Sidelines National Support Network  / Articles  / Warning Signs

Most women only experience the normal discomforts that take place during pregnancy. However, sometimes there can be complications that need immediate medical attention.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, contact your health care provider immediately, or go to the hospital or emergency room.

• Vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal discharge that is unusual
• Severe, persistent, frequent headaches
• Pain or burning upon urination, or decrease in urination
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Leakage of fluid from the vagina
• Sharp pelvic pain or severe cramping
• Frequent dizzy spells or fainting
• Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, white lights or flashes, dots in front of the eyes
• Sudden swelling in hands, feet, and face
• Falling or sustaining a blow to your abdomen
• Noticeable decrease or absence of fetal movement
• High fever with chills, over 100.4° Fahrenheit orally
• Contractions more often than four times an hour if you are less than 37 weeks
• Low back pain that comes and goes
• Any other problem that feels unusual
• A feeling that something is not right

The bottom line: if you are worried, call your health care provider! Chances are, someone from your practice is awake and working in labor and delivery at any given moment. It's better to call and check than stay at home and worry alone. Almost all hospitals provide an all-call nurse that can speak with you on the phone and provide advice. If you feel that your questions are not being answered fully, never hesitate to get a second opinion or go the emergency room.