These are tough times we are living in. And it can feel tougher with a baby on the way.
During pregnancy, not only is your body changing a lot but every little change can make you feel worried that something is going wrong.
Read on to understand when you should consult your doctor amidst the COVID-19 conditions.
Most common symptoms in the first few weeks of pregnancy
Vomiting
Morning sickness is the most common symptom in the first few weeks of pregnancy and it is normal. But if you are throwing up so much that you can't keep liquids down or you feel that there is a decrease in your urine output, then you need to consult your doctor right away as it can lead to severe dehydration which is neither good for you nor your baby.
Constipation
It is a common symptom due to slowing of bowel movement caused by hormonal changes or due to iron in prenatal vitamin supplements. There is no need to worry immediately as most women improve with a high fibre diet, increasing fluid intake and exercising.
Vaginal bleeding
Approximately 25% of women experience some spotting /bleeding in the first few weeks of pregnancy. If you experience bleeding with abdominal cramps, kindly contact your doctor immediately. The doctor will examine to see for any signs of miscarriage / local vaginal infection or local lesions causing the bleeding.
Painful urination
Frequent urination is a common complaint in pregnancy, but if there is pain or burning upon emptying your bladder it indicates a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infection, if left untreated for long, can lead to complications such as preterm labour and infection spreading to kidneys. It's not an emergency but make sure you schedule your visit soon.
Painful and swollen legs
The growing uterus can impede blood circulation, causing blood to pool in your feet and legs which generally decreases in a few hours with limb elevation, adequate hydration and staying active. If one-sided pain is associated with swelling, kindly contact your doctor as pregnant women are at greater risk for forming blood clots in the deep veins of the legs due to hormonal changes and pressure from the uterus on the veins and in the pelvis.
Some of the biggest concerns in the last few weeks of pregnancy
Decreased fetal movements
We recommend checking the growth of your baby by looking for ten movements in 12 hours or three movements each within one hour after every meal. If you don’t feel any movements, drink a glass of fruit juice and lie down to your left side in a quiet room for one hour and if you still don’t feel any movements, kindly contact your doctor immediately.
Watery discharge
If you experience a sudden gush of fluid from your vagina, contact your doctor immediately and head to the hospital. The doctor will assess and tell you if your water has broken or if it is just some urine due to compression of the bladder by the fetal head or vaginal infection.
Severe headache
It can indicate high blood pressure which can reduce blood flow to the baby and cause health problems for the mother. It is advised to check your blood pressure at home twice a week and to report to your doctor if the readings are higher than 140/90mmhg. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these associated symptoms like vomiting, upper abdominal pain, blurred vision, excessive swelling of feet and face or a rapid weight gain.
If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. At Zoi Hospitals, we are restricting the number of attendants/visitors and deferring the non-essential OPD visits. Pregnant women are seen on a different floor/wing and not mixed with other patients. We are taking adequate precautions with PPE and maintaining social distance at the hospital. Scans and tests are done with sanitisation measures taken between each patient and by use of PPE by the staff and doctor. We have also started online audio/video consultations and you can do your part by being aware and being in communication with your doctor.
In these difficult times, it is best to take utmost care and precautions and stay at home as much as possible. However, in case of an emergency, please don’t panic, stay calm and call for help immediately. Wishing you a safe pregnancy.
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