At South Lake, our hope is that you have a relaxed and uneventful pregnancy, and that you can fill your spare hours with the fun stuff – like registering at BabiesRUs, picking out paint colors at Home Depot, huddling with your hubby over baby names, or even shopping at the Clermont BJ’s for pampers and wipes.
However, while we know that many women progress through pregnancy uneventfully, some do experience problems that could affect their health, the baby’s health or both.
In these cases, it is best to contact us sooner rather than later, so we can deliver the care you need.
But how do you know when to call us? Here are fourteen warning signs that merit a prompt discussion with a member of our practice:
- Vaginal bleeding or a marked change in vaginal discharge (amount /odor/color).
- Unrelieved abdominal or intestinal cramping, pain, or tenderness (with or without diarrhea or constipation).
- Vaginal / pelvic tenderness.
- Lower backache.
- Pain or burning during urination, or a decrease in the amount of urine flow.
- Unrelieved vomiting.
- Unrelieved diarrhea or constipation.
- Chills or fever.
- Soreness or redness in one or both legs.
- Marked swelling or puffiness of the feet, hands or face (edema), or sudden weight gain.
- Severe or constant headache.
- Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, spots before the eyes or flashes of light.
- Dizziness or mental confusion.
- Something just doesn’t feel right.
I cannot emphasize this last point too much. You may notice other symptoms not included in this list; when in doubt, call our doctors and nurses. We are here to listen, and to guide and assist you throughout the course of your pregnancy.
Remember that you are the most important gauge of your body and, in turn, your pregnancy. Don’t compare your experience with those of friends or relatives. Even if you’ve been pregnant before, this pregnancy will probably be different.
Trust your instincts, but don’t attempt to diagnose yourself. If something “just doesn’t feel right,” call our doctors and nurses right away. We’re always here for you.