Recognizing urgent pregnancy-related warning signs

(BPT) – By Wanda Barfield, MD, MPH, RADM USPHSDirector of the Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionFar too often, pregnant and postpartum people in the United States die from complications related to their pregnancy. Recognizing the warning signs and getting the right diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible can save lives.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the Hear Her campaign to raise awareness of potentially life-threatening warning signs during and after pregnancy and to encourage the people supporting pregnant and postpartum people to really listen when they express concerns. Pregnant people and people up to a year after pregnancy need to seek medical care immediately if they experience any of the following signs or symptoms:Severe headache that won’t go away or gets worse over timeDizziness or faintingThoughts about harming yourself or your babyChanges in your visionFever of 100.4º F or higherExtreme swelling of your hands or faceTrouble breathingChest pain or fast-beating heartSevere nausea and throwing up (not like morning sickness)Severe belly pain that doesn’t go awayBaby’s movement stopping or slowing down during pregnancyVaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancyHeavy vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid that smells bad after pregnancySwelling, redness or pain of your legOverwhelming tirednessToo many people die from pregnancy-related complications each year. Most of these deaths could be prevented. Listening and taking the concerns of pregnant and recently pregnant people seriously is a simple, yet powerful action to prevent serious health complications and death.Hear Her encourages people who support those who are pregnant or postpartum – including partners, family, and friends – to listen to any concerns and encourage them to seek medical care. Your action could help save a life.To learn more, visit cdc.gov/HearHer.