Pregnancy-Related Problems

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Any of the following during your pregnancy:
  • Signs of shock
  • Severe dehydration
  • Fainting (syncope) or loss of consciousness
  • Severe vaginal bleeding
  • Seizures. Note: For information about how to help a seizure victim, see protecting a victim from harm during a seizure.
  • Severe pain in your belly (not from labor contractions)
  • A sudden, severe headache that is the worst headache you have ever had
• During your last trimester:
  • Fluid gushes or leaks from your vagina (the amniotic sac has ruptured) and either of the following happen:
    • You know or think the umbilical cord is bulging into your vagina (cord prolapse).
    • You know or think your baby's foot is bulging into your vagina (footling breech).
  • Note: Call for help and immediately get down on your knees, bend forward, and put your head on the floor so your buttocks are higher than your head. This decreases pressure on the cord until help arrives. Cord prolapse can cut off your baby's blood supply.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

If your doctor has given you specific instructions to follow during your pregnancy, be sure to follow those instructions. The information in this topic is specific to pregnancy-related problems. You may have a health problem, such as a sprained ankle, not related specifically to your pregnancy. If so, be sure to evaluate that problem.

Yes	Do you have vaginal bleeding?
Yes	Do you think you have passed tissue?
Yes	Do you have abnormal vaginal discharge or fluid leaking from your vagina?
Yes	Has your baby stopped moving or is moving less often than normal?
Yes	Do you have belly, pelvic, or back (flank) pain?
Yes	Do you have an injury to your belly?
Yes	Do you have pain when you breathe?
Yes	Do you have swelling in the face, hands, or feet?
Yes	Do you have a new or different headache?
Yes	Do you have a fever?
Yes	Do you have any urinary problems?
Yes	Do you have nausea or vomiting?
Yes	Do you have a change in your bowel habits?
Yes	Are you having regular contractions anytime during your pregnancy?
Yes	Do you have heartburn?
Yes	Do you have open skin sores or blisters and itching?

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: August 7, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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