Pregnancy brings so many changes to your body that it's natural to worry about every little thing. While most pregnancy symptoms are completely normal, knowing what to watch for can give you peace of mind and help you know when it's time to call your doctor.
Bleeding and Spotting
What's Normal
Light spotting is fairly common in early pregnancy. About 20% of women experience some bleeding during their first trimester. This can happen when the fertilized egg implants in your uterus, or from hormonal changes.
When to Worry
Call your doctor right away if you experience heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour), bright red blood, or bleeding with cramping or pain. Any bleeding in the second or third trimester should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately.
Baby Movement Concerns
What's Normal
Most women start feeling baby movement between 16-24 weeks. At first, it might feel like bubbles or fluttering. As your baby grows, movements become stronger and more noticeable. Every baby has their own pattern of activity.
When to Worry
After 28 weeks, if you notice a significant decrease in movement, contact your healthcare provider. A good rule is that you should feel at least 10 movements in 2 hours during your baby's active times.
Cramping and Pain
What's Normal
Mild cramping is common as your uterus grows and stretches. Round ligament pain, which feels like a sharp pain on one or both sides of your belly, is also normal. Braxton Hicks contractions in the third trimester are your body's way of preparing for labor.
When to Worry
Severe cramping, especially with bleeding, could signal a problem. Regular contractions before 37 weeks might be preterm labor. Any severe abdominal pain that doesn't go away with rest should be checked out.
Nausea and Vomiting
What's Normal
Morning sickness affects most pregnant women and can actually occur any time of day. It usually starts around week 6 and improves by week 12-14. Feeling queasy and occasionally vomiting is part of normal pregnancy for many women.
When to Worry
If you can't keep any food or fluids down for 24 hours, you might have severe morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition can lead to dehydration and requires medical treatment.
Headaches and Dizziness
What's Normal
Occasional headaches are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, stress, and fatigue. Feeling dizzy when you stand up quickly is also normal because of changes in your blood pressure and circulation.
When to Worry
Severe headaches that don't respond to rest, especially if accompanied by vision changes or swelling, could be a sign of preeclampsia. Frequent dizziness or fainting spells should also be discussed with your doctor.
Trust Your Instincts
Remember that you know your body better than anyone. If something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to call your healthcare provider. They would rather hear from you about a false alarm than miss something important.
Keep a list of your concerns to discuss at your next appointment, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Your peace of mind is important for both you and your baby.
Emergency Warning Signs
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding or passing clots
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of preterm labor (regular contractions before 37 weeks)
- Sudden decrease in baby movement after 28 weeks
- Severe headache with vision changes
- High fever (over 100.4°F)