Pregnancy signs you should never ignore!

How do you know whether that sudden ache is normal? Should you call the doctor whenever you feel any pain? These are some questions most women have during pregnancy. Here's a rundown of symptoms that you shouldn't ignore. However, even if you don't see the source of your concern on this list, it's always better to make that call to your doctor than to be anxious for hours.

Keep in mind that some of these symptoms may be more or less vital depending on your health history and how far along you are in your pregnancy. Ask your doctor to review which signs warrant immediate medical assistance as your pregnancy progresses.

Some of the symptoms to look out for:

• Your baby is kicking or moving lesser than usual (once he or she begins moving regularly). Ask your doctor whether you should monitor your baby's activity by doing daily "kick counts." Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to do so.
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting.
• Painful or burning urination, little or no urination.
• Chills or fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• Vomiting that could be severe, persistent or accompanied by pain or fever.
• Keep in mind that after 37 weeks, there is an increase in mucus discharge that is normal and may indicate that you will be going into labor soon. However, any increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge, where you notice a watery, bloody or mucous-like appearance may need to be brought to attention.
• Visual disturbances such as blurring, double vision, dimming, flashing lights or spots in your field of vision.
• Severe headache or any headache accompanied by blurred vision, numbness and slurred speech.
• Abdominal changes like pelvic pressure, lower back pain, menstrual-like cramping or pain, or experiencing more than four contractions in an hour (even if they don't hurt) before 37 weeks.
• Persistent or severe leg cramp or calf ache that doesn't reduce or ease up when you flex your ankle and point your toes towards your nose or even when you walk around.
• Significant swelling in any of the legs.
• Trauma to the abdomen (fall or an accident).
• Having difficulty in breathing or chest pain, or even coughing up blood.
• Frequent dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations.
• Severe constipation accompanied by abdominal pain or severe diarrhoea that lasts more than 24 hours.
• Intense itching of your torso, legs, palms, soles, arms or feeling of itchiness all over the body.
• Exposure to a communicable disease like rubella or chicken pox if you're not immune or are showing signs of infection.
• Flu exposure or symptoms. Flu and H1N1 flu are very risky for pregnant women.
• Severe anxiety or depression.

Remember your body is changing rapidly that at times, it's hard to know whether whatever you're experiencing is normal. Please call your doctor if you have any other health problem even if it's not related to your pregnancy (like worsening asthma or cold).