Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but sometimes urgent medical attention is needed. While routine scans are important, certain warning signs require immediate ultrasound evaluation to protect both mother and baby.
Here are 5 critical situations when Lagos moms-to-be should seek an emergency pregnancy scan:
1. Severe Abdominal Pain
🔴 When to worry:
- Sharp, stabbing pains (especially one-sided)
- Constant cramping that won't ease
- Pain accompanied by bleeding
🚨 Possible causes:
- Ectopic pregnancy (life-threatening if ruptured)
- Miscarriage in progress
- Placental abruption or separation
Lagos Alert: Traffic can delay emergency care - don't "wait it out!"
2. Vaginal Bleeding
🔴 Danger signs:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad hourly)
- Bright red blood with clots
- Bleeding with dizziness/fainting
🚨 What the scan checks:
- Baby's heartbeat
- Placenta position (rule out placenta previa - placenta in the lower womb)
- Signs of miscarriage
Nigerian Reality: Many women ignore early spotting - but any bleeding warrants a scan.
3. Sudden Loss of Pregnancy Symptoms
🔴 Warning signs:
- Breast tenderness disappearing abruptly
- No more morning sickness (when previously severe)
- Can't feel baby move (in later pregnancy)
🚨 Scan reveals:
- Fetal heartbeat
- Baby's growth progress
- Amniotic fluid levels
Lagos Mom Tip: Don't assume "it's normal" - quick scanning saves babies.
4. Reduced Fetal Movement
🔴 Emergency signal:
- Less than 10 kicks in 2 hours (after 28 weeks)
- Dramatic change in baby's usual pattern
- No movement for several hours
🚨 Scan checks:
- Baby's oxygen supply
- Umbilical cord issues
- Distress signs
Critical: After 6pm? Some Lagos clinics offer 24/7 emergency scans.
5. High Fever with Pregnancy
🔴 Danger zone:
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
- With abdominal pain/contractions
- After possible infection exposure
🚨 Scan evaluates:
- Risk of preterm labor
- Infection spread to baby
- Amniotic fluid infection
Lagos Reality: Malaria/common infections become dangerous when pregnant
Don't Ignore These Symptoms!
While some pregnancy discomfort is normal, these 5 red flags require same-day ultrasound evaluation. Better to get checked unnecessarily than risk complications.
Experienced any of these warning signs?
📞 Call your doctor immediately