Do you ever feel like the person you're talking to isn't listening? What if that person is your doctor and you're telling her about an issue you're having with your pregnancy?
Unfortunately, you're not alone. Pregnant people have concerns about their health in pregnancy and birth, and far too often, care providers aren't listening or taking them seriously. This can lead to serious consequences. Too many people die each year in the U.S. (more than 700 yearly) due to pregnancy-related complications, many of which (2/3) are preventable.
In an effort to prevent pregnancy-related deaths, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) created the HEAR HER campaign, which shares life-saving messaged about urgent warning signs with all people involved during the time of pregnancy and birth -- individuals, their families, and professionals.
Here's the thing - you know your body best. If you are pregnant or gave birth within the last year and feel like something is wrong, speak up and ask for help. If you don't get help right away, keep asking -- talk to a different provider or staff member until someone listens and gives you the attention you deserve. It's like the saying about the squeaky wheel getting the grease, except it could save your life.
As someone who is pregnant or who has recently had a baby (in the last year), it's critical for you to know the urgent warning signs and symptoms. The list below is from the CDC. You can learn more about each of these symptoms on their website.
- Headache that won't go away or gets worse over time
- Dizziness or fainting
- Changes in your vision
- Fever of 100.4 or higher
- Extreme swelling of your hands or face
- Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain or fast-beating heart
- Severe nausea or throwing up
- Severe belly pain that doesn't go away
- Baby's movement stopping or slowing during pregnancy
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge after pregnancy
- Severe swelling, redness or pain of your leg or arm
- Overwhelming tiredness
If you are experiencing any of these urgent medical symptoms during pregnancy or up to a year after having your baby, it's critical that you get help immediately - contact your healthcare provider right away, or go straight to the hospital for immediate care.
The CDC also shares personal stories from others who experienced pregnancy complications and how they ended up getting the help they needed:
Valencia struggled with headaches and dizziness during a difficult first pregnancy. When she reported worsening symptoms, she felt like no one heard her or took her seriously. She didn’t know who to talk to and wasn’t sure how to speak up for herself. It was her primary care provider who finally helped her get the care she needed. Hear Valencia's full story.
Eleorra had severe chest pains during pregnancy and knew “Something didn’t feel right.” She kept searching for answers and finally found a high-risk doctor who provided her with the care she needed to make it through her pregnancy safely. Hear Eleorra's full story.
Lindsay is a mother of four who developed preeclampsia during her second pregnancy. In response to her symptoms she was told that she was experiencing typical pregnancy swelling. But when her headache and blurred vision got worse, she checked her blood pressure at a pharmacy and discovered it was dangerously high. Lindsay went straight to the hospital, a decision that may have saved her life. Hear Lindsay's full story.
You know your body best - if something doesn't feel right, speak to your healthcare provider and make sure they truly listen. Getting the help you need quickly could save your life.
Published: August 14, 2020
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