Pregnancy Warning Signs
Know which symptoms need immediate medical attention during pregnancy. When in doubt, always contact your healthcare provider or go to your nearest hospital.
Emergency Numbers
If you or your baby are in immediate danger, call for help:
Go to Hospital Immediately If You Experience
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Soaking a pad in an hour or passing large clots
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent sharp or cramping pain that does not ease
Sudden severe headache
Especially with vision changes or swelling — may indicate pre-eclampsia
Seizures or convulsions
Call an ambulance immediately (10177)
Baby stops moving
Fewer than 10 movements in 12 hours after 28 weeks
Waters break early
Before 37 weeks, especially with green or brown fluid
High fever (above 38°C)
With or without chills, could indicate infection
Difficulty breathing
Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
Warning Signs by Trimester
First Trimester (Weeks 1–13)
- Severe nausea and vomiting (unable to keep any food or fluids down for 24+ hours)
- Spotting or bleeding with cramping
- Sharp pain on one side of your abdomen (could indicate ectopic pregnancy)
- Painful urination or blood in urine
- Dizziness or fainting
Second Trimester (Weeks 14–27)
- Vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge
- Persistent lower back pain or pressure
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Severe swelling of face, hands, or feet
- Blurred vision or seeing spots
- Leaking fluid from the vagina
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40+)
- Reduced or absent baby movements
- Contractions every 5 minutes or closer before 37 weeks
- Severe headaches that don't go away
- Sudden swelling of face or hands
- Upper abdominal pain (under ribs)
- Vaginal bleeding
- Vision changes (blurry, spots, flashing lights)
- Itching all over (especially palms and soles)
What to Do in an Emergency
- 1.Stay calm and call for help — phone your doctor, midwife, or emergency services.
- 2.Do not drive yourself to hospital. Ask someone to drive you or call an ambulance.
- 3.Bring your hospital bag, ID, medical aid card, and antenatal records.
- 4.Tell medical staff about your pregnancy, how many weeks you are, and your symptoms.
- 5.If you are with someone who is having a seizure, place them on their side and do not put anything in their mouth.
Be Prepared
- ✓Save emergency numbers in your phone
- ✓Know the fastest route to your nearest hospital
- ✓Pack your hospital bag by 36 weeks
- ✓Keep your antenatal card, ID, and medical aid details together
- ✓Discuss warning signs with your partner or support person
- ✓Track your baby's movements daily from 28 weeks
Got questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Call 10177 (national ambulance) or Netcare 911 (082 911) immediately if you experience seizures, loss of consciousness, heavy uncontrolled bleeding, severe chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Do not drive yourself — have someone else drive or call for emergency transport.
Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition involving high blood pressure and organ damage, usually after 20 weeks. Signs include severe headaches, vision changes (blurry, spots, flashing lights), upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling of face or hands, and protein in urine. It requires immediate medical attention.
From 28 weeks, monitor your baby's movements daily. Your baby should move at least 10 times in 12 hours. Use our Kick Counter tool to track movements. If you notice reduced movement, drink cold water, lie on your side, and count. If you don't feel 10 movements in 2 hours, contact your healthcare provider.
Note the time, colour, and smell of the fluid. Clear or pale straw-coloured fluid is normal. Green, brown, or foul-smelling fluid needs urgent attention. Contact your healthcare provider or go to hospital. If you are before 37 weeks, go to hospital immediately.
About the Author
Due Date Calculator SA Editorial Team
Our content is reviewed by healthcare professionals familiar with South African maternal health practices. We combine evidence-based medical information with local knowledge to support South African mums throughout their pregnancy journey. Our team includes contributors with backgrounds in midwifery, obstetrics, and maternal health education.
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