M.03.02.Res.05 Warning signs and symptoms for staff managing pregnant women

If a pregnant woman shows any of the following signs and symptoms, Health Services must be notified immediately:

Vaginal bleeding or has vaginal discharge that is unusual for her.
Her ‘waters’ leak or break before labour starts or, once they have broken, the fluid is dirty-looking, greenish or brown.
If, once she has been regularly feeling her baby move, baby moves less than usual, or she cannot feel her baby move at all.
If, after the first few weeks of pregnancy, she has pains or cramps in her abdomen.
Her hands, feet or face suddenly swell.
She has pain or burning when she passes urine – especially if she also has a fever and a sore back.
Has a very bad headache and this lasts for more than a few hours.
She can’t see well – has blurry vision or start to see white lights, flashes or dots in front of her eyes or have double vision.
She falls on or hurts her abdomen – get this checked, even if she doesn’t feel hurt or sore.
She is very thirsty, but she can’t pass urine.
She starts feeling sick and throwing up in late pregnancy – especially if she has pain and a fever.
She itches all over – especially if she has dark-coloured urine and pale bowel motions.

Reference: Ministry of Health, Danger signs during pregnancy, 2017