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Pregnancy is marked with several symptoms. However, it is important to know that while certain symptoms are "normal", others are cause for alarm.
Telemedicine in prenatal care helps bridge the gap and save time during emergencies. You can get in touch with a virtual physician before you book an appointment with your local OB doctor. Your questions could get an immediate answer and help prevent your symptoms from worsening and resulting in complications.
In this article, we will be discussing alarming signs you should watch out for during pregnancy. These signs require immediate medical attention either by getting a call across to a doctor or getting to a medical facility as soon as possible.
Light bleeding, also known as vaginal spotting during the first few weeks of pregnancy can be normal. At such times, it may be described as implantation bleeding.
However, bleeding could be a warning sign, especially if it is heavy and accompanied by other symptoms. Bleeding accompanied by severe abdominal or pelvic pain, feeling faint, and shoulder pain could be indicative of ectopic pregnancy.
Additionally, the timing of the bleeding could mean different things. Heavy bleeding with severe cramping in the first or early second trimester is a sign of a miscarriage. However, if the heavy bleeding with cramps occurs in your third trimester, it may be a sign of placental abruption or placenta previa.
Any form of bleeding in pregnancy is an alarming sign. Immediately, call your doctor or go to the emergency room.
Nausea and vomiting, also referred to as morning sickness, is a common sign of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
However, severe nausea and vomiting can make you dehydrated which isn't safe for you and your baby. Contact your healthcare provider who will assess you, and may prescribe medication or advise changing your diet.
Headaches, although worrisome, can be normal in pregnancy. They could be due to stress, hormonal changes, fatigue, etc.
However, a severe headache is a warning sign. It may be a sign of high blood pressure or preeclampsia, which is a serious high blood pressure disorder that develops usually after the 20th week of pregnancy. Symptoms include high blood pressure, swelling, and excess protein in your urine. Seek immediate medical attention as it can affect your health, and your baby's health, and is potentially fatal.
Visual disturbances such as light sensitivity, blurred vision, and temporary loss of vision are warning signs. They could be due to many factors including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, which require medical attention and monitoring. Call your healthcare provider if you experience any changes in eyesight.
Sudden, extreme weight gain can be linked to serious conditions such as preeclampsia. Swelling (edema) and puffiness often occur in the face, hands, and feet. This may be normal, however, it should be monitored. It may also be a sign of preeclampsia. Call your doctor when you experience any of these.
Usually, women begin to feel the baby's movements between 18 to 25 weeks of pregnancy. By the third trimester, the baby's movements are more frequent and trackable.
Once you feel your baby's movements are absent or have significantly declined, you may first eat a light snack or drink something cold. Then, lie on your side and try again. However, if this continues, call your health provider.
Contractions early in the third trimester refer to the contractions you feel before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy. Typically, you may have felt light or false labor contractions known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These usually stop when you move or change positions, and drink water.
However, if your contractions persist, become regular, and increase in intensity despite a change in position, it may be a sign of preterm labor. Seek medical attention immediately.
Medically, this is known as "premature rupture of membranes" where you feel or see a trickle, leak, or gush of fluid from your vagina before the end of the 37th week of your pregnancy.
Your water breaking normally is a sign of labor. If it happens before the end of the 37th week of your pregnancy, you may be having preterm labor. If this happens, call your doctor immediately.
At My Virtual Physician, we help you get your prenatal care started while you await your appointment with your local OB doctor. We are also available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise.
Additionally, we are in-network with many insurance health plans including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare, and Blue Cross.
