Hear Her. You Can Help Save Her Life.
Over 700 women die each year in the U.S. from issues related to pregnancy or delivery. Two thirds of these pregnancy-related deaths could be prevented if people were better informed. Women know their own bodies better than anyone and can often tell when something does not feel right. The Hear Her campaign supports efforts to prevent pregnancy-related deaths by sharing potentially life-saving messages about "Urgent Maternal Warning Signs." The campaign also seeks to encourage everyone who supports pregnant and postpartum women to really listen when she tells you something doesn't feel right. This includes partners, friends, family, co-workers, and providers. Acting quickly could help save her life.
What to Watch for During Pregnancy and in the Year After Delivery
Be aware of urgent warning signs and symptoms during pregnancy and in the year after delivery. Seek medical care right away if you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed below.
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
If you experience any of these warning signs, get medical care right away.
- Severe headache that won't go away or gets worse over time
- Dizziness or fainting
- Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
- Changes in your eyesight
- Fever of 100.4° F or higher
- Extreme swelling of your 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 stops moving or slows down during pregnancy
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid that smells bad after pregnancy
- Your leg hurts, swells, or appears red
- Extreme tiredness
This list is not meant to cover everything you might experience. If you feel like something just isn't right, talk to your health care provider. Be sure to tell them if you're pregnant or if you were pregnant in the last year.
Educational Materials
- Palm Cards for Pregnant or Recently Pregnant People available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Bengali, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Yiddish
- Palm Cards for Partners, Friends, and Family available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Bengali, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Yiddish
- Palm Card for American Indian and Alaskan Native People who are Pregnant or Postpartum: English
- Palm Card for Partners, Friends, and Family of American Indian and Alaskan Native People who are Pregnant or Postpartum: English
- To order the palm cards listed above, please complete this Materials Order Form (PDF)
Resources
To learn more about the Hear Her Campaign, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/HearHer
For more information about the work of the New York State Department of Health and the CDC on maternal mortality, visit: Taskforce on Maternal Mortality and Disparate Racial Outcomes (NYSDOH) and Maternal Mortality (CDC.gov)
HEAR and Hear Her Concerns are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Use of these marks by the New York State Department of Health does not imply endorsement by HHS/CDC.
