There are things that all expecting moms fear—labor and delivery are the last ones on this list. Baby’s health and well-being are the primary concerns for any pregnant mom. Sometimes, though, not all goes as expected. The first trimester carries the highest risk of a miscarriage before the completion of the 20th week. Fetal loss is heartbreaking—a few signs could indicate the fetus is at risk. Here are a few external signs that could be the red signal.
1. No Heartbeat Detected
In the first trimester, around the 9th-10th week, the doctor measures the fetal heartbeat using a device called doppler. The sounds may not be audible or distinguishable may be because of baby’s position or the placement of placenta. However, no heartbeat could mean the fetus is not developing anymore.
2. Below The Normal Drop In HCG Levels
HCG is a pregnancy hormone—its presence in the bloodstream is used to confirm pregnancy as it is only produced by expectant women. The pregnancy tests always show positive results for HCG during pregnancy. Though the levels of hormone undulate, a below the average quantity could mean somethings is not right.
3. Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is a dangerous sign, indicating a miscarriage. Slight bleeding or spotting is not unusual, however, heavy discharge could mean the pregnancy may no longer continue.
4. Fluid Discharge
Vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancy, but, it could also be leakage of amniotic fluid. Urine has a typical odor while vaginal discharge could be whitish or yellowish—the amniotic fluid is transparent and has no odor. If you aren’t too sure, check your fluid discharge using a pad—yellow fluid could be urine, a colorless leakage may be a warning sign. If you aren’t too sure, contact your doctor immediately. Leaking amniotic fluid could be dangerous for the baby.
5. Unendurable Cramps
Cramps before pregnancy terms is a cause of worry. If you are unable to bear them, it could mean untimely contractions, expelling the fetus from the uterus.
6. No Change In Fundal Height
Fundal height is the distance between mother’s pubic bone to the top of the uterus—it approximately measures the height of the uterus in centimeters, indicating the growth of the baby. If the measurements aren’t as expected according to the gestation height, your doctor may recommend further tests to ensure that the baby is doing well.
7. Ultrasound Abnormalities
The ultrasound done in the first trimester can identify birth defects apart from the size and position of the baby. Ultrasound is also used to detect fetal movement—an absence of which could become the cause of concern.
8. The Condition Of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Intrauterine growth restriction (IGR) is a condition in which the baby doesn’t grow and is smaller as compared to normal fetus size at a gestational age. Due to a delayed growth, a lot of complications may arise during pregnancy or after birth. Health problems in the mother like high blood pressure, heart disease, an extreme case of diabetes, anemia, kidney or lung disease. Issues with the placenta could also lead to IGR.
9. Running Temperature
Pregnancy and high fever are a dangerous combination. The baby’s health is at high risk if the mother suffers from fever. It could also be the other way wrong—if the fetal growth is stalled, the mother may develop a fever. Te doctor must be contacted immediately to keep the fever under control and check the causes.
10. Absence Of Fetal Movement In Third Trimester
During the third trimester, your baby must be active—wriggling and kicking in the womb. If the mother feels the movements suddenly stop in the third—it is a bad sign. Not a minute should be wasted to call the doctor for an emergency medical checkup.
Although your body is doing everything to ensure your baby’s safety and well-being, you should be cautious when pregnant. React immediately if you notice these signs—they shouldn’t be overlooked.
