Urgent Maternal Warning Signs


Look for urgent maternal warning signs during pregnancy and for a year after.

If you or someone you care for has any of these symptoms during or after pregnancy, contact your health care provider and get help right away.

If you can’t reach your provider, go to an emergency room, or call 9-1-1. This list is not meant to cover every symptom you might have.

You know your body best. If something doesn’t feel right, or you aren’t sure if it is serious, talk to your health care provider.

Be sure to tell them if you are pregnant or were pregnant within the last year.

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs:

  • Headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby
  • Changes in your vision
  • Fever
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain or fast-beating heart
  • Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away
  • Severe nausea and throwing up (not like morning sickness)
  • Baby’s movements stopping or slowing during pregnancy
  • Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
  • Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking after pregnancy
  • Swelling, redness, or pain of your leg
  • Extreme swelling of your hands or face
  • Overwhelming tiredness

Download the Urgent Maternal Warning Signs (PDF).

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs (PDF)(HQ 93.4 MB)

 

 

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR USING THIS LIST:

This list is not meant to cover everything you might be experiencing.

  • If something doesn’t feel right, tell your health care provider and get the help you need.
  • Always remember to say that you’re pregnant or have been pregnant within the last year when getting help.
  • Symptoms are listed from head to toe. 

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

This list is not meant to cover every symptom you might have. You know your body best. If something doesn’t feel right, or you aren’t sure if it is serious, get help.

Tell your health care provider and get the help you need. If you can’t reach your provider, go to an emergency room, or call 9-1-1.

Be sure to tell them if you are pregnant now or were pregnant in the past year. 
 

This information was developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Council on Patient Safety in Women’s Health Care. It is distributed by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). 


HEAR, Hear Her Concerns, and Escúchela are trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Use of these marks by the Texas Department of State Health Services does not imply endorsement by HHS/CDC.