Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
If you have any of these symptoms during or after pregnancy, contact your health care provider and get help right away. If you can’t reach your provider, go to the emergency room.
Always remember to say that you’re pregnant or have been pregnant within the last year when getting help.
CLICK THE SYMPTOMS BELOW TO LEARN MORE
Headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time
Dizziness or fainting
Thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby
Changes in your vision
Fever
Trouble breathing
Chest pain or fast-beating heart
Severe belly pain that doesn't go away
Severe nausea and throwing up (not like morning sickness)
Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking DURING pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking AFTER pregnancy
Swelling, redness, or pain of your leg
Baby's movements stopping or slowing
Extreme swelling of your hands or face
Overwhelming tiredness
This list is not meant to cover every symptom you might have. If you feel like something just isn’t right, or you aren’t sure if it’s serious, it’s always best to tell your care provider and get the help you need.
For Providers
Additional Resources
Recognize Postpartum Warning Signs Poster for Non-Obstetrical Clinical Staff
Recognize Postpartum Warning Signs Poster for Non-Obstetrical Clinical Staff (Spanish)
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs Badge Buddy (3.375×2.125 in.)
Recognize Postpartum Warning Signs Poster for Non-Obstetrical Clinical Staff
Recognize Postpartum Warning Signs Poster for Non-Obstetrical Clinical Staff (Spanish)
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs Badge Buddy (3.375×2.125 in.)
© 2025 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Permission is hereby granted for duplication and distribution of this document, in its entirety and without modification, for solely noncommercial activities that are for educational, quality improvement, and patient safety purposes. All other uses require written permission from ACOG.
September 2022
