Along with the joys of pregnancy come some expected discomforts, such as frequent urination, fatigue and back pain. In some cases, symptoms such as abdominal cramping, feeling faint or heavy bleeding may occur and indicate a serious problem. It is vital to recognize these danger signs so you can seek immediate medical treatment, which may save both your life and the life of your unborn child.
Abdominal Pain or Pressure
If you experience pain or pressure in your lower abdomen between six and 16 weeks of pregnancy, it may be a sign that an ectopic pregnancy has occurred, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
During a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to get to the uterus, where it has room to grow and develop. In an ectopic pregnancy, the egg attaches to either the wall of a fallopian tube, the cervix, the abdomen or pelvis. Because these areas cannot adapt to the growing egg, as it becomes larger, the wall bursts, resulting in heavy bleeding and a drop in blood pressure. Other common symptoms include weakness, dizziness and fainting. Immediate medical attention is necessary, as this is a life-threatening situation for the mother.
Cramping Accompanied by Bleeding
These symptoms, especially when experienced in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, typically indicate a miscarriage. Women's Health states that as many as 20 percent of pregnancies end in a miscarriage, some occurring before a woman knows she is pregnant. Other symptoms include vaginal spotting and a passing of fluid or tissue through the vagina. In many cases, a miscarriage cannot be stopped once it has begun. In addition, the mother must undergo a procedure to remove the pregnancy tissue from her uterus.
Sudden Abdominal Pain
When a pregnant woman experiences sudden abdominal pain or cramping that is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, it may be a sign of the placenta detaching from the wall of the uterus, a condition known as abruptio placenta. This is a serious condition that generally requires hospitalization of the mother, allowing her to either receive bed rest, or in severe cases, early delivery of the baby. The detachment of the placenta deprives the baby of oxygen; the treatment chosen depends entirely upon the severity of the detachment.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure accompanied by swelling of the hands, feet, face and eyes usually indicates a condition known as toxemia, or preeclampsia. Additional symptoms include headaches, blurred vision and flashing lights in front of the eyes.
The University of Iowa states that this condition tends to occur between the 20th week of pregnancy and the end of the first week after delivery. If not treated promptly, this condition can result in seizures and coma, especially when cases are severe.
Treatment for mild cases usually consists of bed rest until delivery. For more severe cases, the mother is hospitalized, monitored and given medication to help lower her blood pressure. If the baby is close enough to full-term, the doctor may opt to induce labor.
