Should You Call The Doctor For Everything That Comes Up During A Pregnancy?
Two kinds of women drive doctors crazy: those who call for every little twinge and those who wouldn't call even if they were staked to a bee's hive because "I didn't want to bother you." Here are some hints to help you avoid falling into these two categories.
Vaginal Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding doesn't automatically mean disaster, but the source of the bleeding needs to be investigated. Panic usually follows if you're on the toilet when you discover the bleeding because even a few drops will look like gallons as soon as they hit the water. Wipe with toilet paper and make note of the color - bright red or more reddish-brown? Did the bleeding start after some activity, such as intercourse or moving furniture? Is it associated with cramping or localized pain anywhere? Your doctor will ask you these questions and how much blood you think you lost. Just remember the difference between bleeding and hemorrhaging: If blood isn't running down your leg and filling up your shoe, you're not hemorrhaging. Keep calm and call your doctor.
Generalized Swelling Of The Face & Fingers: Swelling of feet and ankles is common in pregnancy, so it's no cause for alarm. Swelling of face and fingers along with feet and ankles may be a sign of preeclampsia (toxemia) and needs some follow-up with your doctor.
Extreme Continuous Headaches: Headache that is severe or continuous is another possible sign of preeclampsia. Dimness or blurring of vision may accompany this type of headache. Migraine headaches also have these symptoms.
Abdominal Pain: Aches and pains are so common in pregnancy that you sometimes need help in deciding if your abdominal pain is something to be concerned about. Before calling your doctor, think about what kind of pain you're having. Where is it? What does it feel like? Do you have any other symptoms besides abdominal pain, such as bleeding? Have you noticed an increase in your vaginal discharge? Does the pain come and go, or is it constant? It may just be the old round ligament pain again, but call your doctor and check it out.
Persistent Vomiting: You need help with this one so you won't become too dehydrated and upset your body's chemical balance. Don't wait until you're so dried out that your tongue looks like the sands of the desert. Call your doctor.
