Finding out you’re pregnant can be exciting, overwhelming, and full of questions, especially if it’s your first time. As your body begins to change, it’s easy to wonder which early pregnancy signs are completely normal and which might need medical attention. Some symptoms are expected, but others may signal a more serious issue. Here are eight early pregnancy symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.
Pregnancy Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Abdominal Pain: Mild cramping in early pregnancy is not usually cause for concern. Cramping can be due to simple things like constipation or caused by the uterus growing and stretching. However, intense pain or cramping, specifically on one side, could indicate an ectopic pregnancy. This is a medical emergency and should be evaluated immediately.
- Vaginal Bleeding: Light vaginal spotting, especially in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, can be common. However, if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding with abdominal cramping, it is important to call your doctor right away. These can be symptoms of a miscarriage.
- Severe Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea or morning sickness is a normal and expected symptom of early pregnancy. Excessive nausea and vomiting, on the other hand, can lead to weight loss, dehydration, and other complications. If you can’t keep water or food down in early pregnancy, call your doctor. They will provide strategies and treatment to help keep you and your baby healthy.
- Fever: A fever is your body’s way of fighting an infection or inflammation. It’s important to see a doctor if you have a fever, especially a high one. Untreated, it can lead to developmental defects in the baby.
- Dizziness, Blurred Vision, or Fainting: These symptoms could indicate low blood pressure or dehydration. These can be associated with serious conditions like anemia or even an ectopic pregnancy. Because of this, they should never be ignored during early pregnancy.
- Unusual Vaginal Discharge: Vaginal discharge is completely normal, especially in pregnancy. If your discharge has an odor or if you have vaginal itching, it may signal a bacterial or yeast infection. Either of these can lead to pregnancy complications if not addressed.
- Leg Pain: Pregnancy puts women at greater risk for developing blood clots in the legs, which can cause leg pain and swelling. Although leg cramping can be normal during pregnancy, persistent leg pain should be evaluated by your doctor.
Pregnancy Symptoms Not to Worry About
With so many things to look out for in pregnancy, it may feel like every symptom is cause for concern, but many symptoms are completely normal. There is not reason to worry about:
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a common pregnancy symptom due to the increased demand on your body.
- Morning Sickness: Nausea, especially first thing in the morning, is very common in pregnancy as hormone levels increase.
- Body Aches: As your body grows and changes, the increased weight can lead to aches and pains.
- Vivid Dreams: Vivid dreams are considered normal. They are thought to be caused by the rapid increase in hormones experienced during pregnancy.
- Constipation: Pregnancy hormones can slow digestion, resulting in constipation. Fortunatley there are many safe over-the-counter remedies are available to get things moving.
- Baby Brain: Being more forgetful or confused while pregnant is entirely normal.
When To See Your Doctor
Bringing a new life into the world is already stressful. There is no need to second-guess or question your concerns. Whether your symptoms are considered normal or not, reaching out to your trusted OB/GYN can bring you peace of mind.
Don’t wonder about early pregnancy symptoms any longer – schedule an appointment today!