8 dangerous symptoms during pregnancy
Nausea, back pain, and excessive sleepiness are common discomforts that occur during pregnancy and are not concerning. However, certain pregnancy symptoms that occur during this period can be dangerous and require immediate consultation and medical intervention.
1. Genital tract bleeding
Light vaginal bleeding may occur early in pregnancy, about two weeks after fertilization; it can easily be mistaken for a period. There is no need to worry about this. At this stage, many women still do not know they are pregnant.
Other bleeding is generally dangerous pregnancy symptoms and should never be underestimated. The causes can be benign (for example, general fatigue) but they can also endanger the pregnancy and lead to miscarriage.
One possible and dangerous cause for the woman is ectopic pregnancy. This means that the embryo has implanted outside the uterus, where it cannot develop and can cause hemorrhage.
Bleeding in the second half of pregnancy can be due to placental abruption, a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia), premature labor, trauma, or a cervical disease.
If you have bleeding, especially if accompanied by pain, go to the emergency room immediately.
2. Abdominal pain
If you experience mild abdominal pain, it may be related to the stretching of the uterine ligaments, a typical phenomenon of pregnancy, which prepares your body for childbirth. However, abdominal pain can be a dangerous pregnancy symptom, and when associated with bleeding in early pregnancy, it becomes alarming because it may indicate a miscarriage. In this case, you should see a doctor immediately.
Pain can signal an ectopic pregnancy, but also non-pregnancy-related diseases that can threaten the mother and child. If you have severe pain accompanied by nausea and a fast pulse, it may be due to appendicitis, kidney disease, or pancreatic disease. Never underestimate abdominal pain, especially if accompanied by spasms and bleeding.
3. Weaker fetal movements
Around the 30th week of pregnancy, you should regularly monitor the fetus's movements. Count them over one hour: at the time when the fetus is usually active (often in the evening), there should be at least 10 movements. If you notice fewer or feel a decrease in activity, contact a doctor.
4. Contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy
Early uterine contractions can indicate the onset of labor. If you seek medical attention quickly, it is sometimes possible to stop or slow this process. The closer the baby is born to the due date, the better it is.
5. Water breaking before 37 weeks of pregnancy
Premature rupture of the membranes (water breaking) can also mean preterm labor. This increases the risk of infection for the fetus. If you notice a discharge resembling amniotic fluid, go immediately to the hospital.
6. Severe vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common in early pregnancy and often disappear in the second trimester. However, if your vomiting prevents you from eating, causes weight loss, and you cannot keep liquids down, contact your doctor. This situation can lead to dehydration, which is dangerous for you and the fetus.
7. Persistent Itching
Slight itching is common and related to dry and stretching skin, especially on the belly. But persistent itching, particularly on the hands and feet and worsened at night, may indicate liver dysfunction and be a dangerous pregnancy symptom for the fetus. Consult a doctor if this occurs.
8. Edema
During pregnancy, swelling of the legs and hands is common. It is related to water retention and increased blood volume. After resting with elevated legs, this swelling often disappears.
However, if the edema affects the face, persists after rest, appears suddenly and is accompanied by high blood pressure, it may be a sign of pregnancy hypertension. Sometimes, it is associated with dizziness, headaches and blurred vision. These are then dangerous pregnancy symptoms that require urgent medical consultation.
Remember : if you experience unusual pregnancy symptoms, never hesitate to consult a doctor.
Eva Kool
With 15 years of experience as a maternity assistant and a mother of three, I am truly passionate about the world of babies and baby care. At Difrax LOVI, I support professionals and specialized stores as a trainer and advisor, while also assisting the sales & marketing team. My goal is to share my expertise and provide parents with reliable and reassuring information for their baby's well-being.