Which situation requires immediate physician notification in late pregnancy?

Which situation requires immediate physician notification in late pregnancy?

• A. Dyspnea
• B. A weight gain of 0.5-0.75 kg in the third trimester
• C. Leg cramps
• D. Fewer than 10 fetal movements in 12 hours

Answer: (D)

In late pregnancy, fetal movement is a key indicator of how well the fetus is doing. A sudden drop in activity is a red flag because it can signal fetal distress or reduced oxygen delivery. If movements fall to fewer than the expected amount—such as fewer than 10 movements in 12 hours—this indicates the fetus may be compromised, and you should contact a physician or go to the hospital right away for evaluation (often with fetal monitoring and possibly ultrasound). The other signs can occur in late pregnancy but are not as consistently urgent. Dyspnea can be common due to the growing uterus and chest wall changes, though new or severe shortness of breath with other symptoms still requires assessment. Leg cramps are a common, usually benign discomfort. A weight gain of about half a kilogram to three-quarters of a kilogram in a short period can fall within typical late-pregnancy variation, depending on timing and context.

In late pregnancy, fetal movement is a key indicator of how well the fetus is doing. A sudden drop in activity is a red flag because it can signal fetal distress or reduced oxygen delivery. If movements fall to fewer than the expected amount—such as fewer than 10 movements in 12 hours—this indicates the fetus may be compromised, and you should contact a physician or go to the hospital right away for evaluation (often with fetal monitoring and possibly ultrasound).

The other signs can occur in late pregnancy but are not as consistently urgent. Dyspnea can be common due to the growing uterus and chest wall changes, though new or severe shortness of breath with other symptoms still requires assessment. Leg cramps are a common, usually benign discomfort. A weight gain of about half a kilogram to three-quarters of a kilogram in a short period can fall within typical late-pregnancy variation, depending on timing and context.