WARNING SIGNS DURING PREGNANCY: WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR???

While it is true that the majority of pregnancies go smoothly and are uneventful, complications can arise.  It is important that you know the warning signs to look out for, and to report any of those symptoms to your health care provider.  Some important warning signs to look out for are:

• persistent or severe headaches
• blurred vision or spots before your eyes
• severe abdominal pain or cramps, possibly with nausea or diarrhea
• severe or persistent vomiting
• high fever (above 101 degrees F)
• marked swelling in your upper body (face and hands)
• vaginal spotting/bleeding
• marked decrease in out put of urine
• marked decrease or stopping of fetal movement you feel (from the 5th month on)
• sudden weight gain in just a few days
• gush or flow of watery fluid from your vagina
• regular contractions, getting stronger as time progesses
• constant or severe leg cramps or calf pain

It can be very difficult to know when to call your health care provider and when not to.  Often times, you may fear that you are overreacting to something that might turn out to be unimportant.  But it is ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry.  Please remember that just because a symptom or pain is not on this list, that does not mean that you shouldn't call your health care provider.