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When to Call Your Doctor During Pregnancy

Call your health care provider right away if you have:

  • Unusual or severe cramping or abdominal pain
  • Noticeable changes in your baby's movement after 28 weeks gestation (if you don't count 10 movements in 2 hours or less)
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that seems to be getting worse
  • Signs of premature labor including:
    -- Regular tightening or pain in the lower abdomen or back.
    -- Any bleeding in the second or third trimester.
    -- Fluid leak.
    -- Pressure in the pelvis or vagina.

Also call your health care provider if you have any of the following conditions during pregnancy:

  • A fever over 100° Fahrenheit
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Fainting spells or dizziness
  • Pain, burning, or trouble urinating
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Swelling in your hands, fingers, or face
  • Blurred vision or spots before your eyes
  • Sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples
  • Severe headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain or cramping in your arms, legs, or chest

If you aren't sure if a symptom is serious, but you just don't feel like yourself, trust your instincts and call your provider. If there is a problem you will get prompt attention and if there isn't you will be reassured.

Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Birthing Services and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

Reviewed by Jaswant S. Chaddha, MD on August 01, 2007
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