When to Stop and Call Your Doctor
Reviewed by CDE Mehandi Sharma · Updated
Walking and gentle activity are recommended in GDM. There is a short list of symptoms that mean stop and contact your doctor rather than push through, and it is worth knowing before you need it.
- Any vaginal bleeding.
- Fluid leaking from the vagina.
- Regular painful contractions.
- Dizziness, feeling faint, or a headache that will not settle.
- Chest pain, or breathlessness that is out of proportion to what you are doing.
- Calf pain or swelling on one side.
- Reduced or absent movements from your baby.
None of these are reasons to be embarrassed about calling. Reduced fetal movement in particular should always be reported the same day, whether or not it is related to activity.
There are also conditions where activity needs to be agreed in advance rather than assumed: high blood pressure or preeclampsia, a short cervix, placenta praevia, a previous preterm birth, or a multiple pregnancy. If any apply, ask your obstetrician what is appropriate before starting.
And if you are on insulin, activity brings a second consideration — the possibility of a low — so carry something to treat one.