Other indicators of pregnancy besides nausea, fatigue, and tender breasts include heightened sense of smell, frequent urination, food cravings or aversions, mood swings, missed periods, and increased vaginal discharge.
Should you dismiss a sudden ache or ring your doctor at 3 a.m.? Here’s a rundown of symptoms that necessitate a doctor’s appointment. However, if you notice any unusual bodily changes not mentioned here, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor promptly. Some symptoms may require urgent attention based on your health history or specific circumstances. Consult your doctor or midwife to discuss signs that require immediate care.
- Spotting or vaginal bleeding.
- Your baby’s consistent movements in the womb once they’ve reached a certain stage of development. Consult your practitioner or midwife to determine if you should monitor fetal activity by counting kicks. They will provide guidance on when to contact them.
- Changes in vaginal discharge type or increase in quantity. After 37 weeks, increased vaginal discharge is normal and may indicate impending labor. Contact your doctor if the discharge becomes watery, bloody, or mucousy.
- Pelvic pressure, abdominal pain, or the sensation of your baby pushing down. Also, lower back pain, particularly if it’s your first experience, should be noted. More than four contractions per hour before 37 weeks or excessive and prolonged menstrual-like cramping.
- Decreased or painful urination.
- Visual disturbances such as blurry or double vision, flashing lights, dimming, excessive floaters, or spots in your field of vision. Headaches accompanied by slurred speech, blurred vision, or numbness.
- Persistent or severe leg cramps or calf pain unaffected by ankle flexing, toe pointing, or walking. Look out for any asymmetrical swelling in the legs. Notify your midwife or doctor if you notice one leg is significantly more swollen than the other.
- Persistent intense itching on the torso, legs, arms, soles, or palms that doesn’t subside with rubbing.
- As your due date approaches, discuss labor signs with your midwife to prepare for medical intervention as necessary.
- Vertigo, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulties, coughing, chest pain, etc., persisting for extended periods and recurring frequently, particularly in the middle of the night.