Your body goes through a tremendous number of changes during the nine months of pregnancy. And whether it’s your first—or even fourth—time experiencing it, there may be some symptoms that surprise or alarm you.
“No two pregnancies are exactly the same and everyone experiences different symptoms,” says Raminder Khangura, M.D., a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Henry Ford Health. “And if you’re feeling something you’re not sure is normal, that can be very stressful.”
When to Call Your Doctor About Signs of a Problem During Pregnancy
The good news is that most of the unusual—or even frightening—symptoms you may experience during pregnancy aren’t a cause for alarm. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore them.
“If something doesn’t feel right, pick up the phone and call your doctor,” says Dr. Khangura. “Don’t worry about bothering anyone, just call, check in and get peace of mind.”
She stresses that each pregnancy is unique. That means that your friends’ experiences—or even your own previous pregnancies—can’t necessarily be a guide to what’s happening in your current pregnancy. “What’s normal for someone else might not be normal for you,” says Dr. Khangura.
Common pregnancy symptoms that are important to discuss with your doctor can include:
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- Fatigue
- Mild swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Vaginal discharge
Your doctor can help determine if your symptoms are early warning signs of a problem they can address, or simply reassure you everything is okay.
Pregnancy Warning Signs That Require Immediate Care
There are several serious health conditions that can occur during pregnancy. Some can even be life-threatening—to you or your baby. Urgent pregnancy symptoms should never be ignored. You should call your doctor immediately or go straight to the emergency room.
Urgent maternal warning signs that could signal a serious problem include:
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Not feeling your baby moving
- Swelling or pain in your legs
- Severe abdominal pain, vomiting or not being able to keep any food down, and weight loss
- Severe depression or thoughts of hurting yourself
- Severe headache or vision changes
- Vaginal bleeding
“These symptoms could indicate something that requires immediate medical attention,” says Dr. Khangura. “Getting help early can prevent serious adverse outcomes.” These symptoms could be signs of pregnancy-related conditions such as:
- Anemia
- Blood clots
- Diabetes
- Miscarriage
- Placenta abruption
- Preeclampsia
- Stroke
Stay Aware of Symptoms After Pregnancy
Caring for yourself may take a back seat once your baby is born. But it’s critically important that you continue to make your own health a priority—don’t be embarrassed to bring any concerning symptoms to your doctor’s attention.
Be sure to schedule regular postpartum checkups and bring a list of any symptoms you’re experiencing. For up to a year after having a baby, you could experience a variety of both physical and mental health conditions related to pregnancy. If seeing a provider other than your obstetrician, be sure to tell them you were recently pregnant.
“Having any unusual symptoms during or after pregnancy can be scary, but your doctor is there to reassure you and catch any problems early,” says Dr. Khangura. “Sharing your concerns is an important way to partner with your doctor and make sure you have a healthy and safe pregnancy.”
Reviewed by Raminder Khangura, M.D., a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Henry Ford Health.
