It’s no secret that pregnancy is hard on your body. Your baby is growing daily, and it can take a toll on you. While some aches and pains are to be expected, it’s important to know when to contact your doctor.
Pregnant women often experience back and hip pain, in addition to a variety of other symptoms. Ask your doctor to go over the most common problems with you so that you can know what to expect ahead of time. If you have any of the following issues, contact your doctor right away, as it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
While many causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy may not lead to long-term problems, it is something that should be checked out as soon as possible. Your doctor will want to know when it started, how long it has gone on, how many pads you are using, and whether you recently experienced any abdominal trauma or sexual intercourse.
During the second and third trimesters, the development of a severe headache with swelling all over (including the hands and face) can be a dangerous sign of impending preeclampsia. This can be dangerous for both you and your baby and should be evaluated promptly. Foot and leg swelling with occasional mild headaches during your first trimester are normal and may be alleviated by drinking more water.
Early in pregnancy, intense abdominal pain may indicate an ectopic pregnancy. Late in pregnancy, intense abdominal pain may signal contractions. It is normal for the uterus to “practice” contracting, so this isn’t necessarily a sign of labor. However, if you have contractions that come regularly every 3 to 5 minutes for more than an hour, you should contact your doctor.
If this isn’t your first pregnancy, it’s important to keep in mind that things may be different this time around. No two pregnancies are exactly alike, and you may experience different symptoms than you had with a previous child. This blog is, of course, not all-inclusive. So, if you are unsure whether or not you should make an appointment with your doctor, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
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