Prepared by:

ERLINDA M. BARONDA, RN, Ph.D.

 Danger Signs of Pregnancy (SCABS) -

S - Swelling or edema of the upper extremities:

Pre-eclampsia
C - Chills and fever: Signs of infection
Cerebral disturbances: “headache”: sign of
pre-eclampsia
A - Abdominal pain - “epigastric pain” is an aura
of an impending convulsion
B - Board-like abdomen: abruptio placenta
Blurred vision : preeclampsia
BP increase : Hypertension
Bleeding:
1st Trimester - Abortion, ectopic pregnancy
2nd Trimester - H-mole, Incompetent cervix
3rd Trimester - Placental anomalies

S - Sudden gush of fluid: premature rupture of

membrane (PROM) predisposes the mother
and fetus to infection
 Danger Signs of Pregnancy

1.Vaginal bleeding of any amount

2. Persistent vomiting
3. Chills and fever
4. Sudden escape of fluid from the
vagina
5. Swelling of face and fingers
 Danger Signs of Pregnancy

6. Visual disturbances – blurring or

vision, spots before the eyes

7. Painful urination or dysuria

8. Abdominal pain

9. Severe or continuous headache

Danger Signs of Pregnancy and its
Management
1. Vaginal Bleeding
Should report no matter how
slight
Ask how she discovered the
spotting
Refer to the physician for
further evaluation
Danger Signs of Pregnancy and its
Management
2. Persistent Vomiting
Depletes nutritional supply
available to the fetus

Also known as hyperemesis

gravidarum
3. Chills & Fever

- May indicate an intrauterine

infection

- May also be a symptom of a benign

gastroenteritis

- Refer to a physician for further

evaluation
4. Sudden escape of clear fluid from the

vagina

- Membranes have ruptured

- Mother and fetus are both threatened

because the uterine cavity is no longer

sealed against infection

If fetus is small and head does not fit

snugly into cervix the umbilical cord may
Sudden escape of clear fluid from
the vagina…

If cord is compressed by the fetal

head, oxygenation is compromised,
fetus will be in immediate and grave
danger

Management:
1.Refer to a physician
2. Vaginal exam - to check for intactness of
membranes
5. Abdominal or Chest pain

Abdominal pain- may be a sign of other

problems such as tubal (ectopic
pregnancy), separation of the placenta,
preterm labor or something unrelated to
pregnancy like appendicitis, ulcer, or
pancreatitis

Chest pain - may indicate a pulmonary

embolus, a complication that can follow
thrombophlebitis
6. Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH)
- refers to a severe & even fatal elevation of
BP that occurs during pregnancy
S/S:
a. Rapid weight gain:
2nd trimester - over 2 lbs. per week
3rd trimester - 1 lb per week
b. Swelling of the face or fingers
c. Flashes of light or dots before eyes
d. Dimness or blurring of vision
e. Severe, continuous headache
f. Decreased urinary output
7. Increase or Decrease in Fetal
Movement

- suggests that a fetus needs oxygen

Management:
Oxygen administration
Monitor mother and fetal well-being