Most pregnancies go well. But some problems can become dangerous very quickly, and in rural areas, where a hospital may be an hour away, recognising them early can save a mother's or baby's life.
These are the danger signs every family should know. They are based on the pregnancy danger signs promoted by the World Health Organization.
Get care immediately if a pregnant woman has any of these
- Bleeding from the vagina, at any stage of pregnancy.
- Fits or convulsions.
- Severe headache or blurred vision.
- Fever, especially if she is too weak to get out of bed.
- Severe pain in the belly.
- Fast or difficult breathing.
- The baby moving less, or not at all.
- Waters breaking before labour starts.
- Swelling of the face or hands.
- Heavy bleeding after the birth.
What to do
Do not wait until morning, and do not wait to see if it gets better. Call our 24/7 helpline on 0302-5766976 or come straight to the Foundation in Sarfaraz Khan Village. Our team can assess her, give immediate support, and if she needs a bigger hospital, our ambulance takes her on to Mardan or Peshawar.
Prepare before the due date
- Save the helpline number in every family member's phone.
- Decide in advance who will go with her and how she will travel.
- Keep her CNIC and any pregnancy records together, ready to take.
- Attend antenatal check-ups, where many problems can be found early.
This article is general health information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried, call us.
For any danger sign, call or come straight in.