Weeks 32 to 34 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions

Tips for weeks 32 to 34 of pregnancy

Learn how to ease hemorrhoids.

Consider the benefits of breastfeeding.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have severe vaginal bleeding. You have soaked through one or more pads in an hour, and the bleeding is not slowing down.
• You have sudden, severe pain in your belly that does not go away.
• You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have a seizure.
• You see or feel the umbilical cord.
• You think you are about to deliver your baby and can't make it safely to the hospital or birthing center.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have vaginal bleeding.
• You have belly pain.
• You have a fever.
• You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
  • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in your leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.
• You have symptoms of preeclampsia, such as:
  • Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet.
  • New vision problems (such as dimness, blurring, or seeing spots).
  • A severe headache that will not go away.
• You have a sudden release or slow trickle of fluid from your vagina. This may mean your water has broken.
• You've been having regular contractions for an hour. This means that you've had at least 6 contractions within 1 hour, even after you change your position and drink fluids.
• You notice that your baby has stopped moving or is moving less than normal.
• You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
  • Pain or burning when you urinate.
  • A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
  • Pain in your low back (below the rib cage and above the waist).
  • Blood in your urine.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You have vaginal discharge that smells bad.
• You feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for more than a few days.
• You have skin changes, such as a rash, itching, or a yellow color to your skin.
• You have other concerns about your pregnancy.