Get Help - some warning signs you cannot ignore

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:

• Trichomoniasis
• Moniliasis
• 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