Danger signs as labour approaches
An adage goes, a danger foreseen is half avoided. You are looking forward to cuddle, kiss and play with your little bundle of joy. Here are signs that may present in the last trimester, which if not addressed, may stand in the way of your sweet dream. Take a pen and carefully go through the signs cancelling out whatever you are NOT experiencing. If any of them remains uncrossed, call your doctor immediately; as they could be pointers to challenging complications.
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pains
- Fits, tendency to lose consciousness
- High fever
- Excessive weight gain
- No foetal movement
- Abnormal bloody stains which could indicate premature rupture of membranes
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge
- Bigger than usual bump
- Overextended pregnancy-beyond 40 weeks
- Bleeding-either spotting or a large amount of blood. It could be painless or painful.
- Cord prolapse—the cord sticking out before the baby comes
- Severe abdominal contractions before the due date
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe backache
- Eminent eclampsia—presents with high BP (200/100)
- Blurred vision
Who is at risk?
Virtually, every woman is at risk of having a danger sign presenting before labour and birth of her child. But the risk increases with a mother who has:
- A history of still births, intra uterine deaths and genitalia anomalies.
- Conditions such as diabetes, anaemia and high blood pressure.
- Rapid loss or gain in weight during pregnancy.
- A history of previous premature labour, low child birth weight, excessive birth weight or intra-uterine growth retardation.
Not to worry though. If the signs are reported to the doctor in good time, the danger should be curbed.
END:PG29/38