Pregnancy changes your body in various ways. Because of this, it’s common to have minor discomfort, such as abdominal pain, headaches, back pain, and spotting from time to time. However, some signs can indicate a bigger issue and a sign something is wrong and needs immediate professional attention. As a mum, some things can be easy to spot while others are not so straightforward.
This is why at Malaica we believe a 24/7 access to a nurse midwife matters for pregnant women. It takes away the guessing game so you know clearly what needs urgent care and how to get it as soon as possible.
The 7 signs we share below on how to know your unborn baby is unwell can happen at any trimester. If you experience these or, sometimes, even a gut feeling, make sure to seek advice from your gynecologist or midwife.
1. Spotting or Bleeding
Spotting and bleeding is a common early symptom of pregnancy. Light spotting can occur due to the implantation process at the very beginning of pregnancy, hormonal shifts, and cervical sensitivities.
However, if you experience bleeding that seems abnormal, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, it is important to seek advice from your doctor since it may be a sign something is wrong with your baby in the womb.
2. Severe Abdominal Pains and Cramping
Mild abdominal pains are expected during pregnancy. Your uterus is carrying a growing baby and the bump is definitely going to put some pressure on your abdomen. Other causes of cramping during pregnancy include constipation, gas, and round ligament pain.
Severe abdominal pain that won’t go away and progressively worsen over time, however, is often a sign of something much more serious. Cramps that are also accompanied by vaginal bleeding, dizziness, watery and foul-smelling discharge, and shoulder pain or neck pain indicates distress and it is advisable to contact your doctor.
3. Slow or Stopped Fetal Movement
Fetal movement is normal during pregnancy and most mums experience this from as early as 18 weeks. Medical experts recommend that mothers should monitor their baby’s kicks by counting. The fetal movement is also considered a sign your baby is growing in size and strength.
If you realize your unborn baby’s movement is slow or has stopped, it’s important to visit your gynaecologist to ensure your unborn baby is still well.
4. Severe Nausea & Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are the most common signs associated with pregnancy. You see it in movies when a woman jets out of bed in the morning and rushes to vomit; you can already put two and two together that she’s probably pregnant when the context is right.
Increased nausea with vomiting can cause dehydration, which is dangerous to your baby. Dehydration can decrease the amniotic fluid responsible for proper fetal development and limit the woman’s body’s ability to transport nutrients to the baby. Severe nausea with bloody vomit causes a serious condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum that’s characterized by significant weight loss during pregnancy.
5. Slow Fetal Heart Rate
An unborn baby’s heartbeat rate should start from around 100 up to 160 beats per minute, decreasing as the fetus reaches term. If your fetus’s heart rate is slower than expected, your doctor will likely note a cause for concern and recommend a more comprehensive ultrasound to check on the baby’s development.
6. Unusual Vaginal Discharge
Normal vaginal discharge during early pregnancy appears thin, white, milky and mild smelling. It increases during pregnancy due to estrogen production, helping to keep the birth canal safe from infections.
Discharge with a weird colour, unusual texture, bad odour, or accompanied by a burning around the vagina could be a sign of an infection. Vaginal infections can spread further and cause uterine infections that may affect the placenta and thus, your unborn baby. If you notice something unusual in your discharge, visit your midwife for a consultation as soon as possible.
7. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition where a baby doesn’t grow to normal weight in the womb. Your doctor determines fetal weight via an ultrasound scan during routine antenatal clinic visits. Without a scan, a slow increase of the fundal height may also indicate a fetus not growing.
IUGR occurs when the baby’s weight is below the 10th percentile for the week of pregnancy a woman is along. Monitoring the weight of your unborn baby during pregnancy can help detect and manage IUGR and other issues on time.
Book an Urgent Antenatal Appointment at Malaica
If you notice or feel something unusual about your pregnant body, it’s best to get it checked by a professional for your peace of mind and baby’s wellness. Malaica’s antenatal care service packages include gynecologist visits and 24/7 emergency support access to a nurse-midwife so you’re assured that expert help is only a call away any time of the day or night.
Book an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist to check the status and health of your unborn baby.