All pregnancies are different, and most women experience different symptoms with each pregnancy. Whether you’re a first-time expectant mother or on your fourth pregnancy, it can be hard to know whether the pregnancy symptoms you’re experiencing are normal or something you should see your doctor about. We put together some of the most common questions expectant mothers have about their symptoms and whether they warrant a visit to your doctor or not. As a general rule, it’s best to trust your body and give your doctor a call if you’re feeling worried about a symptom, so he or she can rule out any possible complication and put your mind at ease.
Is vaginal bleeding during pregnancy normal?
Spotting during pregnancy is somewhat common, especially in the first trimester. Spotting can be caused by implantation bleeding early on in your pregnancy. Other women spot throughout the entirety of their pregnancy and continue to carry their child to term without complications. If you are spotting, you should definitely reach out to your doctor, who will let you know whether further testing is needed.
Heavier bleeding similar to a period could be cause for concern. If you are experiencing period-like bleeding, you should be evaluated by your provider immediately.
Is it normal to feel nauseous every day?
According to the National Library of Medicine, nausea and vomiting affect 70%-80% of all pregnant women. It’s especially prevalent in the first trimester. It can range from slight nausea in the morning called morning sickness to feeling sick all day long. Some women experience extreme nausea through the entirety of their pregnancy. There are several home remedies that may give you a bit of relief, including eating or drinking ginger and peppermint, eating small snacks instead of full meals, and keeping crackers at your bedside table for when you wake up. If you begin losing weight, are unable to keep fluids down and are feeling dehydrated, contact your doctor. Your health care provider can advise whether you might be a good candidate for a prescription to help with the nausea.
Along with nausea, unfortunately, comes vomiting. Some women vomit every day of their pregnancy, while others never vomit. If you are unable to drink for more than nine hours or eat for more than 24 hours, you should contact your doctor. You could be experiencing dehydration. Symptoms include a dry mouth, headache, confusion, fever and dizziness.
I’ve developed a skin rash. Should I be concerned?
Changes in your skin during pregnancy are normal. If you have excessive itching, especially at night on your hands and feet, you should visit your doctor. Severe itching could be due to cholestasis of pregnancy, which is a liver ailment.
I have a horrible headache that won’t go away. Should I be worried?
Occasional headaches during pregnancy are common. If your headaches are severe, constant and cause you to feel dizzy, faint or affect your vision, you should see a doctor right away. Severe headaches could be a symptom of preeclampsia, a serious condition where women have high blood pressure, protein in their urine and swelling in their legs, feet and hands. The condition could be potentially dangerous for Mom and Baby, so make sure you notify your health care provider if you experience these symptoms.
Am I gaining too much weight?
Women are expected to gain weight during their pregnancy, but how much weight is too much weight? According to the Mayo Clinic, women at a healthy weight should gain 25-35 pounds, overweight women should gain 15-25 pounds, and underweight women should gain 28-40 pounds during pregnancy. If you gain more than this, you’re not alone. Many women find they tend to gain more than the recommended amount. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 48% of American moms gain too much weight. But when should you be worried about your weight gain? Women normally gain a half-pound to a pound per week after the first trimester. If you’re gaining more rapidly, discuss it with your doctor. Rapid weight gain could increase your chances for complications such as diabetes, c-section and high blood pressure.
My baby isn’t kicking very much. Should I be concerned?
Starting around 28 weeks, you’ll begin to track your baby’s fetal kicks. Ten movements in an hour is considered typical fetal movement. You will slowly begin to see a pattern in your baby’s kicks. Your baby might be more active at night or after you’ve finished a meal. If you don’t feel 10 kicks in an hour, don’t worry. Your baby might be resting or just being still. Try drinking juice, lying down on your left side, playing loud music, eating a meal or going for a walk. Contact your health care provider if fetal movements slow down, stop or change abruptly. The doctor will be able to wake up the baby, track fetal heart rate and movements or take an ultrasound if needed. If you’re worried, it’s best to get it checked out just in case.
It’s painful to urinate. What should I do?
If you’re experiencing painful or burning urination, the urge to go again after peeing, having cloudy or bloody urine, or urine with a strong odor, it’s possible you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). If the UTI is not treated and it spreads to the kidneys, you could experience fever, chills, back pain, nausea and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor to get a prescription.
I’ve been extremely tired every day. Is it normal to feel this fatigued?
Fatigue is extremely common during pregnancy. Your body is working in overdrive to grow your baby. Do your best to take time to rest each day. If you’re,feeling exhausted, listen to your body and take it easy. Save decorating the nursery or tackling all that newborn laundry for days you feel a surge of energy. In general, fatigue is nothing to worry about, but as with most symptoms, if it becomes severe and overwhelming, contact your doctor to be evaluated.
Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley, 9, and Ensley, 3, in St. Joseph.