9 Red Flags During Third Trimester: Call Your Doctor Immediately

You’re almost home! With your pregnancy, we mean.

The third trimester can bring with it a huge sense of relief for most mothers, but it can also increase the anxiety levels. The baby is about to arrive, but how, why, when, and where are some critical questions every mother worries about.

Although you’re now free of some of the early stage fears, many of us can be quite concerned with things that could go wrong in this home stretch. Most of the symptoms and changes you see now are new and can make you want to pick up the phone and call the OB-GYN every hour of the day.

Well, we’re here to tell you that it is mostly normal, but we’ve also listed some red flags you need to look out for and inform your OB-GYN if they occur.

In This Article

1. Vaginal bleeding

Bleeding or spotting is a concern throughout your entire pregnancy. In the movies and TV shows, these are almost always associated with losing the baby. And although that is not always the case, it is best to call your medical team right away so that they can see what is going on. It could be a sign of pre-term labour.

2. Swelling

You would think that looking and feeling bloated is your default style by now, but you should pay close attention in case of more than usual swelling. Contact your health providers immediately if you notice any such signs, especially around your feet and ankles. This could be a sign of preeclampsia, and early detection is critical.

3. Persistent or sharp pain

The extra weight that you put on during pregnancy will definitely stretch your body and muscles, and create extra pressure on your spinal system. But any persistent or sharp pains should be reported immediately to your doctor, so that they can assure you or treat it as the case maybe. You may also be close to labour or pre-term labour and not recognize it.

4. Weight gain

Speaking of the extra weight you will be carrying, ensure that you are not gaining more than usual, especially in the last trimester. During your regular check-up, speak to your doctor about how much you are expected to gain and report anything unusual. Unexpected weight gain in the last trimester could be due to preeclampsia but don’t diagnose yourself!

5. Itchy skin

Although the weight gain and the stretch of the skin are valid causes for feeling itchy, it could also be due to the poor or interrupted flow of bile. Make sure that your doctor checks your skin for any unwanted rashes or insect bites that maybe causing the itch.

6. Blurry vision

Although this is another annoying side-effect that can be blamed on pregnancy hormones, it could also be a sign of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Contact your doctor immediately to see what is causing the blurry vision or dimming spots.

7. Baby’s movements

By now you must be used to the little football champion inside you, and can usually predict when he is going to let you know that he is literally alive and kicking. However, if for some reason, you notice that the baby isn’t kicking often enough or not kicking at all, you must contact the doctor immediately.

8. Fluids

Although gushing fluids is most often characterized by your water breaking, if you are quite far away from your due date this should not be happening and you should be checked immediately.

9. False labour

This is one of the most reported pains and red flags in the third trimester. However, while it may be easy to dismiss them as false labour pains if they occur at regular intervals, are intense, and making you breathless, then you could actually be in labour and should be seen by an OB-GYN immediately.

Just as everybody is unique, so is every pregnancy. What might seem like a serious cause for concern for one is just another symptom for another. This article is intended to make you aware and let you know that your doctor is the best person to help you understand what is really going on with your pregnancy. Keep your OB-GYN on speed dial, but also learn to listen to your body.

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