How to understand that something has gone wrong: doctors' advice for pregnant women

In conditions of constant tension and stress caused by the war, the number of pathologies in pregnant women is increasing. Doctors advise women to pay more attention to their condition and not to dismiss everything as simple fatigue or "hormones." Read about which symptoms specialists advise paying attention to in the UNN report. 

Monitor the baby's movements 

Specialists at the Kyiv Perinatal Center draw special attention to the need to monitor the baby's movements.

Most women feel the baby's movements for the first time at 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. If it is the first pregnancy, women sometimes do not realize these are the baby's movements until the 20th week. In subsequent pregnancies, movements are often felt as early as the 16th week. Movements feel like a kick, vibration, rustling, or rolling. The peak of the baby's activity occurs during the daytime and evening hours.

As the baby grows, the number and type of movements will change along with the baby's activity schedule. The number of movements generally increases until 32 weeks of pregnancy and then remains approximately the same, although the type of movement may change closer to the due date. Often, if you are busy, you may not notice all the movements. It is important that you continue to feel your baby moving until the very birth. Your baby should also move during labor.

Specialists emphasize that there is no universal formula for the number of movements or their characteristics. A pregnant woman should pay attention to changes in movements and activity. 

If you feel that the number of movements has decreased or changed, you must immediately seek help from specialists.

Monitor your blood pressure and pay attention to swelling  

A sudden increase in blood pressure in a pregnant woman can be a sign of a condition called preeclampsia. Usually, as specialists from the capital's Perinatal Center indicate, it develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. In addition to high blood pressure, it is also accompanied by the appearance of protein in the urine. If you notice an increase in blood pressure, it is already a reason to consult a doctor. 

One in 200 women (0.5%) develops severe preeclampsia during pregnancy. 

Symptoms of severe preeclampsia:

• severe headache that is not relieved by simple painkillers;
• vision problems, such as blurred vision or flashing lights before the eyes;
• severe pain just below the ribs;
• rapidly increasing swelling of the face, hands, or feet;
• heartburn that is not relieved by antacids;
• feeling unwell.

These symptoms are serious and require immediate medical attention. 

Swelling, leg pain, and shortness of breath can also be manifestations of deep vein thrombosis, especially if you sit a lot.  

Signs of preterm labor - symptoms for self-monitoring

Characteristic symptoms signaling the start of preterm labor:

• noticeable, active fetal movement;
• number of contractions — more than 4 per hour;
• cramp-like pulling pain in the lower abdomen;
• a feeling of pressure on the pelvic organs, frequent urge to use the toilet;
• leakage of amniotic fluid in small portions (leaking).

If you notice any unusual symptoms or changes in your condition, contact an obstetrician-gynecologist immediately. 

Doctors emphasize the importance of self-monitoring for pregnant women and immediate consultation with specialists if unusual symptoms or changes in fetal activity appear. Medics explain that sometimes a symptom that seems insignificant to a woman can provide a lot of information about her condition. 

"During pregnancy, cortisol levels in the blood rise, changes occur in the cardiovascular system, and the need for oxygen increases. The body becomes more vulnerable, not only to stress but also, for example, to infections or hypoxia," explains Professor Dmytro Govseiev, Head of the Department of Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology and Postgraduate Education at the Bogomolets National Medical University and Honored Doctor. 

The professor also emphasizes that one should not neglect symptoms such as sleep disturbances, sudden irritability or low mood, tearfulness, or constant anxiety — these may indicate, in particular, that chronic stress is affecting the woman's body.