Pregnancy Movements: When to Seek Help

•  During pregnancy, women often experience a mix of emotions, from excitement to anxiety due to unexpected symptoms. It’s crucial to stay informed and address concerns with healthcare providers. Here’s a rundown of common pregnancy symptoms and their potential causes:

Pain:

Expect discomfort around the pelvis as ligaments stretch and the baby grows. While this is common, any sudden, severe, or persistent pain should be assessed by a medical professional. Round ligament pain, marked by occasional spasms, usually subsides with movement but should be evaluated if it persists.

Warning Signs:

Sudden abdominal pain or symptoms like severe headaches, blurry vision, or upper-right abdominal pain post-20 weeks require immediate attention from a midwife or obstetrician.

Dizziness:

Feeling lightheaded is typical due to the increased weight of the baby. Dehydration or low blood sugar might be the cause. However, consistent dizziness or fainting warrants a doctor’s check-up, as it could signal other conditions like anaemia.

Discharge:

Heightened vaginal discharge is expected during pregnancy due to increased blood flow. Thrush or urinary incontinence could also contribute to unusual discharge. If sudden wetness occurs, it could signify a membrane rupture, necessitating assessment in a hospital.

Warning Signs:

Seek medical advice for sudden discharge, bleeding, or a loss of movement.

Contractions:

Braxton Hicks contractions are common in later pregnancy, usually painless and irregular. Distinguishing them from regular contractions involves noting the presence of pain or back cramps. If contractions occur before 37 weeks or exhibit regularity, medical evaluation is necessary.

Bleeding:

Bleeding in pregnancy may stem from various sources, some harmless. However, any bleeding during pregnancy should be evaluated by healthcare providers to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

It’s crucial to promptly consult healthcare providers for any unusual symptoms or concerns encountered during pregnancy.

Common Causes:

Initially, the early flutters might be mistaken for other sensations, like trapped wind. Also, if the placenta is situated at the front of the uterus, it could cushion the baby’s movements, making them less noticeable.

As the pregnancy progresses, the baby’s movements may alter due to space constraints within the womb.

Warning Signs:

“If you haven’t felt your baby move by around 20-22 weeks, it’s advisable to seek guidance,” advises Halliday. Later on, if there’s a noticeable decrease in movements, it’s essential to reach out to your healthcare provider.

Additionally, a sudden surge or decrease in movement could indicate distress for the baby, requiring prompt medical attention.

When in Doubt, Seek Help:

While there might be common explanations for changes in movement patterns, consulting medical professionals is wise when something feels amiss. Midwives and doctors are understanding and ready to offer guidance and reassurance during pregnancy.