During your pregnancy you may experience some minor discomforts as your body changes and grows. Normal discomforts can include heartburn, backaches, feeling tired or ligamental pain in the abdomen. However, other signs can signal more significant problems that require immediate medical attention. You should know what these symptoms are so you can get immediate help if it is needed.
Heavy Bleeding and Abdominal Cramping
Bleeding or spotting from your vagina is not normal during a pregnancy. According to Sutter Health Services, bleeding or spotting is a sign that something may be wrong in your pregnancy. Sometimes this bleeding is accompanied by cramping. Whether or not cramping is present, the bleeding or cramping should be reported to your physician immediately.
Excessive Thirst and Frequent Urination
Gestational diabetes can have no symptoms or you may experience excessive thirst followed by frequent urination. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognition and treatment of gestational diabetes is important to decrease your risk of later experiencing preeclampsia, early delivery, a baby who is large for gestational age or a baby who is born with blood sugar and breathing problems.
High Blood Pressure
You may experience high blood pressure that starts after your 20th week of pregnancy and goes away when you have delivered your child. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services high blood pressure without other symptoms can be an early sign of preeclampsia. High blood pressure can also affect the amount of blood supply to the baby.
Constant Nausea and Vomiting
Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe, persistent nausea and vomiting. According to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics this symptom is more extreme than typical "morning sickness" and can result in dehydration and hospitalization. You may experience weight loss from constant vomiting. You will experience increasing thirst, dry mouth, weakness, light headedness and decreased urination if you are dehydrated from excessive vomiting.
Constant Fatigue
It is normal to be tired during your first trimester and at the end of your pregnancy. However, if you experience constant fatigue, are pale, feel faint or are short of breath you can also be suffering from anemia. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services anemia is the result of a lower number of healthy red blood cells. This requires treatment of the underlying cause to help restore the body's ability to carry oxygen efficiently.
Severe Headache or Changes in Vision
Preeclampsia and eclampsia can endanger the life of you and your child. Severe headaches and blurred vision can be accompanied by a sharp rise in blood pressure; swelling of the face, hands or feet; visions of flashing lights; and high protein levels in the urine. You will notice the swelling, headache and vision changes at home which herald the onset of preeclampsia. This is a medical emergency and should be addressed immediately.
Painful Calf
Blood clots to the lower extremity can develop in the latter stages of pregnancy as you find it more difficult to move around and your expanding belly places more pressure on the blood supply to the lower extremities. According to Sutter Health Systems a hot, reddened and painful area on the back of the calf or behind the knee is a signal to contact your physician for medical care.
Limited Fetal Movement
After 26 weeks you should feel your baby move approximately 10 times each day. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services your developing baby can experience poor growth or heart problems that lead to limited movement inside your womb. You may find that your baby is moving less or kicks less than 10 times each day. In some instances there are no symptoms and the physician will find issues with prenatal testing. Treatments will depend upon the results of the testing to both the mother and the baby.
