Five warning signs indicating a potential problem during pregnancy are:
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Vaginal Bleeding: Bleeding at any point during pregnancy warrants immediate medical attention. While some spotting is normal, significant bleeding can signal complications like miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or placenta previa.
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Severe Headaches with Blurred Vision: This combination could indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage. Other symptoms of preeclampsia include swelling of the face, hands, and feet.
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Severe Abdominal Pain: Intense abdominal pain can be a sign of several serious issues, including ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus), placental abruption (placenta detaching from the uterine wall), or other complications.
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Convulsions/Fits: Seizures during pregnancy are a medical emergency and may be a sign of eclampsia, a severe form of preeclampsia.
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Fever and Weakness: A high fever coupled with extreme fatigue could point to an infection, which can be dangerous for both mother and baby.
These signs, as highlighted by sources like the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/maternal-warning-signs/index.html), the HSE (https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/warning-signs-during-pregnancy/), and numerous other reputable medical websites, necessitate immediate medical evaluation. Any pregnant person experiencing these or other concerning symptoms should contact their doctor or midwife immediately. Delaying treatment can have serious consequences.
