Reasons To Call Your Doctor

How do you know whether that sudden ache is normal or warrants a 2 a.m. call to your doctor or midwife? Here's a rundown of symptoms that should set off your warning bells. But even if you don't see your symptom on this list, it's better to err on the side of caution and make that call than to agonize for hours, wondering whether you've pulled a ligament or gone into preterm labor.

Note that some of these symptoms may be more or less urgent depending on your particular situation or health history and on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Ask your practitioner to review with you which signs warrant an urgent call at various points in your pregnancy.

1. Vaginal bleeding or spotting.
2. Decrease or significant increase in fetal movements
3. An increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge   
4. Abdominal pain or pelvic pressure
5. Painful or burning urination, or little or no urination.
6. Severe or persistent vomiting
7. Sudden swelling or weight increase
8. Chills or fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
9. Headache
10. Visual disturbances
11. A persistent or severe leg cramp or calf pain 
12. Fainting, frequent dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations
13. Difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, or chest pain.
14. Persistent intense itching of your skin
15. Any health problem that you'd ordinarily call your doctor about 
16. Check out the signs of labor so you'll know what to look for and when to call your doctor.