Severe breathlessness:
diabetes, heart or blood disorders as well as hydroaminios
which is caused by too much amniotic fluid in the
sac can make it difficult for you to catch your breath
Vaginal bleeding:
20% of all pregnant women spot or bleed in the first
months and is usually insignificant. However in some
cases it should not be ignored if the blood loss is
significant as it can be a sign of miscarriage or
problems with the placenta; 50% of such situations
end up in a miscarriage.
Blurry vision:
High blood pressure or a sign of fluid retention
Severe abdominal pains:
Some soreness due to rapid growth of fetus and intermittent
contractions are considered normal. Persistent pain
however warrants attention. Miscarriage, premature
labor or problems with the placenta are possible
Fluid discharge from
the vagina:
sometimes it is a little urine leaking due to pressure
- quite normal. Vaginal discharge does increase -
thick and sticky in texture is considered normal.
A clear fluid discharge in the first and second trimester
can mean secretion from the cervix or something more
serious as leaking amniotic fluid. Such a leak could
be indicative of ruptured sac and labor could begin
prematurely.
Severe swelling of
the face and fingers:
High blood pressure
Persistent vomiting:
This is dangerous; some nausea and vomiting occur
in 50% of pregnancies and usually no cause for alarm.
Persistent vomiting on the other hand needs your doctor's
attention
Unusual thirst:
Diabetes
Continuous and severe
headache:
This could be due to something as simple as rhinitis
(sinus that often occurs in pregnancy) to allergy
to something dangerous as dangerous as toxemia. Don't
ignore this symptom.
Fever or chills:
You may have an infection; a high temperature may
result from a cold but it can also mean an infection
in the reproductive or the urinary tract.
More on Vaginal Infection…
When it is normal
A thin, sticky, white discharge similar to the kind
you use to have just before your periods is known
as leucorrhea and is considered normal during pregnancy.
The abundant quantity is the main difference. Sometimes
it gets too much to the point you need a sanitary
pad. Though it makes you uncomfortable you need not
lose sleep over this.
When it is not..
However if there is pain, itching, bad odor, redness,
swelling and a change in consistency and color, alert
your doctor. Now that you are pregnant, your chances
of developing vaginitis is ten-fold higher even if
you didn't have it in your pre-pregnancy days; rest
assured simple vaginitis brings no harm to baby but
you need to treat it. There are three types of vaginitis:
1. Trichomoniasis
2. Moniliasis
3. Bacterial vaginosis
Now the facts..
• Moniliasis or yeast infection is the most
common in expectant mothers.
• You may also have Candida Albicans, a fungus
in your vagina; also known as thrush, this infection
will cause the discharge to be yellowish, cheesy in
texture, leave a burning and itching sensation and
a foul smell.
• An imbalance of friendly and unfriendly bacteria
along with oestrogen levels in the vagina can increase
your chances of contracting thrush.
• If left untreated there is concern that vaginal
infections can spread to your baby.
Ignoring won't make
it go away..
• Talk to your doctor and get tested; a sample
of your secretion will be taken
• Wipe from front to back after going to the
toilet to prevent thrush from transferring from the
bowel to the vagina
• Avoid sugary foods if it is a case of thrush
as thrush is linked to a high yeast diet
• Eat yoghurt to restore the right bacterial
balance in your vagina
• Stay as clean and dry as possible
• Wear cotton undies and avoid tight fitting
pants
• Deodorant soaps, perfumes and bubble baths
will be on your no-no list
• Douching may be dangerous too so that is definitely
out
