Danger Signs

Pregnancy is a normal state for women, but sometimes complications arise that require our immediate attention. Almost all complications give some kind of warning sign, and you may be the first to notice a symptom that needs attention. We check your blood pressure, urine, weight and fetal heartbeat at each appointment because changes in these vital signs could signal a problem. Problems that are caught early have the best chance of being treated and eliminated. Call us immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Bleeding from nipples, rectum, bladder or coughing up of blood

• Vaginal bleeding, no matter how slight (unless small amount after a pelvic exam)

• Swelling of hands or face

• Dimness or blurring of vision

• Severe or continuous headaches

• Abdominal pains that don’t go away with heat and rest or a bowel movement

• Chills or fever over 100 degrees

• Persistent vomiting

• Painful or burning urination

• Absence of fetal movement for a 24-hour period late in pregnancy

• Sudden or slow escape of fluid from the vagina

These symptoms may indicate serious complications of pregnancy that need immediate attention.

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