The final 2 to 3 weeks of pregnancy are both exciting and critical. Your body is preparing for labor, and your baby is getting ready to enter the world. While many changes during this time are normal, some warning signs should never be ignored, as they may indicate complications that need immediate medical attention.

Dr. Praveen Chopra, Gynaecologist at Om Global Hospital, Faridabad, explains three important symptoms every expecting mother should be aware of during the last weeks of pregnancy.

1. Severe Headaches, Anxiety, or Restlessness

Occasional tiredness or mild discomfort is common in late pregnancy, but persistent headaches, extreme anxiety, blurred vision, or restlessness are not normal and should not be ignored.

Why is this concerning?

These symptoms may be signs of:

• High blood pressure (Pregnancy-induced hypertension)
  
• Preeclampsia, a serious condition that can affect both mother and baby
  

When should you seek help?

• Headaches that don’t improve with rest
  
• Sudden swelling in the face, hands, or feet
  
• Anxiety or uneasiness without a clear reason
  

👉 What to do: Contact your gynaecologist immediately or visit the hospital for evaluation.

2. Decreased Fetal Movement

One of the most important indicators of your baby’s well-being is fetal movement. In the last weeks of pregnancy, your baby may move differently due to limited space, but movement should not reduce significantly.

Why is reduced movement risky?

Less movement may indicate:

• Fetal distress
  
• Reduced oxygen or nutrition to the baby
  

How to check fetal movement – The “Juice Test”

• Drink a glass of cold juice or water
  
• Lie down on your left side
  
• Count movements for 2 hours
  

✅ You should feel at least 10 movements in 2 hours

If you feel very few or no movements, do not wait.

👉 What to do: Visit the hospital immediately for monitoring and ultrasound evaluation.

3. Water Bag Bursting (Leakage of Fluid)

When the amniotic sac (water bag) breaks, it is a clear sign that labor may begin soon. Sometimes, the leakage can be slow and confused with urine.

How to identify water bag bursting:

• Continuous watery discharge from the vagina
  
• Fluid is usually clear, odorless, and uncontrollable
  
• Leakage continues even after cleaning or changing clothes
  

Why is this urgent?

Once the water breaks:

• The risk of infection increases
  
• The baby needs close monitoring
  
• Labor may need to be induced if it doesn’t start naturally
  

👉 What to do: Do not delay. Go to the hospital immediately, even if there is no pain.

When to Visit the Hospital Immediately

In the last 2–3 weeks of pregnancy, do not ignore:

• Severe headache or sudden anxiety
  
• Reduced or absent fetal movement
  
• Any leakage of fluid from the vagina
  
• Vaginal bleeding
  
• Severe abdominal pain
  

Early medical care can prevent complications and ensure a safe delivery for both mother and baby.

Expert Pregnancy Care at Om Global Hospital, Faridabad

At Om Global Hospital, our experienced gynaecologists and maternity care team provide:

• 24×7 emergency obstetric care
  
• Advanced fetal monitoring
  
• Safe labor and delivery services
  
• Personalized care for high-risk pregnancies
  

If you are in the final weeks of pregnancy and experience any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult our experts.

📍 Location: Faridabad
📞 Book an appointment today for safe and trusted maternity care