Pregnancy is an exciting and joyful time for every expectant mother, but it's also a time that requires more attention than usual. It's crucial for both the mother-to-be and the baby to be particularly sensitive during this period to protect their health. Knowing about pregnancy, the changes it causes, discomfort, or warning signs helps expectant mothers take proactive measures and consult their doctor in case of any issues.
During pregnancy monitoring, your doctor will also warn you about potential problems and their symptoms. However, there are also some warning signs that every expectant mother may face, regardless of your specific situation. If you recognize and know these signs, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Danger Signs During Pregnancy
1. Vaginal Bleeding:
Possible Causes: Miscarriage, threatened miscarriage, placenta previa (placenta located close to the cervix), placental abruption (placenta detaching from its place), threatened premature birth.
Regardless of when it occurs in pregnancy or the amount of bleeding, you should inform your doctor immediately if you notice vaginal bleeding.
2. Pelvic pain or abdominal pain
Possible Causes: Miscarriage, threatened miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, threatened premature birth, labor already in progress.
Pelvic pain or abdominal pain can be constant or present as cramping pain.
3. Contractions or cramping pains in the uterus
Possible causes: Threatened premature labor, labor initiation, Bracxton Hicks contractions (normal preparatory contractions before labor).
4. Persistent back pain
Possible causes: Miscarriage, threatened premature birth, urinary tract infections, herniated disc, increased muscle and joint pain during pregnancy.
5. Severe hardening of the abdomen and inability to relax.
Possible causes: Threatened premature birth, labor initiation, placental abruption.
6. Vaginal discharge
Possible causes: Threat of premature birth, premature rupture of the amniotic sac, miscarriage, excessive vaginal discharge, urinary incontinence.
7. Severe Headache
Possible causes: Preeclampsia, migraine, neurological reasons.
8. Excessive and sudden swelling in the hands and face.
Possible causes: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (preeclampsia), normal swelling.
9. Seizure Disorder
Possible causes: Eclampsia, epilepsy (seizure disorder)
10. Significant decrease in fetal movements.
Possible causes: Fetal distress, placental abruption, asphyxia.
11. Severe pain in the pubic area and buttocks, restricted leg movement.
Possible causes: Overuse or separation of the symphysis pubis joint.
12. Fever (above 37.5 °C)
Possible causes: Infections, chorioamnionitis
13. Burning or pain while urinating.
Possible causes: Urinary tract infection, Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
14. Severe nausea and vomiting.
Possible Causes: Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Nausea and vomiting, which are normal in the early stages of pregnancy, can be a harbinger of a dangerous condition in later stages.)
If you notice any of the situations mentioned here, or any other sign not listed that seems suspicious to you, I strongly advise you to contact your doctor immediately.
Wishing you a healthy pregnancy, free from all risks.
Turkish 
English 
