Which pregnancy warning signs mean you should go to hospital now?

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Most changes in pregnancy are normal, but a few are not

Pregnancy is usually a healthy, happy journey, and most of the aches and changes you feel along the way are completely normal. But there are a handful of warning signs that mean you should be seen at a hospital without delay. Knowing them keeps you calm, because you know exactly what to watch for, and it means you never have to guess.

A familiar picture

Imagine a mother in the last months of her pregnancy (a composite example, not a real patient) who notices that her baby has been much quieter than usual all day. She wonders whether she is only imagining it, and whether she would be making a fuss by going in. This is exactly the kind of moment when it is right to go to hospital, not to worry alone at home.

What are the six warning signs?

1. Any bleeding from the vagina, at any stage of pregnancy. Even light bleeding deserves a check. In early pregnancy, bleeding together with pain, dizziness or fainting can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which needs urgent care.
2. Severe or constant pain in your abdomen that does not ease when you rest.
3. A severe headache that will not go away, especially with blurring of vision, flashing lights, or sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet. These can be signs of high blood pressure in pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia, which can be treated well when it is caught early.
4. A noticeable drop in your baby's movements. Every baby has its own pattern, and no one knows yours better than you. If the movements feel much less than usual, lie down on your side and focus on them. If they still feel less than usual, or you are unsure at all, go in straight away rather than waiting until the next day.
5. A sudden gush, or a slow, steady leak, of watery fluid from the vagina. This may mean your waters have broken.
6. A high fever or chills, burning when you pass urine, or vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down.

Trust your instinct

Trust the deep instinct that says something is not right. If you feel that way, that alone is a good enough reason to be seen. You will never be a bother to us. We would far rather examine you and send you home reassured than have you wait anxiously through the night.

What should you do if you notice a warning sign?

• Go to the nearest hospital straight away, ideally one that looks after pregnancy and deliveries, or call an ambulance on 108.
• Do not wait for an appointment, and do not wait for a reply to a message. WhatsApp is for questions, not emergencies.
• Do not travel alone if you can avoid it. Ask your husband or a family member to take you, especially if you are bleeding or in pain.
• Take your pregnancy file, your reports and any medicines you are taking.

If you are under care at Pai Hospital in Vasco and it is the nearest hospital to you, come straight in: emergencies and deliveries are handled here 24 hours a day.

What happens when you come in?

When you arrive, the team will check your blood pressure, listen to your baby's heartbeat, and do any simple tests that are needed. Many times everything is perfectly fine, and you go home relieved. Sometimes something is found that can be acted on early, and that early action is exactly what protects you and your baby.

Be ready in the last few weeks

• Keep the hospital's phone number saved in your phone.
• Keep a small bag ready, with your pregnancy file and reports.
• Share these warning signs with your husband and family, so that someone can bring you in quickly if needed.
• Plan how you would reach hospital at any hour, and who would take you.

Pai Hospital offers free patient transport from across Goa and nearby areas for planned visits. In an emergency, do not wait for a car to be arranged: go to the nearest hospital or call 108.

Remember the six signs

Bleeding, severe pain, a bad headache with changes in your vision, reduced movements, leaking fluid, or fever: these are your cues to go to hospital straight away. Everything else can usually be discussed at your regular check-up. Take care of yourself, rest well, and reach out whenever you are unsure. Our guide to your first antenatal visit explains how regular check-ups begin, and if your pregnancy needs closer monitoring, see high-risk pregnancy.

Where care happens

This guide is by Dr Mayur Pai, MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), a fertility and laparoscopy specialist. Pai Hospital in Vasco, Goa, looks after women through pregnancy and delivery, and handles emergencies and deliveries 24 hours a day.

Questions and appointments

For non-urgent questions about your pregnancy, message us on WhatsApp at +91 77989 73345. Routine check-ups are by appointment; to book one, call +91 77989 73345, or +91 95459 20817, or +91 75582 52088. An emergency never needs an appointment. This article is for education only and is not personal medical advice; please consult your doctor about your own situation. More answers about pregnancy and delivery.

Your questions

Or call +91 75582 52088 · 0832 251 3641

This page is for general education and is not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your own examination and reports, so please speak to a doctor about your situation. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind.