When to Call
Concerning Symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms , contact your health care provider .
• Persistent vomiting .
• Fever of 100.4 ° F / 38 ° C or higher or flu-like symptoms .
• Vaginal bleeding or clots , pain , itching or foul-smelling discharge .
• Burning sensation or pain while urinating or difficulty urinating .
• Leaking fluid from the vagina . ( Increased vaginal secretions are normal , especially at the end of pregnancy .)
• More than four contractions in an hour ( before 37 weeks ).
• Severe headache .
• Blurry vision or seeing spots .
• Persistent dizziness .
• Sudden , severe swelling of face and hands .
• Severe pain in the upper abdomen or any pain that is not like a contraction .
• Pain , swelling or redness in the leg ( s ).
• Severe depression or anxiety .
• Decreased fetal movement .
Preview
Monitoring Baby
Baby ’ s heart rate and movements are used to monitor their well-being during pregnancy . Your health care provider will check baby ’ s heart rate at each appointment . More frequent appointments may be needed if you are at higher risk . In addition , a non-stress test ( NST ) may be done later in your pregnancy . NST uses fetal monitors to measure changes in baby ’ s heart rate when they move .
Counting movement ( sometimes called kick counts ) allows you to monitor your baby ’ s well-being at home during the third trimester . Once a day , lay down and pay attention to baby ’ s movements . Record how long it takes to feel ten kicks , jabs , rolls or flutters . ( Hiccups do not count .) The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG ) guidelines suggest that if you do not feel at least ten movements within two hours , you should contact your health care provider . Usually , you will feel ten movements much more quickly . You should also call if you notice significant changes in baby ’ s usual movements over several days .
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