Warning signs during pregnancy
The danger signs in pregnancy that mean you should be seen straight away, and what to do.
- Any bleeding, leaking fluid or severe pain needs same-day assessment
- Reduced movements must never wait until the next day
- Severe headache with visual changes or facial swelling can signal pre-eclampsia
- Fits, heavy bleeding or chest pain are emergencies
Most pregnancies are healthy, but some symptoms need to be assessed the same day, whatever your next appointment date. Trust yourself — being checked and reassured is never a waste of anyone's time.
Go to your clinic or hospital straight away if you have vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking from the vagina, severe or constant abdominal pain, a severe headache with blurred vision or flashing lights, swelling of the face or hands, fits or convulsions, fever above 38 °C, severe vomiting, severe breathlessness or chest pain, severe weakness or fainting, burning on passing urine with back pain, or if your baby's movements are fewer or weaker than usual.
Reduced movements should never wait until morning or until your next visit. Go the same day.
Fits, heavy bleeding, chest pain, severe breathlessness or loss of consciousness are emergencies: call an ambulance on 10177 or go to the nearest emergency unit immediately.
Take your record and ID if you can, but do not delay for them.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Fluid leaking from the vagina
- Severe or constant abdominal pain
- Severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights
- Swelling of the face or hands
- Fits or convulsions
- Fever above 38 °C
- Reduced or absent baby movements
- Severe breathlessness or chest pain
- Fainting or severe weakness
- Persistent vomiting
Do not wait for your next appointment. Go to your nearest clinic or hospital the same day. For fits, heavy bleeding, chest pain or loss of consciousness call 10177 or go to the nearest emergency unit immediately.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.