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Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

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For pregnant and postpartum women, and their families and loved ones, recognizing the signs that something may be wrong may save lives. There are 15 Urgent Maternal Warning Signs – signs which signal the need to talk to a doctor, right away, to help make sure that you and your baby remain safe.
  • Overwhelming tiredness.
  • Persistent, severe or worsening headache.
  • Dizziness, fainting or vision changes.
  • Fever over 100.4°F.
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Chest pain.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Fast heart rate, feeling like your heart rate is irregular or racing.
  • Severe nausea – different than ‘morning sickness’.
  • Belly pain that is severe or won’t go away.
  • Baby’s movement slowing or stopping during pregnancy.
  • Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid during pregnancy, or heavy vaginal bleeding after pregnancy.
  • Extreme swelling of your hands, face, arms or legs.
  • Swelling, redness or pain in legs.

Urgent maternal warning signs fiyer

Download the urgent maternal warning signs.

If you experience any of these signs during pregnancy or in the entire first year after your pregnancy, it is important to follow up with your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider, go to the emergency department and let them know that you are pregnant or you have been pregnant within the last year.

MIAIM Advocacy Language graphic of pdf

If you need help explaining to your health care provider why you are calling, seeking follow up or why you are concerned, this document can help guide the conversation.  Follow your instincts and trust your body. If you’re feeling off, follow up for the safety of your and your baby.

For more Urgent Maternal Warning Signs information, including additional patient materials and provider materials, please visit the MI AIM advocacy materials page.