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Tier 3 · Clinician Reviewed

Maternal Health: Danger Signs in Pregnancy

Warning signs during pregnancy that require urgent professional care, based on WHO maternal health guidance.

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Wanjiru Kamau, MBChB, MMed (Obs/Gyn)

Obstetrician-Gynaecologist, Nairobi

Review dates

Published 2026-04-15
Last review 2026-05-20
Next review 2026-11-20

Jurisdictions

WHO GlobalKenyaIndia

Emergency notice

Severe bleeding, severe headache with blurred vision, convulsions, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or reduced fetal movement require immediate care at a health facility. Use your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility with maternity services.

Why danger signs matter

Most maternal deaths are preventable with timely, skilled care. Recognizing danger signs and knowing the nearest equipped facility in advance saves lives, especially in areas with long travel times.

Routine care

WHO recommends a schedule of antenatal contacts through pregnancy for monitoring, vaccination, and counselling. Your national programme defines the local schedule and which services are free.

Sources & Citations

  1. [1]Maternal mortality fact sheet — WHO

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