Pregnancy Warning Signs

Overview

Pregnancy warning signs are symptoms that may mean something needs extra medical attention for you or your baby. Knowing what to look out for helps you get support quickly. Most pregnancies are healthy, but it is important to trust your body and speak up if something feels different.

While only a small number of pregnancies have serious complications, warning signs can happen at any stage. Around 8 in 100 pregnancies may have a complication that needs extra monitoring or treatment.

Any pregnant person can experience warning signs. Some people have a higher chance due to things like existing health conditions, age over 35, or carrying twins, but warning signs can appear without any known risk factors.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Leaking fluid from the vagina
• Severe stomach pain or cramping that does not go away
• Persistent severe headache not relieved by rest or paracetamol
• Sudden or excessive swelling of hands, feet, or face
• Changes in vision such as blurring or seeing flashing lights
• Pain or burning when passing urine
• Reduced or changed baby movements after 24 weeks
• High fever (temperature above 38°C)
• Persistent vomiting that keeps you from keeping food or fluids down
• Upper abdominal pain, especially under the ribs
• Intense itching all over, particularly on hands and feet

Symptoms in children

• This article is about pregnancy in adults and does not apply to children.

Symptoms in older adults

• This article focuses on pregnancy, which does not affect older adults beyond reproductive age.

Causes

Main causes

• Early pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (when the pregnancy grows outside the womb)
• High blood pressure conditions, like pre-eclampsia
• Preterm labour (contractions before 37 weeks)
• Placental problems, such as placental abruption or placenta praevia
• Infections of the urinary tract, womb, or other areas
• Blood clots
• Gestational diabetes complications

Risk factors

• A previous pregnancy with complications
• Existing high blood pressure or diabetes
• Being over 35 years old or under 18
• Carrying twins, triplets, or more
• Obesity (body mass index over 30)
• Smoking, alcohol, or drug use during pregnancy
• Certain medical conditions like lupus, kidney disease, or thyroid disorders

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the urgent warning signs listed above, call your midwife, doctor, or maternity triage line without delay – even if you are not sure it is serious.
• For symptoms that could be an emergency, such as heavy bleeding or severe pain, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If your baby is moving less, do not wait until the next day; contact the maternity unit straight away.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild concerns that are not urgent – for example, occasional light twinges or questions about usual pregnancy aches – you can discuss them at your next scheduled antenatal appointment or call your midwife for advice.
• Keep a note of any symptoms so you can describe them clearly.

Diagnosis

To find out what is causing a warning sign, a healthcare professional will ask you about your symptoms, your pregnancy history, and any other health issues. They will then examine you and may arrange some tests. The aim is to quickly understand if there is a problem and how to manage it.

Tests that may be done

• Blood pressure measurement
• Urine test to check for protein or infection
• Blood tests to look for anaemia, infection, or other issues
• Ultrasound scan to check the baby’s growth, position, and the placenta
• Cardiotocography (CTG) to monitor the baby’s heartbeat and your contractions
• Vaginal examination (speculum) to see the cervix, particularly if there is bleeding

What to expect at your appointment

You will be asked to describe your symptoms in detail. The team will check your pulse, temperature, and blood pressure, and listen to the baby’s heart. Depending on the situation, you might have an internal examination or an ultrasound. You can have a support person with you. Everything will be explained, and you can ask questions at any time.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing the warning signs. The plan always focuses on keeping you and your baby as safe as possible. Some situations may need rest and observation, while others may require medicine or hospital admission. Your care will be personalised.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as you can while waiting for advice.
• Drink water and avoid heavy meals if you feel sick.
• Do not take any medications, including over-the-counter painkillers or herbal remedies, without checking with your doctor or midwife first.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects or straining.
• Lie down on your left side to improve blood flow if you feel dizzy.

Medical treatments

Medical care can include medications to lower blood pressure, stop premature labour, or treat infections. Sometimes steroids are given to help the baby’s lungs mature if early delivery is likely. In some cases, the safest option may be to deliver the baby earlier than planned. Your obstetrician will explain all options and involve you in decisions.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery might be needed for emergencies such as an ectopic pregnancy or heavy bleeding from a placenta problem. A caesarean section may be recommended if it is the safest way to deliver your baby quickly. The team will talk through the reasons and what to expect.

Living with this condition

If you have had a warning sign, your pregnancy will often be watched more closely. This may mean more frequent antenatal visits, extra scans, and phone check-ins. It is normal to feel anxious after a scare. Acknowledging those feelings and talking about them can help you cope.

Lifestyle tips

• Go to all your antenatal appointments – they are key for catching problems early.
• Stay away from alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs entirely.
• Prioritise rest and sleep; listen to your body when it needs a break.
• Drink plenty of water and eat small, nutritious meals if nausea is an issue.
• Ask for help with household tasks and childcare from partners, family, or friends.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains supports your health. Gentle activities like walking or prenatal yoga are often safe, but follow your healthcare provider’s specific advice. If you have been told to rest, ask what level of activity is okay – sometimes even gentle movement is beneficial.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Experiencing pregnancy complications can be frightening and emotionally draining. Feelings of worry, sadness, or guilt are common. Please talk to your midwife, doctor, or a perinatal mental health specialist. They can connect you with support such as counselling. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, get help right away by contacting a crisis line or going to your nearest emergency department.

Prevention

Not every complication can be prevented, but regular antenatal care gives you the best chance to spot problems early. Taking a daily folic acid supplement before and during early pregnancy, keeping up with other recommended vitamins, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can lower some risks.

Vaccines

Vaccinations during pregnancy protect you and your baby from infections that can cause serious complications. The flu vaccine and the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine are routinely recommended. Your midwife can tell you which vaccines are safe and when to get them.

Screening programmes

Routine NHS screening includes checks for blood pressure, urine protein (a sign of pre-eclampsia), anaemia, infections, and gestational diabetes. Ultrasound scans check the baby’s anatomy and growth. Attending these appointments means any warning signs can be picked up as early as possible.

Complications

If left untreated

• An untreated ectopic pregnancy can cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
• Unmanaged pre-eclampsia can progress to eclampsia, which involves seizures.
• A serious infection can spread and lead to sepsis.
• A significant drop in fetal movement can mean the baby is not getting enough oxygen.
• Placental abruption can lead to heavy bleeding and endanger both mother and baby.

Long-term outlook

With swift, expert care, most pregnancy complications can be managed and the vast majority of people and their babies go on to be well. The key is to act early if something feels wrong. Your maternity team is trained to handle these situations, and they will support you every step of the way.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Maternal Health ↗
• March of Dimes (USA) – Pregnancy Complications ↗

Local organisations

• NHS – Pregnancy ↗ · UK
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) – Patient Information ↗ · UK
• The Royal Women's Hospital (Australia) – Pregnancy Health Information ↗ · Australia

Helplines

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