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When to Call Your OBGYN or Midwife:
Understanding Pregnancy Warning Signs
Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, but it can also bring moments of uncertainty. Knowing when to contact your OBGYN or midwife can make a significant difference in ensuring the health and safety of both you and your baby. While many symptoms during pregnancy are normal, certain signs should never be ignored.
At Birth You Desire, we believe in empowering you with knowledge. This guide will help you understand when to call your healthcare provider and recognize potential warning signs based on scientific research.
General Guidelines: When to Call Your OBGYN or Midwife
Always trust your instincts. If something feels wrong or unusual, it’s better to call and be reassured than to ignore potential problems. Healthcare providers are there to answer your questions and address concerns at any stage of pregnancy.
Common Pregnancy Symptoms That Don’t Typically Require Immediate Attention
Some symptoms are common and usually not a cause for alarm:
- Mild nausea or morning sickness
- Occasional headaches
- Mild swelling in hands or feet (especially later in pregnancy)
- Mild fatigue
If these symptoms become severe or persistent, contact your provider for guidance.
Warning Signs: When to Call Immediately
1. Vaginal Bleeding or Spotting
- First Trimester: Spotting can be common, especially during implantation, but heavy bleeding with cramps could indicate miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
- Second and Third Trimester: Any bleeding could signal placenta previa, placental abruption, or preterm labor. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), bleeding in the second or third trimester warrants immediate medical attention.
2. Severe Abdominal Pain or Cramping
While mild cramping can be normal as your body adjusts, severe or persistent abdominal pain may indicate a complication.
3. Decreased Fetal Movement
Feeling your baby move is a reassuring sign of their well-being. After 28 weeks, you should notice regular movement patterns.
- If you detect a decrease or absence of movement, perform a “kick count” by tracking movements over two hours during the bay’s most active time. If you count fewer than 10 movements occur, contact your provider. Research in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology highlights the importance of monitoring fetal movement as an indicator of fetal health.
4. Persistent or Severe Headaches
Severe or persistent headaches, especially when accompanied by visual disturbances (seeing halos, auras, or floaters), swelling, or high blood pressure, could be a sign of preeclampsia. This is a serious condition that requires immediate attention.
5. High Fever
A fever over 100.4°F (38°C) could indicate an infection, which can pose risks to both you and your baby. Seek medical advice promptly.
6. Signs of Preterm Labor (Before 37 Weeks)
Call your provider if you experience:
- Regular contractions or tightening of the uterus
- Lower back pain that doesn’t go away
- Vaginal pressure or discharge
- Fluid leaking from the vagina (which may indicate your water has broken)
7. Swelling, Pain, or Redness in One Leg
These could be signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that requires urgent treatment to prevent complications.
8. Difficulty Breathing or Chest Pain
Shortness of breath, chest pain, or a racing heartbeat that doesn’t subside should be evaluated immediately.
9. Severe Nausea or Vomiting
While morning sickness is common, severe vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum) can lead to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies, requiring medical care.
How to Communicate with Your Provider
When calling your OBGYN or midwife, be prepared to share:
- The exact nature of your symptoms (e.g., severity, duration, frequency).
- When the symptoms began.
- Any changes in movement, bleeding, or pain.
Keep a list of emergency numbers and the contact information for your provider readily available.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If you experience any of the following, go to the nearest hospital or call emergency services:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain or upper right quadrant pain
- Sudden, severe headache with vision changes
- Signs of preeclampsia (swelling, high blood pressure, or protein in urine)
- Symptoms of preterm labor (more than 4 contractions in an hour when before 37 weeks)
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
Key Takeaways
Your health and your baby’s health are paramount. Recognizing pregnancy warning signs and knowing when to contact your OBGYN or midwife can prevent complications and provide peace of mind. Never hesitate to reach out if you’re unsure—your provider is there to support you.
At Birth You Desire, we’re dedicated to ensuring you have the information and resources you need for a safe and confident pregnancy journey.
For more personalized guidance or to learn about our doula services, visit Birth You Desire.