What are the warning signs of pregnancy?

Warning Signs During Pregnancy

Signs of pregnancy manifest themselves differently in different women and can be daunting or exciting depending on the given circumstances. In most women a missed period is usually considered as an early sign of pregnancy but this could also be on account of change in diet or stress. Some women who are pregnant may also experience some mild spotting which is on account of the fertilized egg implanting itself on the uterine wall. Some other common warning signs of pregnancy are mood swings, tenderness of the breasts, nausea, and fatigue.
    
However there are also some warning signs of pregnancy that have to be reported to the doctor as soon as they are detected. Vaginal bleeding that is bright red in color is not normal during pregnancy and may indicate placental abruption, miscarriage or even hormonal bleeding. All these conditions put both the mother and child at risk and hence should be given due medical attention. Similarly persistent pain in the pregnant woman’s back may be on account of a cyst, kidney infection, preterm labor or just a normal pregnancy pain. A woman is said to be in preterm labor if she feels contractions that are more than 4 an hour. Similarly signs like abdominal cramps that come and go or any pelvic pressure may also indicate preterm labor and requires medical attention. Another warning sign to look out for during pregnancy is a change in the vaginal discharge which may become more watery or mucous like or even have traces of blood. If the discharge is an odorless liquid and does not smell like urine then it requires to be addressed immediately as it could be leaking amniotic fluid which can put the baby at risk. Pregnant women should also watch out for any decrease in the fetal movement which could signal fetal distress or even demise.

Urinary discomfort is one of the most common warning signs of pregnancy and could manifest in the form of pus or blood in the urine, and pain while urinating. Many women also suffer from pregnancy induced hypertension which could result in their hands or face getting swollen adding to their discomfort. In case a woman is suffering from continuous and persistent headaches, she should immediately inform the same to her doctor as this could be a warning sign for Ecclampsia. Excessive bleeding during pregnancy is also a dangerous sign as it could indicate a miscarriage or even an ectopic pregnancy wherein the egg implants itself in the fallopian tubes thereby endangering the mother.

Submitted by P T on June 26, 2010 at 08:14

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