🚨 Call 911 or Go to Emergency Room Immediately

• Heavy bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour)
• Severe chest pain or shortness of breath
• Severe headache that won't go away
• Vision changes (blurred vision, seeing spots, light sensitivity)
• Signs of stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of severe preeclampsia

First Trimester Warning Signs (Weeks 1-12)

Bleeding and Cramping

Call Immediately:

Heavy bleeding (like a period or heavier)
Bleeding with severe cramping
Passing tissue or clots
Bright red bleeding that doesn't stop

Call During Office Hours:

Light spotting
Brown discharge
Mild cramping without bleeding
Any bleeding that concerns you

Other First Trimester Concerns

Severe Morning Sickness

Can't keep fluids down for 24 hours
Vomiting blood
Signs of dehydration
Rapid weight loss
Dizziness or fainting

Pain and Fever

Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Severe pelvic or abdominal pain
One-sided sharp pain (ectopic pregnancy)
Persistent severe headaches
Burning or pain with urination

Second Trimester Warning Signs (Weeks 13-27)

Preterm Labor Signs

These symptoms before 37 weeks could indicate preterm labor:

Regular contractions (more than 4 in an hour)
Lower back pain that comes and goes
Pelvic pressure
Fluid leaking from vagina
Change in vaginal discharge
Cramping like menstrual cramps

Bleeding and Placental Issues

Placental Abruption Signs:

Severe abdominal pain
Heavy bleeding
Uterine tenderness
Back pain
Frequent contractions

Placenta Previa Signs:

Painless bright red bleeding
Bleeding after sex or exam
Bleeding that stops and starts
Light to heavy bleeding

Third Trimester Warning Signs (Weeks 28-40)

Preeclampsia Warning Signs

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment:

Severe Symptoms:

Severe headache
Vision changes or seeing spots
Upper abdominal pain
Sudden weight gain
Severe swelling of face and hands

Additional Signs:

Nausea and vomiting (sudden onset)
Decreased urination
Shortness of breath
High blood pressure
Protein in urine

Decreased Fetal Movement

After 28 weeks, monitor your baby's movements daily:

Normal Movement Patterns:

10 movements in 2 hours
Regular patterns you recognize
Response to food, sounds, or touch
Active periods and rest periods

When to Call:

Fewer than 10 movements in 2 hours
Significant decrease from normal pattern
No movement for several hours
Baby doesn't respond to stimulation

Labor Signs

Know when labor is starting and when to go to the hospital:

Early Labor Signs:

Regular contractions
Bloody show
Water breaking
Lower back pain
Pelvic pressure

Go to Hospital When:

Contractions 5 min apart for 1 hour
Water breaks (call immediately)
Heavy bleeding
Baby's movements decrease significantly
You feel something is wrong

When in Doubt, Always Call

Trust Your Instincts

You know your body better than anyone. If something feels wrong or different, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.

It's Better to Call If You Have:

Any symptom that worries you
Something that doesn't feel normal
Persistent symptoms
Questions about your health

Healthcare Providers Want You to Call About:

Any concerns, big or small
Changes in your condition
Questions about symptoms
Anything that feels "off"

After Hours

Most practices have an on-call system for urgent concerns outside office hours.

Call your provider's after-hours line
Be prepared to describe symptoms clearly
Have your due date and medical info ready

Emergency Situations

Don't wait to call your provider if you have emergency symptoms.

Call 911 for life-threatening symptoms
Go directly to emergency room
Have someone drive you if possible

Remember

Healthcare providers would rather see you for a false alarm than miss something important. Your safety and your baby's safety are the top priority. Never feel embarrassed about seeking medical attention when you're concerned.

Your Journey

Pregnancy Warning Signs: When to Call Your Doctor

Your Health is Our Priority