Pregnancy Warning Signs

Knowing the warning signs during pregnancy can save your life and your baby's life. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

🚨 Call for Help Immediately If You Experience:

  • ⚠️ Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking a pad in less than an hour)
  • ⚠️ Severe headache that won't go away, with blurred vision or seeing spots
  • ⚠️ Sudden severe swelling of face, hands, or feet
  • ⚠️ Baby has stopped moving or movements have significantly decreased
  • ⚠️ Water breaking (gush or trickle of fluid before 37 weeks)
  • ⚠️ Seizures or convulsions (fits)
  • ⚠️ Severe abdominal pain that doesn't go away
  • ⚠️ High fever (above 38°C / 100.4°F)

🏥 Nigerian Emergency Numbers

General Emergency

112 or 199

LASAMBUS (Lagos Ambulance)

767 or 112

NEMA (National Emergency)

0800-CALL-NEMA

Your Hospital

Save your hospital's number in your phone

1st Trimester Warning Signs (Weeks 1–13)

Severe vomiting

If you cannot keep any food or water down for more than 24 hours, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum and need medical treatment to prevent dehydration.

Vaginal bleeding with pain

While light spotting can be normal in early pregnancy, heavy bleeding with cramping or sharp pain could indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

Severe one-sided pain

Sharp pain on one side of your lower abdomen could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency.

Painful urination or fever

Urinary tract infections are common in pregnancy and need prompt treatment to prevent complications.

2nd Trimester Warning Signs (Weeks 14–27)

Vaginal bleeding

Any bleeding in the second trimester should be evaluated by your doctor. It could indicate placenta problems.

Leaking fluid

A gush or constant trickle of fluid could mean your waters have broken prematurely (PPROM). Go to hospital immediately.

Severe headache with vision changes

This could be a sign of pre-eclampsia, especially if accompanied by swelling and high blood pressure.

Regular contractions before 37 weeks

More than 4 contractions per hour before 37 weeks could indicate preterm labour.

3rd Trimester Warning Signs (Weeks 28–42)

Reduced baby movement

If your baby is moving less than usual or has stopped moving, go to hospital immediately. Do not wait until the next day.

Sudden severe swelling

Sudden swelling of hands, face, or feet (not just ankles) can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, especially with headache or visual disturbances.

Vaginal bleeding

Bleeding in the third trimester could indicate placenta praevia or placental abruption — both require immediate medical attention.

Severe itching (especially palms and soles)

Intense itching, particularly on palms and soles of feet, could indicate obstetric cholestasis — a liver condition that needs medical evaluation.

Signs of pre-eclampsia

Severe headache, vision changes (blurring, flashing lights), upper abdominal pain (under the ribs), sudden swelling. Pre-eclampsia can be life-threatening if untreated.

What To Do in an Emergency

  1. Stay calm. Panicking will not help you or your baby.
  2. Call your hospital or doctor immediately. Describe your symptoms clearly.
  3. If you cannot reach your doctor, go to the nearest hospital. Do not wait.
  4. Bring your ANC record book so the medical team can review your pregnancy history.
  5. Have someone drive you or call an ambulance. Do not drive yourself if you feel unwell.
  6. Tell the medical team everything — your symptoms, when they started, and your gestational age.

Be Prepared

  • 📱 Save your hospital's emergency number in your phone
  • 📱 Save your doctor/midwife's phone number
  • 🏥 Know the fastest route to your hospital (and a backup route for traffic)
  • 📋 Keep your ANC record book accessible at all times
  • 🧳 Pack your hospital bag by week 36
  • 💰 Have emergency money or transport fare set aside
  • 👥 Have a plan for who will accompany you and who will care for other children

Medical Disclaimer

This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy or health condition.