Pregnancy Warning Signs: When to Go to the Emergency Room

In short: Fourteen signs mean going to the emergency department during pregnancy. The main ones are vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, sudden severe headache, blood pressure above 140/90, fluid leaking from the vagina, regular contractions before term, persistent vomiting, a temperature above 38°C, chest pain or shortness of breath, a fall or accident, and reduced or absent movements of the baby.

Pregnancy is usually a joyful and healthy time, but it’s important for every expectant mother to know the warning signs that need urgent medical attention. Recognizing these situations early can help protect both your health and your baby’s wellbeing. Below are the key symptoms that mean you should seek emergency care right away.

1- Vaginal bleeding:

Vaginal bleeding at any stage of pregnancy, especially if it is heavy or accompanied by pain, may indicate:

• Miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Placental abruption
• Uterine rupture
• Molar pregnancy

2- Severe abdominal pain:

Any severe or persistent abdominal pain needs urgent assessment – do not wait to see whether painkillers help. This is especially important if the pain is one-sided in early pregnancy, constant with a hard, tender womb, or felt under the ribs on the right side.

3- Severe or sudden headache:

This may indicate:

• Preeclampsia, especially after 20 weeks and if accompanied by high blood pressure, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain under the ribs, or sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet. Pre-eclampsia can occur even without protein in the urine, so go for a blood pressure check the same day.
• Problems with the brain or nervous system.

4- High blood pressure of 140/90 or higher on repeated measurement needs same-day assessment; a reading of 160/110 or higher is an emergency.

5. Vaginal discharge, which may indicate:

• Severe fungal or bacterial infections
• Rupture of membranes (water breaking)

6. Regular and strong contractions:

• If they occur before the expected delivery date, this puts the baby at risk of premature birth.
• If the patient is in her ninth month of pregnancy, this means she has started labor.

7- Severe constipation or diarrhea:

• Laxatives may be given in cases of severe constipation, or an enema may be administered. X-rays may be performed to ensure there is no intestinal obstruction.
• In cases of diarrhea, a stool analysis is performed, and intravenous fluids are given to replace lost salts and prevent dehydration.

8. Persistent vomiting that prevents the pregnant woman from eating and drinking; intravenous fluids are administered to replace lost salts and prevent dehydration.

9. Fever above 38°C:

• To investigate the source of infection.
• To start appropriate antibiotics quickly when needed, to prevent the infection from spreading and becoming serious (sepsis) for the mother and the baby.

10- Rapid heartbeat or chest pain:

• An electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests are performed to check the heart, and doctors also look for a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which is more common in pregnancy.
• Some cases may require an emergency cardiac catheterization.

11- Severe shortness of breath:

The heart and lungs are evaluated to look for possible pulmonary embolisms.

12- Severe burning during urination or blood in the urine:

• A urinalysis is performed to check for infection.
• Kidney function tests are performed.

13- Fall or traffic accident:

• The fetus is assessed via ultrasound to ensure it is not injured and that there is no placental abruption.
• Necessary X

If your blood group is Rh-negative, you will need an anti-D injection within 72 hours of the injury.-rays are taken of the mother, and fractures and bruises are treated if required.

14- Decreased or absent fetal movements

If your baby is moving less than usual or you notice a change in the pattern of movements, contact your doctor or go to the hospital straight away – do not wait until the next day, and do not rely on a home heartbeat monitor to reassure yourself.

If you notice any of these symptoms during your pregnancy, don’t wait — seek medical attention promptly. Dr. Najeeb Layyous and his team are available to guide you through any concerns and provide the care you and your baby need at every stage of pregnancy.

Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist