Most pregnant women do experience normal pregnancies, with no serious health concerns.  However, there are few dangers signs and symptoms that a pregnant woman ought to know. Some of these signs may be a signal of something more serious and if ignored, they could lead to serious complications.

 

Most of these dangers signs tend to occur at the end of pregnancy but knowing them early in the beginning of the pregnancy is important, so that the woman can know when to call a physician. The following are some of the dangers signs associated with pregnancy;

 

Vaginal Bleeding 

Whether it is just slight spotting or heavy bleeding. Any pregnant woman who experience bleeding need to be evaluated, to make sure all possible causes are ruled out and the bleeding is found to be innocent.  Possible cause of bleeding especially during the first trimester are miscarriages and ectopic pregnancy.

 

Persistent Vomiting

Most woman do experience morning sickness (nausea and vomiting), until the 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, vomiting that persists and continues beyond 12 weeks is not normal and need to be evaluated.  This can be a sign of severe form of hyperemesis gravidarum.

 

Persistent Feeling of Sadness and Irritability

Persistent or sudden feeling of sadness, hopeless, irritabilty, loss of appetite or feeling disconnected with the pregnancy, may be a sign of depression.

 

Chills and Fever

Fever and chills may be a sign of an intrauterine infection, other medical conditions or gastrointestinal infections. Any chills and fever need to be evaluated by a physician to make sure the cause of the fever is known, treated and to prevent other serious complications.

 

Thirst and Excessive Urination

Frequent urination is a common discomfort throughout pregnancy as the growing uterus presses on the bladder. However, frequent urination, together with excessive thirst and hunger is usually a sign of gestational diabetes.

 

Clear Vaginal Discharge

Sudden clear discharge of fluid from the vagina is a sign of a ruptured membrane.  A ruptured membrane puts the mother and the fetus at a risk of acquiring an infection, since the uterine cavity is no longer protected. It can also lead to a cord prolapse if the baby is very small and does not snug well on the cervix. Cord prolapse is a serious complication that can lead to fetal distress or death.

 

Abdominal Pain, Cramping or Chest Pain

Vaginal Bleeding that is accompanied by intense pain may be a sign of placental abruption, pre-term labor or even other serious medical conditions like appendicitis. Chest pain may be a sign of a heart problems or pulmonary embolism; a complication that can result from thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the veins on the lower extremities).

 

Extreme Fatigue

Pregnant women do get fatigued easily but extreme fatigue, episodes of fainting, shortness of breath may be a sign of a heart problem or anemia (decreased red blood cells in the blood) and need to be investigated by a physician.

 

Contractions and Vaginal Discharge

If the contractions are occuring frequently, following a certain pattern and the pregnancy is below 37 weeks, it is most likely the woman is going to a pre-term labor. Seeking medical help as soon as possible, before the rupturing of the membrane is important since there are medications that can be used to halt a pre-term labor.

 

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension is a serious complication of pregnancy that results to high blood. Pregnant woman who suspect to be suffering from PIH should seek medical help early in the course to prevent it from developing to eclampsia; a fatal complication.

 

The followings are signs and symptoms that may indicate when a woman is developing PIH;

 

Decrease or Increase in Fetal Movement

An usual increase or a decrease in the fetal movement may be a sign of a fetal distress and need to be reported to the physician.