Urgent warning signs during and after pregnancy

Most pregnancies and postpartum recoveries go well. But serious complications can happen any time during pregnancy, around the time of birth, and up to a year after pregnancy ends. Some warning signs can be easy to brush off as a normal part of pregnancy or postpartum recovery, especially when you're already tired, uncomfortable, or adjusting to so many changes.

If something feels different, concerning, or simply not right, pay attention to that feeling. You deserve to be heard, taken seriously, and get the care you need.

Know the warning signs

The CDC's Hear Her campaign identifies the following urgent maternal warning signs during pregnancy and in the year after pregnancy. These symptoms can sometimes be signs of a serious or life-threatening complication.

A headache that won't go away or gets worse over time
Dizziness or fainting
Changes in your vision, including blurry or double vision, flashes, or temporary loss of vision
A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Extreme swelling of your hands or face
Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
Trouble breathing
Chest pain or a fast-beating or irregular heart
Severe nausea or vomiting, especially when you cannot keep fluids down
Severe belly or abdominal pain that doesn't go away
Overwhelming tiredness or weakness that is unusual for you and makes it difficult to function
Your baby's movement slowing or stopping during pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
Heavy vaginal bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge after pregnancy
Severe swelling, redness, or pain in a leg or arm, particularly on one side

The warning signs aren't limited to this list. If something feels wrong or you are worried about a symptom, contact your healthcare provider.

A note about postpartum symptoms

It can be especially difficult to recognize a warning sign after birth. You may be exhausted, sore, bleeding, swollen, or adjusting to major changes in your body. You may also be focused on taking care of your baby.

But "postpartum" does not mean you have to accept feeling seriously unwell.

Some pregnancy-related complications can happen weeks or months after birth, and you may not immediately connect a new symptom to your pregnancy. That is one reason it is important to tell a healthcare professional that you gave birth within the last year.

What if someone tells you that you're fine?

This is the part we don't talk about enough.

You can recognize a warning sign and still have trouble getting someone else to take it seriously.

Maybe you've already called your provider and been told to rest. Maybe you went to the emergency department and were reassured. Maybe someone tells you that the symptom is "normal during pregnancy" or "just part of postpartum recovery."

Sometimes that reassurance is appropriate. But being told that nothing is wrong does not mean you have to ignore a symptom that is continuing, changing, or worrying you. Remember, healthcare professionals cannot know what is happening without evaluating you.

You are allowed to ask questions.

You are allowed to say that something feels different from your usual.

And you are allowed to ask what you should watch for next.

Try being specific

Instead of feeling like you have to convince someone that something is seriously wrong, describe what you are experiencing as clearly as you can:

"I am 32 weeks pregnant, and I've had a severe headache for six hours that hasn't improved with medication."

Or:

"I gave birth three weeks ago. I have shortness of breath that started today and is getting worse."

Or:

"I know some swelling can be normal during pregnancy, but this swelling is new and much worse than what I've experienced before."

Specific information gives your healthcare team something concrete to evaluate.

Questions you can ask when you're concerned

You don't have to diagnose yourself. Your job is to describe what you're experiencing and ask for help evaluating it.

You can ask:

"Could this symptom be related to my pregnancy or recent pregnancy?"
"What are the possible causes of this symptom?"
"Is there anything serious that we should rule out?"
"Are there tests or an exam that would help determine what's causing this?"
"What symptoms should make me come back or seek emergency care?"
"If this gets worse tonight, who should I call?"

The CDC specifically recommends asking what symptoms could mean, whether testing is needed to rule out a serious problem, and when to go to an emergency department or call 911.

If you don't feel heard

If you have an urgent warning sign, don't let embarrassment, uncertainty, or fear of being dismissed keep you from getting care.

You can:

Ask to speak with another clinician.
Ask the clinician to explain why they don't think the symptom is concerning.
Ask what else could cause the symptom.
Ask what changes should prompt you to return.
Bring a partner, friend, family member, doula, or other support person when possible.
Write down your symptoms, when they started, and whether they are getting better or worse.
Seek care from another qualified healthcare professional or facility if you remain concerned.

The CDC also recommends taking notes, asking follow-up questions, and bringing someone who can help you communicate your concerns.

You do not need to prove that something is wrong before asking for it to be evaluated.

What to tell the healthcare team

Always tell the healthcare professional:

"I am pregnant."

"I was pregnant within the last year."

Then describe:

What you're feeling
When it started
How severe it is
Whether it is getting better, worse, or staying the same
Anything else happening at the same time
Any medications or treatments you've already tried

If you have a specific concern, you can say:

"I'm concerned about this symptom and want to make sure we aren't missing something serious. Can you help me understand what could be causing it?"

You don't have to use the correct medical term. You don't have to arrive with a diagnosis. Your job is to tell your story as clearly as you can.

For partners, family, friends, and support people

Sometimes the person who is pregnant or recently gave birth is too tired, overwhelmed, sick, scared, or unsure to advocate for themselves.

You may notice a change before they do.

Listen when they say something feels wrong. Don't assume that a symptom is "just pregnancy" or "just postpartum." Help them contact their healthcare team and, when needed, help them get immediate medical care.

You can say:

"You don't seem like yourself. Do you want me to stay with you while you call?"

Or:

"You said you're worried about this. Let's make sure someone hears you."

If they are experiencing an urgent warning sign, help them seek medical care right away.

One more thing: you are allowed to speak up

Pregnancy and postpartum care involves a lot of uncertainty. Healthcare professionals see symptoms through a clinical lens, while you experience them in your body every day.

Sometimes the answer will be reassuring.

Sometimes the symptom will turn out to be something minor.

And sometimes it will be a sign that needs treatment.

You don't have to know which one it is before you ask for help.

If something feels wrong, say so. Ask questions. Ask for an explanation. Ask what to watch for. And if you are experiencing an urgent warning sign, get medical care right away.

Your concern is worth hearing.

If it feels like an emergency, call 911.

Sources: CDC Hear Her — Urgent Maternal Warning Signs; CDC Hear Her — Pregnant and Postpartum Women; CDC Hear Her — Providing Support for Pregnant or Postpartum Women.