Memorize this “go to the hospital immediately” checklist — it applies throughout pregnancy and the first year after childbirth

If any of the following appears, go to the hospital the same day — do not wait overnight at home; this still counts within the first year after birth. A headache that will not ease or keeps getting worse, vision that looks different, fever of 38 °C, severe swelling of the hands or face. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a fast heartbeat, severe abdominal pain that does not ease, fetal movement that stops or drops clearly. Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking, one arm or leg that is both swollen and painful, thoughts of harming yourself or the baby.

Cost

No cost at all. It takes just five minutes to memorize, and it’s a good idea to share it with anyone living in the same household.

Benefit

These are all emergency warning signs during pregnancy and postpartum listed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Persistent or worsening headaches, dizziness or fainting, changes in vision, a body temperature of 38°C or higher. Severe swelling of the hands or face, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Difficulty breathing, chest pain or a rapid heartbeat. Severe nausea and vomiting, unrelenting severe abdominal pain. Absence or significant reduction of fetal movement during pregnancy, vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage during pregnancy or postpartum. Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge after childbirth. Severe swelling, redness and pain in one arm or leg. None of these issues disappear after the postpartum recovery period — they can all occur within the first year after childbirth.

Notes

This checklist serves to clearly distinguish between situations where you can wait a little longer and those that demand immediate medical attention. Headaches paired with blurred vision and upper abdominal pain are typical signs of preeclampsia, a form of pregnancy-related hypertension. Swelling and pain in one lower leg often indicates deep vein thrombosis (see Section 13). According to the World Health Organization, severe postpartum hemorrhage can be fatal to a healthy woman within just a few hours. If any of these symptoms appear, go to the hospital right away — do not delay by waiting at home overnight.

Sources · 2

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hear Her — Urgent Maternal Warning Signs. cdc.gov/hearher/maternal-warning-signs/index.…
2. World Health Organization. Maternal mortality fact sheet. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal…