Dull ache in the lower back(If you have had a dull backache throughout the pregnancy, then this symptom is only a danger sign if it is different from the backache you've had before.)
Pain or pressure above the pubic bone(in the area of the pubic hair.)
Sensation of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic region.
Increase in vaginal secretions, including loss of the mucous plug.
Change in the type of vaginal secretion(for example, from thick to thin or watery.)
Bloody discharge from the vagina.
Diarrhea.
Uterine contractions occurring 10 minutes apart or more frequently for more than 1 hour; even if they are not painful(a contraction is palpated when the top of your uterus-the fundus-gets hard, softens, and hardens again). If these disappear when you lie down, they are probably not labor:
Symptoms of urinary tract infection-pain or burning on urination, especially at the end of urination; urgency-an unusually strong feel of the need to urinate, especially if you actually urinate very small amounts; frequency-needing to urinate very often(although this may be difficult for pregnant women to differentiate from the usual increased frequency of late pregnancy).
Any leakage of fluid from the vagina.This can be a big gush or a continuous dripping of watery fluid. This may indicate rupture of the membranes.
If your work involves heavy physical labor, rotating or night shifts, long periods of standing, or makes you excessively tired, consider changing or reducing your workload. Unfortunately, women in the United States are not uniformly guaranteed paid maternity leave.
As sexually transmitted infections may be implicated in premature rupture of the membranes and preterm labor, you should use a condom if you are at risk for such an infection. Being at risk means that either you or your partner has more than one sexual partner. If you have any doubt about whether this is the case for your partner, or you have had a pre term birth, you should use condoms. In fact, because semen contains prostaglandins-body chemicals that cause uterine contractions-use of a condom from midpregnancy to 37 weeks gestation is a good idea for any woman who has had a previous preterm birth. The condoms provide a barrier between your body and your partner's semen.
If you have a history of pre term labor or signs of preterm labor, avoid nipple or breast stimulation in the third trimester, before 37 weeks gestation, as this initiates uterine contractions. Abstain from orgasm if there is any question of threatened preterm labor, as it can lead to contractions.
There is some evidence, although not conclusive, that calcium supplementation may help prevent preterm labor. Routine calcium supplementation is not currently advised in pregnancy, but you should certainly maintain an adequate dietary intake of calcium sources. Except for sometimes causing constipation, a calcium supplement is not dangerous in pregnancy. If you have had a preterm birth, discuss with your physician or midwife whether or not they advise calcium supplementation as a possible preventive measure. In the 1980s, some promising studies showed that preterm birth might be prevented with frequent prenatal visits and vaginal examinations for women at risk for preterm labor. A number of "Prevention of Preterm" birth programs were funded by various governmental and private agencies. Unfortunately, these did not demonstrate that such measures were uniformly valuable in preventing preterm birth. Whether or not to do weekly or biweekly vaginal examinations or ultrasounds to check the cervix in the third trimester for women with a previous preterm birth remains controversial.
A career warning sign is any change that indicates possible career disaster. While warning signs may vary according to employment situations, there are four basic warning signs to look for.
Warning Sign #1: Your industry is experiencing a downturn.
Telecommunications is a perfect example. A few years ago, telecom was one of the fastest growing industries, with positions available at all levels. The first negative indicator was unmet earnings expectations. Those who paid attention left the industry.
People who practice career management watch the growth trends within their industry and know to leave ahead of the crowd.
Warning Sign #2: Sales are down in your company.
While not everyone in an organization is involved with sales, all jobs are affected by sales levels. When revenues decrease, profits are held steady by cutting costs, which often means cutting jobs. Protect yourself by paying attention to your company's sales.
While not all employees are privy to sales numbers, there are ways of finding pertinent financial information. Public companies must publish financial statements. And employees of non-public companies can also read the signs of declining sales, like:
* Work load decline
* Boss suddenly concerned about small costs, like pens and copy paper
* Sales manager was fired or sales department reorganized
Alert employees are sensitive to such indicators. They keep their resume updated at all times and cultivate a growing professional network for potential future job leads.
Warning Sign #3: Management changes.
Any management change has the potential to damage your corporate position. Be watchful during:
* Mergers and acquisitions
* Successive short-term management (e.g., three bosses in two years)
* Retirement or replacement of senior management
Wise employees listen closely to new-management rhetoric. Is he making dramatic promises? Does he have a reputation as a job cutter? The first announcement of new management is the time to prepare your resume and cautiously explore outside options.
Warning Sign #4: You've lost favor with your boss.
This is the sign that, for many, hits home first. If you once held the enviable role as "company wonder boy," but now your gut feelings are warning you that you could be easily replaced, check for some of these objective indicators:
* A less-than-exemplary performance review
* No performance-based salary increase
* Smaller than expected year-end bonus
* Your input is not requested at planning meetings
* Your suggestions are ignored
If you sense your position on the corporate totem pole is falling, trust your gut. When jobs are at stake, yours will be one of the first sacrificed. Prepare your new career action plan.
These warning signs may seem obvious, but they are often ignored by those who fear change. Rather than take action, they lean on false hope that loyalty to the employer will pay off in the end.
Those who practice career management never confuse company loyalty with aversion to change. When career warning signs appear on the horizon, read the signs clearly so that you're ready for the next exit with a strong resume, career action plan, and interview skills.
Both Robert Baird & Deborah Walker are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Robert Baird has sinced written about articles on various topics from Babies, Family and Pregnancy Problems. Author has an experience of more than 4 years writing about . He also holds experience writing about. Robert Baird's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.
Deborah Walker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Career Change, Prospects and Recent Graduate. Deborah Walker, Certified Career Management Coach helps job-seekers nationwide make critical career transitions that allow continued upward career and income growth. Visit Deb and find more career articles and sample resumes at. Deborah Walker's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.