Pregnancy is typically a happy time in a woman's life as she excitedly plans for the arrival of her little one. In the beginning, she may experience some morning sickness, and as the baby grows, her back may ache or she may experience slight pelvic pain as the baby tries to make itself comfortable. However, certain aches and pains indicate more serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Pain in the Lower Abdomen
Should you experience pain or pressure in your lower abdomen between weeks six and 16 of your pregnancy, it may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, according to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.
An ectopic pregnancy is one that occurs when the fertilized egg remains in the fallopian tubes, cervix, pelvis or abdomen rather than moving on to the uterus, where it has room to grow and develop. When in the fallopian tubes, it will tear the walls of the tube as it grows, resulting in bleeding and a drop in blood pressure.
Additional symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, aside from pain, include weakness, dizziness and fainting. This can be a life-threatening situation and requires immediate medical attention.
Cramping and Bleeding
Both the University of Iowa and the California Pacific Medical Center state that cramping and bleeding, especially during the first 20 weeks of your pregnancy, may be signs of a miscarriage. In many cases, this occurs because there is a problem with the pregnancy, and more often than not, the baby is lost.
High Blood Pressure
The American Congress of of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that it is unclear why gestational hypertension--high blood pressure occurring only during pregnancy--affects some women and not others. It is a serious condition, and treatment depends on its severity. Mild cases may be treated at home with the mother on complete bed rest, while other cases require that the mother be hospitalized.
The signs of this condition include a blood pressure of 140/90 or higher accompanied by a swelling of the face, hands, feet and eyes. The mother may also experience headaches and blurred vision. In more severe instances, high blood pressure can lead to a condition known as preeclampsia. For this condition, the mother is placed in the hospital, and in some cases, the baby is delivered early to prevent the mother from developing eclampsia, a condition that causes her to suffer from seizures or entering into a coma.
Heavy Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding that begins suddenly in the final few months of pregnancy could be a sign of placenta previa, as stated by the University of Iowa. The bleeding is usually bright red, and the mother feels no pain.
This condition occurs when the placenta has detached from the the uterus or has attached itself over the opening of the cervix. Either way, this presents a danger for the baby, as the placenta is his source of both food and oxygen. Depending on how much of the placenta has detached, the doctor may choose to place the mother on bed rest, or may need to deliver the baby early in an effort to save his life.
