Each year, there are too many deaths in the United States due to complications from pregnancy. Recognizing the warning signs, getting the right diagnosis, and getting treatment as soon as possible can save lives.

CDC’s Hear Her campaign is raising awareness of potentially life-threatening warning signs during and after pregnancy and encourages people supporting pregnant and postpartum women to really listen when they express concerns.

Up to a year after pregnancy, pregnant and postpartum people need to seek medical care immediately if they experience any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Severe headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time
• Dizziness or fainting
• Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
• Changes in vision
• Fever of 100.4º F or higher
• Extreme swelling of hands or face
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain or fast-beating heart
• Severe nausea and throwing up (not like morning sickness)
• Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away
• Baby’s movement stopping or slowing down during pregnancy
• Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid that smells bad after pregnancy
• Swelling, redness or pain of your leg
• Overwhelming tiredness
  
  Most deaths caused by complications from pregnancy can be prevented. Hear Her encourages partners, family, friends, and providers to listen when pregnant or postpartum women express concerns. Your actions could help save their life.

To learn more, visit cdc.gov/HearHer.