Apart from abdominal pain, there can be several other symptoms, which indicate when to call the doctor.

Some symptoms

After the starting of regular movement by the baby in the womb, if that suddenly decreases, it is essential to inform the doctor. The doctor may also advice to monitor the baby’s activity by daily kick-count and then to inform him/her when necessary.

Abdominal tenderness, vomiting/vomiting accompanied by fever and very high fever/chills are those symptoms, which call for immediate attention. Similar saying goes in case of problems like painful/burning urination or little/no urination, severe headache or headache accompanied by disturbed vision and slurred speech and also various visual disturbances like double images, blurred vision, dimming, floaters, flashing lights, etc.

After 37 weeks of pregnancy, any increase in mucous discharge or any change in its form (it can become watery, bloody or blood tinged) should be immediately reported. Medical help should also be called for pelvic pressure, low back pain, menstrual-like cramping, persistent or severe calf pain or leg cramp, any kind of any swelling in face, hand, feet or leg or a sudden weight gain (more than 4lbs/week).

Some other persistent signs are fainting, frequent dizziness, heart palpitation, breathing problem, chest pain, coughing up of blood, severe constipation along with abdominal pain, severe diarrhea and a feeling of intense itching.

The urgency of many of these symptoms depends on the medical history of the pregnant mother and also on her state of health during pregnancy. However, it’s better to be a little extra cautious and report any kind of any illness or uneasiness to the medical help than to ponder over when to call the doctor!

Some reasons for the latter are:

1. Genital tract infections, like chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis
2. Placenta problems, such as placenta previa or placental abruption
3. Structural abnormalities of the uterus or cervix
4. Other diseases like sickle cell anemia, diabetes, severe asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic active hepatitis, or lupus and non-uterine infections, like abdominal surgery, kidney infection, a gum infection (periodontitis), and trauma to the abdomen can cause pre term labor and birth.

Risk factors:

1. If you are pregnant with twins or higher number multiples
2. Not in the age group of 17-35yrs
3. Not much, gain in weight during pregnancy or before it.
4. Smoking, alcohol abuse, or drug use during pregnancy
5. Gave birth in the last 18 months
6. High levels of stress (physical and mental)
7. Genetic factors

Symptoms:

1. An increased vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding or spotting
2. Abdominal pain, cramps, or more than four contractions in one hour
3. Increased pressure in the pelvic area
4. Low back pain

These symptoms are often confusing, as some of them, like the pelvic pressure or low back pain, occur during normal pregnancies too.

Tests to know if you are at risk:

1. Measuring the length of your cervix
2. Fetal fibronectin screening

However, if you get plenty of rest, eat well, see your doctor regularly, take proper hygiene and dental care and manage your stress level, you automatically ensure a healthy full term pregnancy.