High-Risk Pregnancy-Overview

Overview

(continued)

What symptoms should you watch for?

Like any pregnant woman, you need to watch for any signs of problems. This doesn't mean that you will have any problems. But if you have any of these symptoms, it's important to get care quickly.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you think you need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have severe vaginal bleeding.
• You have severe pain in your belly or pelvis.
• You have had fluid gushing or leaking from your vaginaand you know or think the umbilical cord is bulging into your vagina. If this happens, immediately get down on your knees so your rear end (buttocks) is higher than your head. This will decrease the pressure on the cord until help arrives.

Call your doctor now or seek medical care right away if:

• You have signs of preeclampsia, such as:
  • Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet.
  • New vision problems (such as dimness or blurring).
  • A severe headache.
• You have any vaginal bleeding.
• You have belly pain or cramping.
• You have a fever.
• You have had regular contractions (with or without pain) for an hour. This means that you have 8 or more in 1 hour or 4 or more in 20 minutes after you change your position and drink fluids.
• You have a sudden release of fluid from your vagina.
• You have low back pain or pelvic pressure that does not go away.
• You notice that your baby has stopped moving or is moving much less than normal.