2. Best Start – Pregnancy & Postpartum Care Resource Center – (888) 898-7966 (7am-11pm EST, 7 days a week) – https://www.beststartresourcecenter.ca/get-help/caregiver-support/pregnancy-postpartum-care/ppdhelpcenters/testpostpartumborrowedformodule3bk?redir=1 by telephone for English speaking audiences and en español para audiencias de habla hispana – https://www.beststartresourcecenter.ca/espanol/para_los_padres_en_el_embarazo_y_después_del_nacimiento/soporte_para_los_cuidadores?redir=1
3. Postpartum Support International – Text “START” to +1 (720) 515-4442 (24 hours; text only): http://www.postpartum.net/, Phone: +1(805)-967 2897
Update takeaways
Takeaways:
•Pregnancy can create lots of physical and emotional changes, so it is important to pay attention to your body and seek professional help if you are concerned.
•The most common danger signs that indicate a problem with your pregnancy include regular vaginal bleeding, pelvic or abdominal pain, dizziness or fainting spells, cramping, high fever, and persistent nausea or vomiting.
•If you experience any of these symptoms you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider right away.
•It is also important to take care of yourself in general during pregnancy. Seek help from friends and family, get plenty of rest, stay well-nourished and drink plenty of water.
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
