Pregnancy is not an event; it is a progressive process.
Progressive in the sense that from conception until delivery, changes occur and some are visible.
Enoch Murunga, a clinical officer and midwife at SVG Healthcare Centre in Muthaiga, Nairobi, outlines some of the indicators that one’s pregnancy is not well.
“First and foremost, before you say that you are pregnant, ensure you have confirmed it by either doing a pregnancy test or by an ultrasound scan,” Murunga advises.
NB: Absence of periods and increase in abdominal size do not necessarily mean that you are pregnant.
The following are some of the indicators that all may not be well with your pregnancy:
Bleeding or spotting of any amount
Any bleeding spotted during pregnancy should be taken seriously.
Seek medical assistance in case of any bleeding
Lack of progressive increase in abdominal size corresponding to the gestation
As the child continues to grow inside the womb of a pregant woman, the abdominal size is obviously expected to increase.
Any contrary change should be taken seriously.
Weight decline
As the pregnancy grows, the weight of the expectant mother also obviously increases, and thus, a decline in the same will simply mean something is wrong.
Leaking or draining of amniotic fluid
The amniotic fluid is the protective liquid contained by the amniotic sac of a gravid amniote.
This fluid serves as a cushion for the growing foetus, but also serves to facilitate the exchange of nutrients, water, and biochemical products between mother and foetus.
Thus its leaking or even draining will be endangering the life of the little one.
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure (HBP) affects both the baby and mother.
If at all noted at any stage of pregnancy, it must be addressed appropriately.
Reduced foetal movements or absence
Foetal movement refers to motion of a fetus caused by its own muscle activity.
Reduced fetus movements or a complete absence of the same should make every pregnant mother concerned.
Persistent lower abdominal pain
Abdominal pain during pregnancy can be a sign of a condition that requires medical attention, like urinary tract infection, miscarriage, preterm labor, or preeclampsia. It’s always safest to call your doctor about any symptom that concerns you.
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