Pregnancy Complications: Signs & When to Seek Medical Help
Because Every Moment in Pregnancy Matters
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it’s also a time when your body undergoes profound changes — and sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. While many symptoms are normal, it’s important to know when something might signal a pregnancy complication.
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic in Lucknow, we provide supportive, high-quality care for every pregnancy, whether low-risk or high-risk. This guide will help you understand which signs to never ignore — and when it’s best to call your doctor immediately.
What Are Pregnancy Complications?
Pregnancy complications are medical conditions or symptoms that may affect the health of the mother, baby, or both. Some issues are minor and manageable, while others can be serious and require immediate attention.
They can occur:
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In the first trimester (early pregnancy)
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In the second or third trimester (later stages)
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During labour or delivery
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After childbirth (postpartum)
Early detection and medical care can often prevent complications from becoming severe.
Common Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
🚩 1. Heavy Bleeding or Spotting
Light spotting can be normal in early pregnancy, but:
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Bright red bleeding
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Passage of clots or tissue
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Bleeding with cramping or back pain
…can signal miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or placental issues. Seek care immediately.
🚩 2. Severe Abdominal Pain or Cramping
Mild cramping can be normal. But if you feel:
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Sharp, one-sided pain
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Pain with nausea or fainting
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Continuous tightening or pressure
…it could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, or preterm labour.
🚩 3. Severe Headache, Blurred Vision, or Swelling
These may indicate high blood pressure or preeclampsia, especially in the second or third trimester. Watch for:
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Sudden facial or hand swelling
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Flashes of light or blurred vision
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Persistent headache not relieved by rest
Preeclampsia can be life-threatening and needs urgent care.
🚩 4. Sudden Loss of Fetal Movement
After 28 weeks, you should feel regular baby movements. A sudden decrease or stop in kicks should be reported. Sometimes lying down on your left side helps, but if you feel:
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No movement in 2–3 hours
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Drastically fewer kicks than usual
…call your doctor for an urgent evaluation.
🚩 5. Leaking Fluid or Premature Rupture of Membranes
A gush or trickle of clear fluid from the vagina could mean your water has broken early. This increases the risk of:
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Infection
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Preterm labour
This is especially concerning if you’re under 37 weeks pregnant. Seek care immediately.
🚩 6. High Fever, Chills, or Burning While Urinating
Infections during pregnancy can harm both mother and baby. Be alert to:
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Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
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Pain or burning during urination
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Foul-smelling discharge or lower abdominal pain
These may indicate UTIs, kidney infections, or amniotic infection and should not be ignored.
🚩 7. Severe Vomiting or Dehydration
Morning sickness is common, but if you’re unable to eat, drink, or keep fluids down for more than 24 hours, it may be hyperemesis gravidarum, which can lead to:
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Weight loss
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Nutrient deficiency
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Hospitalization for IV fluids
Seek help to avoid complications for you and your baby.
Pregnancy Conditions That Need Ongoing Monitoring
Some complications develop slowly but can be dangerous without medical supervision:
🔸 Gestational Diabetes
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Often has no symptoms
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Detected by blood sugar tests in the second trimester
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Needs diet control, exercise, or insulin
🔸 Preterm Labour
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Contractions before 37 weeks
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Pelvic pressure or back pain
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Needs medications or rest to delay delivery
🔸 Placenta Previa or Abruption
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Placenta covering the cervix or detaching early
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May cause bleeding or need C-section
When to Seek Emergency Help
Call your doctor or visit the hospital right away if you experience:
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Severe chest pain or breathlessness
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Seizures or loss of consciousness
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Heavy bleeding with weakness
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Signs of shock (pale, cold skin, rapid pulse)
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, don’t wait.
How Our Clinic Supports High-Risk Pregnancies
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic in Lucknow, we provide:
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Regular antenatal checkups to catch problems early
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Advanced ultrasound and fetal monitoring
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Blood pressure and sugar screenings
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Personalized birth plans for C-section or normal delivery
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Emergency care guidance and round-the-clock support
Your pregnancy deserves care that is vigilant, experienced, and compassionate.
Final Thoughts: Stay Aware, Stay Safe
Not all discomfort in pregnancy is dangerous — but knowing what to watch for can save lives. Regular checkups, healthy lifestyle choices, and early reporting of symptoms are your best tools to ensure a safe and joyful journey to motherhood.
