Womb Warning: 4 Signs You Need to See Your OB/GYN Immediately

<strong>Womb Warning: 4 Signs You Need to See Your OB/GYN Immediately</strong>

When you're an expecting mother, you hope your pregnancy will go smoothly with no complications. Though the majority of pregnant women have no complications while carrying their babies, there are some situations in which you should seek medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.

<b>Bleeding</b>

You should always seek medical attention if you bleed during pregnancy. Bleeding can mean different things depending on when in the pregnancy it occurs. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 20-30% of all women experience some bleeding during early pregnancy. However, bleeding can also be a sign of a miscarriage if it occurs during the first trimester. Approximately half of pregnant women who bleed do not have a miscarriage, but it is important to get checked out right away if you are bleeding.

According to WebMD, bleeding during the first trimester coupled with menstrual-like craps and severe abdominal pain or feeling like you might faint can indicate an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening.

Bleeding coupled with abdominal pain in the third trimester could indicate a placental abruption. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterine lining. Bleeding in the third trimester may also indicate placenta previa, which occurs when the placenta partially or fully covers the cervix. There is typically no pain associated with placenta previa, but it is a very serious situation. It occurs in one out of every 200 pregnancies, according to the American Pregnancy Association.

<b>Contractions Early in Your Third Trimester</b>

If you experience contractions early in your third trimester, they could be an indication of preterm labor. Real contractions can easily be confused with false labor or Braxton-Hicks contractions. Braxton-Hicks contractions are unpredictable, do not increase in intensity, and are non-rhythmic. According to WebMD, these contractions typically subside with hydration or within an hour. True labor contractions occur approximately 10 minutes or less apart and increase in intensity. Seek immediate medical treatment if you have contractions early in your third trimester. If it's too soon for you to deliver your baby, your doctor may be able to stop your labor.

<b>Severe Nausea and Vomiting</b>

It's common to experience morning sickness during pregnancy. However, if your nausea and vomiting are so severe that you cannot keep anything down, it's important to seek medical attention. Severe nausea and vomiting can lead to malnourishment and dehydration, which can cause harm to your baby.

<b>Persistent Severe Headache, Swelling, Abdominal Pain, and Vision Changes</b>

These symptoms may indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition marked by excess protein in your urine and high blood pressure. Other symptoms of preeclampsia include shortness of breath, which is caused by fluid in the lungs, decreased urine output, and nausea and vomiting, according to Mayo Clinic. Preeclampsia typically occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, according to WebMD. It can be a life-threatening or even a fatal condition.

Your body will go through numerous changes while you're pregnant. While most of these changes are normal, there are some situations in which what you experience could indicate a serious problem. If you experience any of the symptoms listed in this article, seek medical attention right away. If you can’t get to a doctor easily, ask if they can do a house call. Most doctors have access to a Keebomed portable ultrasound and other tools they can bring to you to provide care.