Symptoms To Call Your Doctor About During Pregnancy

Fever – A body temperature of 38°C or higher.

Vaginal bleeding – Bleeding that is more than a single episode of light spotting.

Fluid leakage – Any leaking or sudden gush of liquid from the vagina, which may indicate rupture of the amniotic sac ("waters breaking").

Abdominal pain – Persistent or worsening abdominal pain that doesn’t ease significantly with movement changes.

Sudden swelling or rapid weight gain – Severe or sudden swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or face, or rapid weight gain of more than 2 kg in one week.

Urinary symptoms – Pain, burning, urgency, difficulty when urinating, or inability to pass urine.

Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea – Ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea, or inability to keep any food or fluids down for more than 24 hours.

Headaches – Sudden, severe, or persistent headaches that are not relieved by rest or acetaminophen (paracetamol).

Visual changes – Blurred vision or any other visual disturbances.

Upper abdominal pain – Sudden or ongoing pain in the upper abdomen or epigastric (upper central) region.

Fainting – Any episode of fainting or loss of consciousness.

Leg or calf pain – Persistent or severe leg cramps or calf pain that does not improve with walking or stretching, or noticeable swelling in one leg (significantly more swollen than the other leg).

Breathing or chest symptoms – Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing up blood.

Severe itching – Persistent or intense itching of the torso, arms, legs, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or a generalised feeling of itchiness over the body.

Exposure to infectious diseases – known contact with communicable illnesses such as chickenpox or rubella (if you are not immune), or if you develop symptoms of infection yourself (including Shingles). Please call the clinic first and do not attend in person without prior advice.

Changes in fetal movements – A noticeable decrease or sudden change in your baby’s usual pattern of movement.

Trauma or accidents – If you have experienced a significant fall, motor vehicle accident, or any injury involving your abdomen, contact your physician immediately and be prepared to attend hospital for assessment.

Mental health concerns – Depression or severe anxiety, including persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, panic attacks, difficulty coping with daily activities, obsessive or repetitive thoughts or behaviours or thoughts of self-harm. Seek urgent medical or mental health support if these occur.