Antenatal
Minor and Major Signs in Pregnancy
January 26, 2026
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Minor and Major Signs in Pregnancy
Audience: Pregnant women and their partners
Facilitator: Midwife / Obstetric educator
INTRODUCTION
Pregnancy brings many changes to a woman’s body. Some changes are normal and expected, while others may be warning signs of a problem.
In antenatal care, we group these changes into:
Minor signs of pregnancy – common discomforts that are usually not dangerous
Major (danger) signs of pregnancy – symptoms that may signal a serious problem and need urgent medical attention
Understanding the difference helps pregnant women and their partners to:
Feel less anxious about normal body changes
Know when to seek help early
Prevent complications for both mother and baby
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this session, participants should be able to:
Explain what minor and major signs in pregnancy are
Identify common minor discomforts and how to manage them safely
Recognize major danger signs and know when to go to the hospital
Practice healthy habits that reduce pregnancy complications
PART ONE: MINOR SIGNS OF PREGNANCY
What Are Minor Signs?
Minor signs are common physical and emotional changes caused by hormonal shifts and the growing baby.
They are usually not dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable.
Minor signs should still be discussed during antenatal visits.
1. Nausea and Vomiting (Morning Sickness)
What it is:
Feeling sick or vomiting, especially in the first trimester.
Why it happens:
Hormonal changes (especially hCG)
Sensitivity to smells
When it is common:
Early pregnancy (weeks 6–16)
What helps: Eat small, frequent meals Avoid strong smells .Take dry snacks (biscuits, toast) before getting out of bed Drink fluids in small sips
⚠️ See a health worker if: vomiting is severe or you cannot keep food or fluids down.
2. Fatigue (Excessive Tiredness)
(Image: Pregnant woman resting on a couch)
Why it happens:
Body working harder
Hormonal changes
Increased blood production
What helps:
Rest when possible
Sleep at least 7–9 hours
Eat balanced meals
3. Frequent Urination
(Image: Diagram showing uterus pressing on bladder)
Why it happens:
Growing uterus presses on the bladder
Increased blood flow to kidneys
Advice:
Do not hold urine
Reduce fluids close to bedtime
Maintain good genital hygiene
⚠️ Burning or pain when urinating is not normal and should be reported.
4. Heartburn and Indigestion
(Image: Diagram showing stomach and esophagus in pregnancy)
Why it happens:
Relaxed stomach muscles
Baby pushing upward
What helps:
Eat small meals
Avoid spicy or fatty foods
Sit upright after eating
Avoid lying flat immediately after meals
5. Backache
(Image: Pregnant woman demonstrating proper posture)
Why it happens:
Weight gain
Change in posture
Hormonal relaxation of joints
Relief tips:
Maintain good posture
Avoid heavy lifting
Use a firm mattress
Gentle pregnancy exercises
6. Leg Cramps
(Image: Pregnant woman stretching calf muscles)
Common at: Night, especially second and third trimesters
What helps:
Gentle stretching
Adequate calcium intake
Massage affected muscles
7. Mild Swelling of Feet (Edema)
(Image: Swollen ankles in late pregnancy)
Normal when:
Occurs in the evening
Improves after rest
Advice:
Elevate feet
Avoid standing too long
Wear comfortable footwear
⚠️ Sudden swelling of face or hands is not normal.
8. Mood Changes
(Image: Couple talking, emotional support)
Why it happens:
Hormonal changes
Physical and emotional adjustments
Support tips:
Open communication with partner
Adequate rest
Antenatal counseling if needed
PART TWO: MAJOR (DANGER) SIGNS IN PREGNANCY
What Are Major Signs?
Major signs are warning symptoms that may indicate serious complications.
They require immediate medical attention.
Do not wait for the next clinic visit if any of these occur.
1. Vaginal Bleeding
(Image: Illustration showing pregnancy with bleeding alert)
Possible causes:
Miscarriage
Placenta previa
Placental abruption
⚠️ Any bleeding in pregnancy is abnormal.
➡️ Go to the hospital immediately.
2. Severe Abdominal Pain
(Image: Pregnant woman holding abdomen in pain)
Could indicate:
Ectopic pregnancy
Placental problems
Infection
➡️ Seek urgent care.
3. Severe Headache, Blurred Vision, Dizziness
(Image: Visual disturbance illustration)
May suggest:
High blood pressure (pre-eclampsia)
⚠️ Especially dangerous in the second and third trimesters.
4. Swelling of Face and Hands
(Image: Comparison of normal vs abnormal swelling)
Not normal
May indicate pre-eclampsia.
5. Reduced or No Fetal Movement
(Image: Mother monitoring fetal kicks)
Normal: Regular baby movements after 28 weeks
⚠️ Danger sign: Sudden decrease or absence of movement
➡️ Go to the hospital immediately.
6. Fever and Chills
(Image: Thermometer showing fever)
May indicate infection
➡️ Do not self-medicate. Seek care.
7. Leakage of Fluid from the Vagina
(Image: Diagram showing rupture of membranes)
Possible meaning:
Ruptured membranes (water breaking)
⚠️ Even without pain, go to the hospital.
8. Convulsions or Loss of Consciousness
(Image: Emergency response illustration)
Medical emergency
➡️ Immediate hospital referral.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
Attend all antenatal clinic visits
Eat balanced meals
Drink clean water
Rest adequately
Report unusual symptoms early
Keep emergency contact numbers
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Ignoring danger signs
Using herbal medicines without advice
Self-medicating
Skipping antenatal visits
Believing myths over medical advice
DO’S AND DON’TS
DO
Ask questions during clinic visits
Monitor fetal movements
Follow medical advice
Seek help early
DON’T
Ignore vaginal bleeding
Delay hospital visits
Take unprescribed drugs
Overwork or skip meals
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Is vomiting normal in pregnancy?
Yes, mild vomiting is common, especially early in pregnancy.
When should I worry about swelling?
If swelling affects your face or hands suddenly.
Is back pain dangerous?
Mild back pain is normal; severe pain needs evaluation.
How many times should my baby move daily?
You should notice regular movements every day after 28 weeks.
Can stress affect my pregnancy?
Yes. Managing stress is important for mother and baby.
Is headache normal?
Mild headache can occur, but severe headache is dangerous.
Can I ignore small bleeding?
No. Any bleeding should be checked.
Should I wait for labor pains before going to hospital if water breaks?
No. Go immediately.
Are leg cramps harmful?
They are common and usually harmless.
When should my partner worry?
If any danger signs appear, seek help immediately.
KEY TAKEAWAYS / SUMMARY
Minor signs are common and manageable
Major signs are danger signs and need urgent care
Early reporting saves lives
Antenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy