Warning Signs

The following are important warning signs. You should call the office IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of these Warning Signs during your pregnancy.

1. Any sign of bloody discharge from the vagina
2. Continuous, severe headache
3. Severe, unrelenting abdominal pain
4. Persistent Vomiting
5. Marked swelling of face, hands and lower legs.
6. Blurring of vision or spots before the eyes that persists.
7. Rupture of the amniotic membranes. (Leaking Fluid)
8. Chills and fever of over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) not accompanied by a common cold.
9. Painful, burning urination.
10. Absence or decrease of the baby’s movements

Pre- Term Labor

One or more of the following can be symptoms of early labor. Call the office according to the instructions above if you are experiencing any of the following:

Uterine Contractions

These contractions often feel like menstrual cramping, or can be felt as a painless tightening and hardening of the uterus. Contractions during pregnancy can be normal, but those that occur regularly every 15 minutes or less may be a sign of pre-term (early) labor. If you are having contractions more than every 15 minutes; empty your bladder, drink water and lie down. If the contractions persist, call the office.

Pressure on the vagina or in the lower abdomen

A feeling of pressure in the lower back, pelvic area or thighs; especially those that occur regularly every 15 minutes or less. See uterine contractions above.

Lower Backache

Discomfort in the lower back is a common problem in the later months of pregnancy. When associated with pre-term labor, the ache may radiate to the front and will not be relieved by rest or changing position.

Intestinal Cramping

This may or may not be accompanied by diarrhea, and may be confused with uterine cramping.

Changes in Vaginal Discharge

This can be a normal part of pregnancy, but you should report this if there are any significant changes in the quantity and /or consistency of the discharge. Discharges of clear, yellow, pink or green fluid that soaks through clothes could mean that your amniotic fluid is leaking.