During pregnancy you can expect to experience a number of symptoms ranging from mood swings to morning sickness. You may feel uncomfortable or awkward as your belly grows and your body changes, but most symptoms signify a normal, healthy pregnancy. Unfortunately, some pregnancies develop complications that can endanger your life, or the life of your baby. Certain symptoms point towards potential complications. Look out for these symptoms, and always feel comfortable calling your doctor if something feels "off."
Vaginal Bleeding
Sometimes vaginal bleeding is harmless, but in other cases it can signify a problem with your pregnancy. Always call your doctor if you're experiencing spotting or bleeding, particularly in the second or third trimester. The American Pregnancy Association suggests that if you're experiencing bleeding, wear a pad or panty liner to monitor how much blood you are losing. Vaginal bleeding could indicate complications ranging from miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy to placenta abruption or preterm labor.
Dizziness and/or Feeling Faint
According to the website WomensHealth.gov, a number of potential complications are accompanied by dizziness or faintness. If you're experiencing faintness, call your doctor to make sure you don't have anemia. Dizziness could signify problems like preeclampsia. And dizziness and faintness early in pregnancy could indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
Intense Sadness
If you're feeling overwhelmed by persistent sadness, or if you feel like hurting yourself or your unborn child, you may have depression. According to WomensHealth.gov, a mother's depression during pregnancy could affect the baby's development. Talk to your doctor to discuss potential treatment options.
Flu-Like Symptoms
If you start feeling like you have the flu, you need to contact your doctor right away. A fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and headaches could all indicate that you're coming down with the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnant women who contract the flu can become much more ill than other people. Some pregnant women with the flu could experience severe pneumonia or even preterm labor.
