When to Call a Doctor During Pregnancy – 20 Signs You Should Consider

Pregnancy can be a puzzling stage. With so many physical and emotional changes taking place, it is normal to feel anxious and confused. You may get a feeling from time to time that something is not right, especially if you are a first-time mom. These uncertainties are common, and most pregnant women experience them at some point during their pregnancy.

However, pregnant women should be attentive to certain signs that may require medical attention. Even if there is the slightest doubt, it is always better not to take any chances and contact your doctor immediately. Knowing when to call a doctor during pregnancy can help protect both your health and your baby’s well-being. Read on to learn the warning signs you should never ignore and when it is time to seek medical advice.

When to Call the Doctor in Pregnancy

You should be aware of the signs to call your doctor when pregnant, as some symptoms may require prompt medical attention. Here is a list of 20 signs that may become reasons to go to the hospital while pregnant:

1. Spotting or Heavy Bleeding

If you experience spotting and bleeding, especially during the second and third trimester of your pregnancy, along with acute pain, it may be a sign that there is some problem in the uterus. It would be a wise decision to call your doctor (1).

2. Pains

A pregnant woman may experience some abdominal pain occasionally. But in case the pain is consistent or turns severe, it is advisable to seek medical advice. Frequent and consistent abdominal cramps or a piercing or dull pain in the tummy may need immediate medical care (2).

3. Fever

If you are running a fever when pregnant when to call the doctor is vital. Even if you develop a slight fever, it is better to contact a doctor. It may be indicative of some infection present in the body which can result in probable pregnancy issues later on (3).

4. Headaches

Pregnant women may experience occasional headaches during pregnancy due to their fluctuating pregnancy hormones. The condition may further worsen due to lack of proper sleep, dehydration, bad posture, and/or stress. Persistent or recurrent headaches while pregnant may require medical intervention (4).

5. Chills

Having chills during pregnancy is not a favourable sign. Chills followed by fever, nausea, or vomiting can be a cause for serious concern. It may mean the presence of some infection in the body. In such a scenario, it is best to call your doctor and seek medical treatment.

6. Dizziness

During pregnancy, a pregnant woman may feel dizzy at times because of the hormonal changes. During the third trimester, dizziness can also occur due to the expanding uterus exerting pressure on the blood vessels. But it is always sensible to consult with a doctor in case you experience dizziness or fainting spells, as this may be a sign of low blood pressure, dehydration, decreased blood sugar, and/or low haemoglobin levels (5).

7. Fatigue

Feeling tired or weary during pregnancy is very common. But if you are perpetually tired or feel exhausted all the time, it may be wise to inform your doctor as the tiredness can be due to the fact that you are not eating right or getting adequate sleep. You can be dehydrated or unduly stressed out. All this can adversely affect not only your health but your baby’s as well (6).

8. Painful Urination

Urinary tract infection (UTI) or painful urination is quite common during pregnancy because the growing uterus can hamper the proper drainage of urine from the bladder, leading to an infection. If a pregnant woman experiences pain or a burning sensation while passing urine, she will require medical treatment (7).

9. Change in Urine Colour

During pregnancy, if you notice that your urine looks darker in colour, or appears cloudier than the normal light, yellow colour it should be, contact your doctor He may then advise a urine test to determine the cause of the change in colour. Darker urine may also be a sign of dehydration.

10. Vomiting

Morning sickness or nausea during pregnancy is a normal pregnancy symptom which usually occurs during the initial stages of pregnancy. Most pregnant women feel nauseous in the morning while some may experience nausea throughout the day. However, if the vomiting is painful, frequent and is for a continued period, it is best to let your doctor know (8).

11. Pelvic Pain

Some kind of pelvic discomfort is usual during pregnancy due to the stretching of ligaments and the shifting of organs to accommodate the expanding uterus. But if the pelvic pain is persistent and there are additional symptoms of vaginal bleeding, then it is not advisable to delay in contacting your doctor (9).

12. Vaginal Discharge

During pregnancy, some vaginal discharge called leucorrhoea normally takes place. Leucorrhoea is thin, milky, white and odourless or slightly smelling. But heavy vaginal discharge during pregnancy is a troublesome sign. Also, if you notice any change in the discharge like it appears green in colour or has an unpleasant odour, call your doctor right away (10).

13. Swelling

Some swelling in the face, hands, ankles, legs are common during pregnancy due to the extra retention of fluids and blood. But if excessive swelling appears in the face, hands, legs, feet during pregnancy, it can be a sign of high blood pressure. This condition can negatively impact the heart of the mother and the growth of the baby (11).

14. Absence of Foetal Movement

The early signs of foetal movement may happen during the second trimester but may vary based on the individual. The foetal movements only increase as the pregnancy progresses. In case you do not sense any foetal movement for days together during the later stages of pregnancy, call a doctor immediately (12).

15. Pulling Sensation in the Stomach

In many cases, pregnant women may experience mild tugging or pull in the stomach as a normal early pregnancy symptom. However, increasing pain with no signs of subsiding may warrant a visit to the doctor.

16. Loss of Appetite

Many pregnant women may experience a loss of appetite in pregnancy because of morning sickness and nausea. But the prolonged loss of appetite during pregnancy can raid the body of the essential nutrients which is important for the proper development of the baby. If a pregnant woman experiences loss of appetite for an extended period, it is advisable to consult a doctor (13).

17. Dehydration

Pregnant women can suffer from dehydration if they are not drinking sufficient amounts of water during pregnancy. Dehydration during pregnancy can cause serious pregnancy issues like low amniotic fluid, headaches, constipation, neural tube defects and so on. Hence, it becomes necessary to refer to a doctor to correct the reasons for dehydration or the consequent difficulties faced due to the same (14).

18. Lack of Sleep

It is common for pregnant women to experience lack of sleep due to bodily discomfort and changing hormones. The quality of sleep may also be affected causing a pregnant woman to feel exhausted and tired. Continual fatigue can be detrimental to the health of the pregnant woman resulting in problems like gestational diabetes and hypertension. Visit the doctor to find a solution for your lack of sleep (15).

19. Itchy Palms and Feet

Slight itching is normal during pregnancy due to the enhanced supply of blood to the skin. But in case the itching grows severe it can be an indication of health issues like obstetric cholestasis (a liver condition) (16).

20. Blurry Vision

If you are experiencing blurry vision during pregnancy, it may be because of excessive swelling of the face or high blood pressure. It may be a good idea to get in touch with your doctor for necessary treatment.

How You Should to Talk to Your Practitioner?

Open and honest communication with your healthcare practitioner is essential throughout your pregnancy. If you notice any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your health or your baby’s well-being, do not hesitate to speak up. No question is too small when it comes to pregnancy.

Before your appointment, consider making a list of your symptoms, concerns, or questions. Be as specific as possible when describing any discomfort, including when it started, how often it occurs, and whether it has become more severe. This information can help your practitioner better understand your situation and provide appropriate guidance.

Remember, your healthcare practitioner is there to support you throughout your pregnancy. Clear communication can help ensure that you receive the care and reassurance you need at every stage.

FAQs

1. How often should I contact my doctor during pregnancy?

You should attend all scheduled prenatal appointments and contact your doctor whenever you experience unusual symptoms, sudden changes in your health, or concerns about your baby’s well-being.

2. Is it okay to call my doctor even if I am not sure something is wrong?

Absolutely. Healthcare providers would rather address a concern early than have a pregnant woman ignore a potentially serious symptom. If something feels unusual or worrying, it is always best to seek professional advice.

3. How can I tell the difference between normal pregnancy symptoms and something serious?

Many pregnancy symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, and mild discomfort, are completely normal. However, if a symptom feels unusually severe, worsens suddenly, or causes concern, it is always worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

It can be a great idea to frame an emergency protocol after discussing in detail with your doctor so that you can differentiate between the usual pregnancy symptoms and an emergency condition which may need instant medical care. This way you can be at considerable ease and enjoy your pregnancy!

Also Read: 

Warning Signs in Pregnancy
Infections that Can Affect your Pregnancy
Symptoms of Labor & When to See a Doctor

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Sources References

1. Cleveland Clinic – Bleeding During Pregnancy

2. Cleveland Clinic – Pregnancy Discomforts

3. PubMed Central – Fever During Pregnancy: Etiology and Fetomaternal Outcomes

4. NHS – Headaches in pregnancy

5. American Heart Association – Dizziness during pregnancy: When is it a concern?

6. PubMed Central – Fatigue and sleep quality in different trimesters of pregnancy

7. Cleveland Clinic – UTI During Pregnancy

8. Cleveland Clinic – Morning Sickness

9. Tommy’s – Pelvic pain (PGP or SPD) in pregnancy

10. NHS – Vaginal discharge in pregnancy

11. NHS – Swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy

12. Tommy’s – Baby movements in pregnancy

13. Cleveland Clinic – Loss of Appetite

14. PubMed Central – Effect of dehydration during pregnancy on birth weight and length in West Jakarta

15. Cleveland Clinic – Pregnancy Insomnia

16. Cleveland Clinic – Cholestasis of Pregnancy