Most pregnancies go smoothly, but some complications develop quickly and can be life-threatening for mother and baby. Many maternal deaths, especially in low-resource settings, are linked to delays in recognising danger signs and getting to a health facility. Knowing these signs, and having a plan, can save lives.
Go to hospital immediately if you have any of these
1. Vaginal bleeding
Any bleeding in pregnancy should be checked. Heavy bleeding, bleeding with pain, or bleeding later in pregnancy can indicate miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, placenta praevia or placental abruption.
2. Severe headache, blurred vision or seeing spots
These can be signs of pre-eclampsia, especially after 20 weeks. Pre-eclampsia can lead to seizures (eclampsia), stroke and organ damage.
3. Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
Mild swelling of the ankles is common, but sudden swelling, especially of the face, may indicate pre-eclampsia.
4. Convulsions or fits
This is an emergency. Call for help, place the woman on her left side and get to hospital immediately.
5. Severe abdominal pain
Constant or severe pain may indicate ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, appendicitis or other emergencies.
6. Fever
A high temperature can be a sign of malaria, urinary tract infection or other infections, which can be dangerous in pregnancy. In malaria areas, get tested promptly.
7. Baby moving less or not at all
From around 16–24 weeks, you’ll start to feel movements. If the baby moves less than usual, or stops moving, contact your midwife or hospital the same day. Don’t wait until the next day.
8. Water breaking early
Leaking fluid before 37 weeks, or green or brown fluid at any time, needs assessment.
9. Difficulty breathing or chest pain
This could be a blood clot in the lungs, heart problem or severe anaemia.
10. Severe vomiting
Being unable to keep any food or fluids down can cause dehydration (hyperemesis gravidarum).
11. Painful, swollen calf
Especially if one leg is red, warm and swollen. This may be a deep vein thrombosis.
12. Labour pains before 37 weeks
Regular tightening or pain, lower back ache or pelvic pressure before 37 weeks may mean preterm labour.
Other symptoms to report
- Burning or pain when passing urine
- Unusual vaginal discharge or itching
- Extreme tiredness, paleness or breathlessness (possible anaemia)
- Severe itching, especially on hands and feet (possible obstetric cholestasis)
- Low mood, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm
Have a birth preparedness plan
- Know which hospital or health centre you’ll go to and how you’ll get there, day or night.
- Save money for transport and emergency care.
- Identify a possible blood donor in case of heavy bleeding.
- Keep your antenatal card and phone numbers ready.
- Decide who will make decisions and look after children if you need to go suddenly.
How antenatal care helps
WHO recommends at least eight antenatal contacts. At each visit, midwives check blood pressure, urine, the baby’s growth and heartbeat, and screen for anaemia, infections and other problems. Attending all visits gives the best chance of catching problems early.
For nurses and midwives
- Teach danger signs at every antenatal visit, using pictures where literacy is low.
- Involve partners and family members.
- Make sure women know they won’t be blamed for coming in “too early” with concerns.