Pregnancy Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Pregnancy brings a host of physical and emotional changes. While many symptoms are entirely normal, some could indicate potential complications that require immediate medical attention. As an expectant mother, it’s essential to stay informed about what to look out for and how to act quickly to safeguard your health and that of your baby. Throughout your pregnancy, attending regular antenatal appointments, following your prenatal care plan, and being familiar with the symptoms that should never be ignored is key to maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

The NHS advises that if you experience any concerning symptoms, you should not hesitate to seek medical help. You can contact your midwife, GP, or local antenatal clinic if you need urgent advice. In an emergency, you can call 999 or NHS 111 for guidance. Additionally, keep your pregnancy notes close by, as they will contain important contact numbers for your midwife and the labour ward.

Please think carefully before calling an ambulance in pregnancy or if your baby is term and you are having normal symptoms of early labour. Call your midwife, birth centre or labour ward in the first instance for help and advice. This is especially beneficial as they will have access to your pregancy information, so you won’t have to repeat anything at length over the phone. Ambulances are needed for life-threatening emergencies, and normal labour is not considered an emergency. During your antenatal appointments, it is important you discuss with your midwife the signs of normal labour and plan your transport to your chosen place for the birth. Initially any pregnancy or labour concerns should be raised with your midwife or birth centre, as they can advise you further. This includes worries about fetal movements (whether the pattern is faster, slower, or absent) or feeling ill.

On rare occasions in pregnancy an ambulance may be needed. Examples suggested by the London Ambulance Service include:

• You are on the verge of giving birth with a strong urge to push.
• Fresh, bright red bleeding which is more than an egg cupful (or two changes of pads).
• Severe abdominal pain that continues and persists after a contraction.
• The baby’s cord is noticeable.
• Other medical emergencies, such as breathing difficulties or chest pain in a pregnant woman.
• Any other condition that the midwife requests you to phone 999 about.
• When an ambulance arrives and a decision is made to take you to hospital, it is important that you comply with the crew’s assessment (even if you’d planned on a home birth or birth in a midwife-led unit), so that your transfer can happen as quickly and safely as possible for you and your baby. Any ambulance service representative will need to gain your cooperation to be able to take you to hospital.

In an emergency, you may be transferred to the nearest maternity unit for care instead of your preferred place of booking as this may be the safest option for you and your baby.

1. Severe Abdominal Pain

While mild discomfort or cramps are often a normal part of pregnancy as your body adapts to your growing baby, severe or persistent abdominal pain can signal serious issues. Sudden, sharp pain may be a symptom of placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the uterus, which is a medical emergency. Other causes could include preterm labour or even preeclampsia, a condition that affects blood pressure and can pose a risk to both mother and baby if left untreated.

If you experience intense abdominal pain, contact your midwife or antenatal clinic immediately. If the pain is severe or you cannot reach your healthcare provider, call 999 or go to A&E.

2. Severe Headaches and Vision Changes

Headaches are common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes, but severe, persistent headaches, especially when accompanied by blurred vision, seeing spots, or light sensitivity, can be warning signs of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can also cause high blood pressure, swelling (particularly in the face and hands), and rapid weight gain due to fluid retention.

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to contact your midwife or doctor right away. Preeclampsia can be managed, but if untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including seizures and problems for your baby.

3. Reduced or No Foetal Movement

Feeling your baby move is one of the most reassuring aspects of pregnancy, typically starting around 18-24 weeks. You should feel your baby’s movements regularly as your pregnancy progresses, and getting to know your baby’s unique pattern of movements can help you detect any changes. If you notice a significant reduction in movement or if your baby stops moving altogether, it may be a sign that something is wrong.

If you’re concerned about reduced foetal movement, you should contact your antenatal clinic or maternity unit immediately. The NHS advises that waiting until the next day is not recommended, as urgent monitoring may be needed. An antenatal scan or other tests will help ensure everything is alright.

4. Vaginal Bleeding

Some light spotting in early pregnancy is often harmless, but any bleeding later in pregnancy, especially heavy bleeding, should always be checked by a healthcare professional. Vaginal bleeding can be a sign of several complications, including placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix), placental abruption, or preterm labour. Even if you feel well, it’s essential to get checked as bleeding can indicate serious conditions affecting both mother and baby.

If you experience vaginal bleeding, contact your midwife, maternity unit, or antenatal clinic immediately. In the case of heavy bleeding or associated pain, go to A&E or call 999 for emergency assistance.

5. High Fever or Flu-like Symptoms

A high fever during pregnancy (over 38°C) can be a sign of infection. Pregnant women are more susceptible to infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or influenza due to a slightly weakened immune system. A high fever that doesn’t go away with paracetamol or is accompanied by shivering, sweating, or difficulty breathing, should be taken seriously.

Call your GP or midwife if you have a persistent high fever. If you’re struggling to breathe or have flu-like symptoms, especially during flu season, contact NHS 111 or your maternity unit. Pregnant women in the UK are eligible for a free flu jab, which can help prevent complications from the flu.

6. Swelling, Particularly in the Hands, Feet, or Face

Some swelling is expected during pregnancy, especially in the feet and ankles. However, sudden swelling, especially in the hands, feet, or face, can be a sign of preeclampsia. Swelling due to fluid retention is often accompanied by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which can be dangerous for both mother and baby if not monitored and treated.

If you experience sudden swelling, contact your antenatal clinic or midwife for further evaluation. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can develop quickly, so it’s crucial to have any new or severe symptoms checked as soon as possible.

7. Intense Itching, Especially on the Hands and Feet

Severe itching during pregnancy, particularly on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, could be a sign of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a liver condition that affects bile flow. ICP can increase the risk of complications, including preterm birth and stillbirth, so it’s important to get checked if you notice this symptom.

Your midwife or doctor can perform blood tests to assess liver function and bile acids. If diagnosed, your pregnancy will be monitored closely, and you may need to deliver your baby early to reduce any risks.

8. Sudden Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain

While mild shortness of breath can be a normal part of pregnancy, especially in the later stages when the baby presses on your diaphragm, sudden or severe breathlessness, chest pain, or palpitations should never be ignored. These could be signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism, both of which require urgent medical attention.

If you experience these symptoms, you should seek immediate care by calling 999 or going to A&E.

9. Severe Back Pain

While back pain is common during pregnancy due to the weight of your growing baby, severe or persistent lower back pain could be a sign of preterm labour, especially if it’s accompanied by cramping, pelvic pressure, or changes in vaginal discharge. Back pain that radiates down your legs or is associated with urinary issues could also suggest a kidney infection.

If your back pain is intense or accompanied by any other symptoms, contact your midwife, GP, or antenatal clinic for further evaluation.

10. Leaking Fluid Before 37 Weeks

If you notice a gush or a slow leak of fluid from your vagina before 37 weeks, it could be a sign that your waters have broken prematurely. This is known as preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) and increases the risk of infection and preterm birth. While the fluid may stop leaking, it’s crucial to get checked by your maternity unit or antenatal clinic as soon as possible.

If your waters have broken, you may need to be monitored closely in the hospital, and depending on how far along you are, you may be given medication to delay labour or help your baby’s lungs develop.