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14 Signs Of An Unhealthy Baby In The Womb

By Sharon Thomas
Pregnancy: Signs of Unhealthy Baby in Womb |अस्वस्थ गर्भ की ऐसे करें पहचान | Boldsky

Babies are very sensitive in nature, especially the newborn ones. They easily get affected by any change that happens in the surrounding and that which affects the well-being directly or indirectly.

This is because the newborn is on a mission to develop resistance against all health issues that he/she might have to face in the coming years. When affected, it can be treated easily because the deterioration of the health of the baby can be seen. What if the same decline in health condition happens to the baby in the womb? How can this be identified?

The body of a carrying woman indicates when the foetus is unhealthy. It is only that one must be aware of all the possible signals that the body might show in case of any issue that affects the baby. 14 such signs and what they imply are explained here, take a look.

Lack Of Heartbeat

Lack Of Heartbeat

A baby's heart starts beating around the fifth week of pregnancy, but the detection is easier around the tenth week or towards the end of the first trimester with a Doppler test. Sometimes, a heartbeat cannot be detected. The position of the baby or placement of placenta can be the real reason. If the same happens on the next try, the foetus might be in a stressful environment or even worse, it must have become lifeless.

Smaller Fundal Height

Smaller Fundal Height

Fundal height is nothing but the measurement of the uterus. It is taken from the top of the uterus to the pubic bone. The uterus expands when the foetus grows and when this growth is not seen in the measurements taken, it might indicate that the foetus has passed away in the womb. Mostly, follow up tests are done for confirmation.

IUGR Diagnosis

IUGR Diagnosis

If intrauterine growth restriction is tested positive, it means that the growth of the foetus is not sufficient for the gestational age. The reasons can be placental issues, kidney problems, or even diabetes. Whatever the case may be, the doctor should monitor the mother quite frequently, as babies with IUGR can have problems with breathing, blood sugar and body temperature when they are born.

Lower hCG Levels

Lower hCG Levels

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone in the body, which is responsible for nourishing the egg after fertilisation in early pregnancy, thereby aiding the development. hCG levels are at the peak during the weeks 8 to 11 and are calculated with a blood test. Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy are the two issues that can occur due to low levels of hCG, that is below 5 mIU/ml.

Too Much Of Cramping When Pregnant

Too Much Of Cramping When Pregnant

This can happen at any phase of the pregnancy. In early pregnancy, it is the flow of blood to the uterus that results in cramping similar to ones during menstruation, which is normal. If this persists for a longer period with cramping in just one side along with bleeding, the condition must be checked. If the same occurs in the second or third trimesters, it indicates early labour.

Bleeding During Pregnancy

Bleeding During Pregnancy

Bleeding from the vagina is definitely a matter of concern during the pregnancy. Even a small spotting must be reported, so that you can make sure that your baby is safe. In some cases, the chances are that vaginal bleeding can be due to miscarriage, hormonal bleeding, or implantation bleeding. It can also be due to problems with the placenta, in which case the baby is delivered earlier.

Severe Back Pain During Pregnancy

Severe Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back pain is common when pregnant and this is because the body takes up excess weight than possible as the baby keeps growing. This puts a strain on the spine, especially the lower back. If the pain does not go away for long and is very much persistent, that is a warning sign. It might be due to kidney or bladder infections, pre-term labour, or even a miscarriage.

Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal Discharge

This is common for a woman and it only increases as the pregnancy progresses. Vaginal discharges are usually clear, transparent and colourless. If an unusual discharge accompanied with strong odour, blood, or pain is spotted, this must be consulted with the doctor. It might be a case of cervical inflammation, where the cervix opens up earlier indicating a miscarriage.

Abnormal Ultrasounds

Abnormal Ultrasounds

Various parameters of the growing foetus can be calculated with the help of an ultrasound, be it size, weight, movements, blood flow, heartbeat, and even the amount of amniotic fluid. Any problem that hinders the development of the baby can be spotted in an ultrasound by the doctors. However, these ultrasound tests must be done in conjunction with other tests for more accuracy.

Even After Confirmation Of Pregnancy, Getting A Negative Pregnancy Test

Even After Confirmation Of Pregnancy, Getting A Negative Pregnancy Test

Home-based pregnancy tests are becoming more common nowadays and women do it to check if they are pregnant after a missed period. However, a confirmation is always sought after with a visit to the doctor. Even when all goes well, there might arise a situation that the mother feels like she is not pregnant anymore. If a second home-based test done tests negative, an immediate appointment with the doctor is essential to check the condition of the baby.

No Foetal Movement

No Foetal Movement

The baby's movement is felt around 18 weeks and it gets stronger when it is 24. Mothers enjoy it when the baby kicks; but what if he/she does not move around for a while? It is said that a mother should experience 10 kicks in two hours time, which shows a healthy foetus. If the movement is lesser, it is time for a check-up. It might reflect foetal distress.

Lack Of Morning Sickness

Lack Of Morning Sickness

Morning sickness and pregnancy go hand in hand. For most women, morning sickness lasts until the end of first trimester. But there are some lucky ones who are relieved from it earlier without any issues for the foetus. However, in some others, the sudden lack of morning sickness might be due to low hCG levels, indicating a miscarriage. It is better to address the issue immediately.

Fever

Fever

Fever during pregnancy should not be taken on a lighter note. This is can sometimes obstruct the growth of baby with a bacterial or viral infection. The mother must make sure that the foetus is safe while running fever and take appropriate measures to eradicate it without affecting her health and that of the baby's. For some, fever can signal a miscarriage. So, it is better to ask your doctor's opinion when in such a state.

Reduction In Breast Size

Reduction In Breast Size

The whole body of a woman undergoes a transformation right from the onset of pregnancy. Breasts are the ones that start becoming very sensitive due to hormonal changes. They also start feeling heavier, fuller, and this increases as the months pass by. A sudden decrease in the size of the breast might occur if the body does not support the growing foetus any longer. The hormones get back to the old self when the pregnancy stops, leading to the reduction in breast size.

Story first published: Monday, November 20, 2017, 13:07 [IST]
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