TL;DR

• Heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or clotting needs immediate medical attention — don’t wait or try to manage at home.

• Reduced or no fetal movement after 28 weeks can signal baby distress; call your doctor or visit the hospital right away.

• Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or sharp back pain could indicate serious conditions like clots or preterm labor.

• High fever (above 100.4°F) during pregnancy should never be ignored, as it can affect both you and your baby.

• Severe nausea, vomiting, or dehydration (hyperemesis gravidarum) requires prompt treatment to protect health.

• Vision changes, severe headaches, or swelling may be signs of preeclampsia — seek urgent medical care if these appear.

Pregnancy is a time filled with excitement, hope, and anticipation — but it’s also a time when paying close attention to your body is more important than ever. While many discomforts in pregnancy are completely normal, some symptoms can signal serious problems that need immediate medical care.

As an Indian mom-to-be, you might hear all kinds of advice from family or friends, but knowing the real warning signs can help protect both you and your baby. Ignoring certain symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or reduced baby movement, can increase risks and delay urgent care.

This guide walks you through the most critical pregnancy warning signs you should never ignore, explains why they matter, and tells you exactly when you need to call your doctor or go to the hospital.

Pregnancy warning signs you should never ignore 

#1 Heavy bleeding or clotting

During pregnancy, light spotting can sometimes happen and may be harmless, especially in early weeks. But heavy bleeding, meaning blood flow similar to or heavier than a period, or passing large clots, is never something to ignore. This can signal serious problems like miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy (when the pregnancy is outside the uterus), or problems with the placenta later in pregnancy, such as placental abruption or placenta previa.

Heavy bleeding can happen at any stage and may or may not be accompanied by pain. Sometimes women assume it will stop on its own or wait to “see if it gets better,” but delaying action can increase risks for both mom and baby.

Immediate action:
If you notice heavy bleeding or pass clots, call your doctor or go to the hospital right away — do not wait for your next appointment. While waiting for help or traveling to the hospital, try to stay calm, lie down if you feel dizzy, and avoid inserting anything into the vagina (like tampons).

In India, many families might suggest resting at home first, but heavy bleeding always needs urgent medical evaluation. It’s better to get checked and find out it’s minor, rather than miss a serious issue. 

#2 Severe abdominal or pelvic pain

During pregnancy, it’s common to feel mild cramps or twinges as your body adjusts, but severe abdominal or pelvic pain is never normal and should never be ignored. Severe pain can feel sharp, stabbing, or constant and may happen on one or both sides of your belly. This kind of pain could signal several serious problems, such as:

• Miscarriage (especially in early pregnancy)

• Ectopic pregnancy (when the pregnancy grows outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube)

• Placental abruption (when the placenta detaches from the uterus too soon, later in pregnancy)

• Preterm labor (when labor starts before 37 weeks)

You might also experience other symptoms like bleeding, dizziness, or contractions, depending on the cause.

Immediate action:

If you feel severe or sudden abdominal or pelvic pain, do not wait or try to manage it at home. Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital right away. It’s important to get checked quickly to protect both your health and your baby’s.

Pregnancy yoga can help ease normal pregnancy aches, but if you experience severe abdominal or pelvic pain, remember this is a warning sign that needs immediate medical attention, not just gentle stretching or yoga.

#3 Reduced or no fetal movement 

One of the most reassuring parts of pregnancy is feeling your baby move — those gentle flutters, kicks, and stretches remind you that your little one is growing and active. But if you notice reduced or no fetal movement, it’s a warning sign you should never ignore.

By the third trimester (around 28 weeks onward), most moms can feel their baby’s regular movement patterns. Every baby has their routine, some are more active at night, others during the day, but you usually learn what feels normal for your baby.

If you suddenly notice your baby moving much less than usual or not at all, it could signal that the baby is in distress or not getting enough oxygen.

Immediate action:
First, try lying down on your left side in a quiet place and focus on your baby’s movements for the next hour. Drink a glass of cold water or have a small snack, as this can sometimes wake the baby up. You should feel at least 10 movements in two hours.

If you still don’t feel enough movement, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately. Do not wait until the next day. Prompt attention can help ensure your baby’s safety. 

#4 Sudden, severe shortness of breath or chest pain

During pregnancy, it’s common to feel a little breathless, especially as your belly grows and your baby pushes up against your lungs. But if you experience sudden, severe shortness of breath or sharp chest pain, it is not normal and needs immediate medical attention.

This kind of symptom could be a sign of a serious issue, such as a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), a heart problem, or a severe infection. It may happen alongside other signs like a racing heartbeat, dizziness, or coughing up blood. These conditions can be life-threatening if not treated right away.

Immediate action:
Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital without delay. Do not wait to see if the symptom improves on its own. Ask someone to help you get there safely, and avoid lying flat on your back while waiting for help, as this can sometimes make symptoms worse.

#5 Leaking fluid from the vagina

During pregnancy, especially in the later stages, one important warning sign to watch for is leaking fluid from the vagina. Many women wonder: Is it just normal discharge, or something more serious?

Leaking fluid can sometimes mean that your amniotic sac (the protective bag of water around your baby) has broken, often called your “water breaking.” This can happen near your due date, which is expected, but if it happens before 37 weeks, it’s considered a preterm rupture of membranes and needs urgent medical attention.

The fluid is usually clear or slightly yellowish and may feel like a slow trickle or a sudden gush. It’s very different from regular vaginal discharge or small leaks of urine that can sometimes happen when sneezing or coughing.

Immediate action:
Call your doctor or visit the hospital right away. Avoid inserting anything into your vagina (like tampons), and don’t take a bath. Your doctor will check if your water has broken and decide the next steps to keep you and your baby safe.

#6 Severe nausea and vomiting 

While mild nausea and vomiting (often called morning sickness) are common in early pregnancy, severe nausea and vomiting can be a warning sign of a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. This is when you can’t keep any food or fluids down, feel extremely weak, lose weight, or become dehydrated.

Some signs that your nausea and vomiting have gone beyond normal include:

• You can’t keep even small sips of water down.

• You’re vomiting multiple times a day.

• You feel dizzy, faint, or have a fast heartbeat.

• You’re losing weight quickly.

Immediate action:
If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. You may need medications to control the vomiting or even a hospital visit for fluids through an IV. Don’t wait or try to manage it at home — getting prompt care helps protect both you and your baby.

#7 High fever 

Having a fever during pregnancy (a temperature over 100.4°F or 38°C) is something you should never ignore. While mild fevers can sometimes be caused by simple infections like a cold, a high fever can be a sign of something more serious, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), flu, or another underlying infection that could affect both you and your baby.

A persistent high fever can increase the risk of complications, especially in the first trimester when your baby’s organs are forming. It’s important to take your temperature if you’re feeling very warm, shivery, or sweaty and to monitor how long the fever lasts.

Immediate action:
If you have a high fever, call your doctor right away. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and rest in a cool, comfortable place. Do not take any fever-reducing medicine without your doctor’s approval — some medications are not safe in pregnancy. 

#8 Changes in vision

During pregnancy, mild vision changes like slight blurriness can sometimes happen because of fluid retention, but sudden or severe changes should never be ignored.

If you notice blurred vision, seeing flashing lights or spots, double vision, or sudden loss of vision, it could be a sign of preeclampsia (a dangerous pregnancy condition marked by high blood pressure) or another serious issue. These symptoms can signal that your body is under stress, and your baby may also be affected.

Immediate action:
If you experience sudden vision changes, call your doctor right away or go to the hospital. Don’t wait for your next appointment or assume it will go away on its own. Acting quickly helps your doctor check for underlying problems and protect both you and your baby’s health.

#9 Persistent back pain

Mild back pain is common during pregnancy because your growing belly puts extra pressure on your back and hips. But persistent or severe back pain, especially if it’s sudden, sharp, or comes with cramping, vaginal bleeding, or fever, can be a warning sign of something more serious.

This type of pain could signal a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney infection, preterm labor, or even issues with the placenta. It’s especially concerning if the back pain is rhythmic (coming and going), feels like strong menstrual cramps, or is paired with tightening in your belly.

Immediate action:
While gentle prenatal yoga can help relieve mild back discomfort, persistent or severe back pain during pregnancy is a warning sign you should never ignore and needs prompt medical attention. If the pain is intense, accompanied by bleeding, or comes with other concerning symptoms like fever or chills, go to the hospital immediately. 

Final words

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it’s also a time when listening to your body becomes crucial. While many discomforts are normal, knowing the warning signs, like heavy bleeding, severe pain, reduced baby movement, vision changes, or high fever, can make all the difference in protecting both you and your baby. 

Never hesitate to reach out to your doctor if something feels off, no matter how small it may seem. Acting early ensures you get the right care and gives you peace of mind. Surround yourself with trusted medical support, keep attending your checkups, and consider joining supportive spaces like Garbh Sanskar classes online to help you bond with your baby and stay mentally relaxed. Stay informed, stay calm, and trust that you’re doing your best.