If you experience any of the warning signs listed below or have other symptoms you feel aren't normal, call your doctor immediately.

Preterm labor (three weeks or more before your due date)

• Contractions - more than four in an hour
• Menstrual-like cramps - may come and go or be constant
• Abdominal cramps - may occur with or without diarrhea
• Pelvic pressure - feels like the baby is pushing down
• Change in vaginal discharge - a sudden increase in the amount, or it may become more mucous-like, watery or tinged with blood
• Low backache - comes and goes or may be constant

Vaginal bleeding

Bright red vaginal bleeding isn't normal. Call your doctor, and note the following details:

• Amount
• If clots are present

Abdominal pain

• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain, especially if you are also experiencing bleeding, nausea or vomiting

Swelling

• Sudden and severe swelling of hands, face or eyes, especially if accompanied by headache or blurred vision
• Sudden weight gain of more than two pounds accompanied by swelling of hands and face

Decreased Fetal Movement

You may choose to use a fetal activity chart during the last weeks of pregnancy to track movement. Seek medical attention if you notice the following:

• Absence of movement for 24 hours after the sixth month
• Significant lessening of movement

Fever

• A fever of more than 100.4° F can be dangerous. Call your doctor immediately

Headache

• Severe headache
• Seeing spots or flashing lights
• Other neurological symptoms, including:
  • Numbness
  • Loss of vision
  • Weakness
  • Speech difficulty
  • Fainting or dizziness

Urinary discomfort

• Frequent urination with small amounts of urine
• Painful urination, especially when accompanied by fever, chills and backache
• Blood-tinged urine
• A sudden increase in thirst, accompanied with no desire to empty your bladder