Decreased foetal movement
Babies differ in how much they move. 10 to 12 movements a day from about month four is considered normal. The movements decrease close to your due date, but if there's a dramatic change in your baby's movements, notify your caregiver. Decreased movement could indicate placental problems, too little or too much amniotic fluid, or high blood pressure in the mother.

Contractions
The uterus contracts mildly throughout pregnancy. Most women become aware of the contractions in the second half of pregnancy and you may get them after a busy day on your feet. If they become intense and painful it could mean the start of labour so contact your caregiver.

Pain and burning when passing urine
May be accompanied by cloudy urine with a strong odour. Could be the sign of a bladder infection. Other signs are sudden abdominal pain or tenderness on the right side. The infection should be treated early. In some cases a bladder infection can develop into a more serious condition that affects the kidneys.

Pale fluid from the vagina
Could indicate infection or a tear in the amniotic sac, allowing the amniotic fluid to escape. If this occurs close to your due date, it could indicate the start of labour. If it occurs earlier, it may be the start of premature labour. Contact your caregiver.

Excessive vomiting
Can cause metabolic disturbances and electrolyte imbalances. In serious cases you may be admitted to hospital.

Severe abdominal pain
Seek medical advice if you have a fall, an accident, or if you have sudden abdominal pain that does not improve with rest. Abdominal pain in pregnancy may indicate placental abruption or preeclampsia. Otherwise it could mean a severe urinary tract infection, the start of labour or a strained round ligament felt more in the sides of the abdomen).

Swelling
About 40% of women experience swelling in the third trimester. Contact your caregiver if it is excessive and doesn't go down with rest and if it is accompanied by excessive weight gain, blurred or disturbed vision, severe and sudden headaches, abdominal pain and if you're urinating less and the urine is more concentrated. It could be a sign of preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension) which could be life-threatening to both mother and baby.

Vaginal bleeding
This is not normal in pregnancy so consult your caregiver, especially if you're feeling pain in the abdomen as well. Before 26 weeks, bleeding could indicate a pregnancy outside the womb or a miscarriage. If bleeding occurs after six months, the placenta could be lying over the cervix or the placenta could have detached from the uterus (placental abruption). This is life-threatening to the mother and baby.