Even normal, healthy pregnancies come along with a myriad of side effects and symptoms. But it can be hard to distinguish what’s a normal part of pregnancy, what’s outside the norm but still harmless, and what signals a possible problem. Let’s explore signs to call your doctor or midwife when pregnant.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Before we dive into a list of symptoms that could signal trouble, remember that these things don’t always mean that something is seriously wrong. It’s important to know what symptoms to take seriously so that you can handle them appropriately, though they won’t necessarily result in harm to you or your baby. Whatever you’re experiencing, keep calm and know that most pregnancies result in healthy babies. Keeping this in perspective can calm your mind and allow you to move through potential problems with minimal worry.
We’ll explore all of these a little deeper, but here’s a quick overview of reasons you’d need to call your doctor or midwife:
Some spotting, especially during the first trimester, is not uncommon, and does not usually signal a problem. What’s the difference between spotting and bleeding, though? For the purposes of accurately describing symptoms, healthcare providers usually describe bleeding as being as heavy as, or heavier than, a menstrual period (1). Any type of notable bleeding during pregnancy is a valid reason to call to your doctor or midwife.
Read more about bleeding during pregnancy, and how to describe your symptoms to your caregiver, in our blog post Bleeding and Cramping During Early Pregnancy.
Abdominal discomfort is, again, not uncommon during pregnancy. As your baby grows, your body is stretched and pulled in ways that aren’t always comfortable. You may notice cramping that feels like menstrual cramping. Or you may feel a pulling or dull ache on the sides of your lower abdomen. In the second trimester or third trimester, this is likely stretching of the round ligaments, bands of tissue that support your uterus (2). Signs to call your doctor while pregnant include feeling:
Vomiting and diarrhea are both “gifts” of the hormone swings of pregnancy, and many women will experience one or both of them. Vomiting and diarrhea aren’t harmful to your baby, but you have to be careful not to get dehydrated (3). Call your doctor if:
Learn more about nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: Morning Sickness vs Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Another sign to call your doctor when pregnant is if you’re showing any signs of dehydration, which could be caused by severe diarrhea or vomiting. Signs of dehydration include:
A fever is typically a sign that your body is fighting some kind of viral or bacterial infection. If your body temperature is high for a prolonged period of time, this can be harmful to your baby, especially in the first trimester (5). A temperature of 102 degrees or higher while pregnant is a sign to call your doctor. In the meantime, choose natural methods of cooling your body, like a lukewarm shower and drinking plenty of fluids; consult your caregiver for guidance before taking any medications.
Dizziness during pregnancy can be caused by things like changes in circulation, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and dehydration (3). For occasional or mild dizziness, you should just hydrate, change positions slowly, avoid overheating, etc. (And mention it to your doctor at your next visit.) However, it becomes a sign to call the doctor if you’re experiencing:
A common complaint of pregnancy is the need to hit the bathroom all the time, especially as the baby grows and puts pressure on the bladder. While a need to pee frequently while pregnant isn’t a sign to call the doctor, it is a problem if you feel like you need to but are unable to go, if you feel a burning or pain with urination, or if there is blood in your urine. These may be symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other problem, and they warrant a call to your doctor.
Mild headaches area a fairly common pregnancy complaint, especially for women who were prone to headaches with their periods (3). However, a severe headache, or one that won’t go away, could signal a problem like pre-eclampsia. If you’re experiencing pain beyond what you’d consider a normal headache or have long-lasting headaches, it’s a sign to call your doctor or midwife.
Learn more: Headaches During Pregnancy: Is It Normal?
Again, swelling is a normal symptom of pregnancy. Seventy-five percent of pregnant women report swollen fingers, ankles, and feet, so these alone are not signs to call your doctor (1). Additionally, your face may look rounder or fuller because of the weight you gain during pregnancy and water retention.
However, if you have a rapid, drastic weight gain — like ten pounds in five days — or you notice sudden swelling, it could signal pre-eclampsia (which causes water retention) (1). This is a serious condition, and you should contact your doctor or midwife right away.
Make sure you track your symptoms so that you can communicate clearly and effectively with your healthcare provider. Be prepared to tell the person on the phone the following information:
Having all of these things ready when you call will help make the process smoother.
If you have additional questions about pregnancy symptoms, Tommy’s (a nonprofit dedicated to making pregnancy safer for everyone) has an interactive Pregnancy Symptom Checker page where you can click on different pregnancy symptoms to learn more about them.
Kopa Birth’s online birthing classes allow you to prepare for a natural hospital birth from the comfort of your own home, 24/7. Enroll today in our free online childbirth class and start preparing for your natural birth!
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Even normal, healthy pregnancies come along with a myriad of side effects and symptoms. But it can be hard to distinguish what’s a normal part of pregnancy, what’s outside the
