9 Pregnancy Danger Signs Every Family in Kenya Should Know
Bleeding, severe headache, swelling, reduced baby movements: the pregnancy danger signs that mean you should go to a health facility immediately, day or night.
- Written by
- Primegala Clinical Team
- Published
- Reading time
- 2 min read
On this page
Short answer: Go to a health facility immediately, at any hour, if you are pregnant and have vaginal bleeding, severe headache, blurred vision, convulsions, swelling of the face or hands, fever, severe abdominal pain, your waters breaking early, or your baby moving less than usual.
Most pregnancies go well. But when something goes wrong, the hours matter. These are the signs listed in Kenya's Mother & Child Health booklet that every pregnant woman, and everyone around her, should know.
The danger signs
- Vaginal bleeding at any stage of pregnancy.
- Severe headache that doesn't go away, especially with blurred vision.
- Blurred vision or seeing spots. Along with headache, this can signal pre-eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure).
- Swelling of the face and hands. Some ankle swelling is normal; puffiness of the face and hands is not.
- Convulsions (fits) or loss of consciousness.
- Fever, especially with chills, which may signal an infection or malaria.
- Severe abdominal pain that isn't normal labour.
- Waters breaking (fluid leaking from the vagina) before labour starts or before 37 weeks.
- Reduced or no baby movements after you've started feeling them regularly.
What to do
- Don't wait to "see if it gets better."
- Go straight to a facility, or call 999 or 112 for emergencies.
- Bring your Mother & Child Health booklet, your ID and your SHA details.
- Tell the nurse at the door exactly what's happening so you're seen quickly.
Plan ahead so you're never stuck
Agree on transport for night-time emergencies before you need it: a neighbour with a car, a trusted boda rider's number, or a family member. Save the number of your nearest 24-hour facility in your phone today.
We're open 24 hours at Maili Sita
Primegala Medical Centre assesses pregnancy concerns at any hour, opposite Kiamaina Primary School on the Nakuru–Nyahururu Road. If you need specialist care, we stabilise and refer quickly. Learn about our maternity services and antenatal care.
At Primegala
Maternity & Delivery
Respectful, skilled care through labour, birth and the first days with your baby.
- Open 24 hours, every day, including public holidays
- Maili Sita, opposite Kiamaina Primary School
- SHA accepted for eligible services
Frequently asked questions
Is bleeding in pregnancy always dangerous?
Any vaginal bleeding in pregnancy should be checked by a health worker promptly. Some causes are minor, but others are serious for mother and baby.
How often should my baby move?
From around 28 weeks, most babies have a regular pattern of movements. If your baby is moving less than usual, or you can't feel movements, go to a facility immediately; don't wait until the next day.