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Pregnancy-Related Problems
Overview
It's likely you'll be healthy during your pregnancy. You probably won't have any serious health concerns. But it's important for you to be aware of symptoms that may mean you have a more serious problem. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have while you are pregnant. Then your health problems can be checked quickly.
Many minor problems of pregnancy can be managed at home. Home treatment is usually all that's needed to relieve mild morning sickness or discomfort from heartburn or constipation. You can also use home treatment for sleep problems, hip pain, hemorrhoids, and fatigue. But talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter or herbal medicine. Some may not be safe during pregnancy. If you have a problem and your doctor gives you specific instructions, be sure to follow those instructions.
While most problems that occur during pregnancy are minor, you may have more serious symptoms that you need to talk to your doctor about. Your symptoms may be related to:
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Miscarriage. Symptoms may include:
- Vaginal bleeding. In the first trimester, it may be a sign of miscarriage.
- Tissue that passes through the vagina. When you pass tissue, you may also pass large blood clots. If you can, collect the tissue and bring it with you when you see your doctor.
- Cramps.
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Preterm labor. Symptoms may include:
- Contractions that start before the 37th week of pregnancy.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge or fluid leaking from your vagina.
- Belly, pelvic, or back (flank) pain. This pain may come and go regularly.
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Gestational diabetes. You may have symptoms of high blood sugar, such as being very thirsty or having blurred vision. Or you may not have any symptoms at all.
- Infection. Symptoms may include:
- Fever. Mild fevers that last only a short time usually aren't a concern. A fever that doesn't get better with home treatment or doesn't improve after several days may mean that you have a more serious problem.
- Nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. Vomiting during pregnancy is more likely to be serious if it happens more than 2 or 3 times a day or if you also have pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding.
- Urinary problems, such as pain when you urinate, blood in your urine, or a frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
- Vaginal problems, such as vaginal pain or itching, abnormal discharge, or sores or rashes in or around the vagina.
- High blood pressure. Sometimes this is the first sign of a serious problem called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia can occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Symptoms of very high blood pressure or preeclampsia may include:
- Sudden swelling in your face, hands, or feet.
- Rapid weight gain—more than 2 lb (0.9 kg) a week.
- A severe headache.
- Vision problems such as blurred or double vision.
- Pain in the upper right belly.
- Blood clots. The risk of blood clots increases during and after pregnancy. Symptoms may include:
- Pain or swelling in your arm or leg. Or you may have warmth or redness or any change in color in your arm or leg. These are symptoms of a blood clot in your arm or leg (deep vein thrombosis).
- Sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, and coughing up blood. These are symptoms of a blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolism).
- Cholestasis of pregnancy. When bile doesn't flow out of the liver very well, it can cause a liver problem that can make your skin feel very itchy. This problem doesn't cause any serious health problems for you. But it may cause problems for your baby. Your doctor will want to watch you and your baby closely.
- Peripartum cardiomyopathy. This problem may occur during late pregnancy. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, and feeling very tired and faint or dizzy.
- Depression. If you are tearful, sad, or anxious, or if you have big mood swings, talk to your doctor. You can also call the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255 right away.
You may also have other common problems while you're pregnant, like a cold, COVID-19, or the flu, that aren't caused by your pregnancy. Ask your doctor about home treatments for these problems. And make sure to talk to your doctor if you develop more serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or a fever that doesn't get better with home treatment.
During the days and weeks after delivery (postpartum period), you can expect that your body will change as it returns to its nonpregnant condition. As with pregnancy changes, postpartum changes are different for each person. Some problems, such as high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, or diabetes, may continue after delivery. You may need to follow up with your doctor about these problems after your baby is born.
Check Your Symptoms
The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have.
- If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
- If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
- If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as "male" and once as "female"). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.
Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:
- Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
- Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
- Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
- Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
- Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.
Try Home Treatment
You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.
- Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
- Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.
Temperature varies a little depending on how you measure it. For adults and children age 12 and older, these are the ranges for high, moderate, and mild, according to how you took the temperature.
Oral (by mouth) temperature
- High: 104°F (40°C) and higher
- Moderate: 100.4°F (38°C) to 103.9°F (39.9°C)
- Mild: 100.3°F (37.9°C) and lower
A forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature.
Ear temperature
- High: 105°F (40.6°C) and higher
- Moderate: 101.4°F (38.6°C) to 104.9°F (40.5°C)
- Mild: 101.3°F (38.5°C) and lower
Armpit (axillary) temperature
- High: 103°F (39.5°C) and higher
- Moderate: 99.4°F (37.4°C) to 102.9°F (39.4°C)
- Mild: 99.3°F (37.3°C) and lower
Pain in adults and older children
- Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and can't do anything else except focus on the pain.
- Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's there.
- Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.
Symptoms of difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe. For example:
- You may feel a little out of breath but still be able to talk (mild difficulty breathing), or you may be so out of breath that you cannot talk at all (severe difficulty breathing).
- It may be getting hard to breathe with activity (mild difficulty breathing), or you may have to work very hard to breathe even when you’re at rest (severe difficulty breathing).
Severe trouble breathing means:
- You cannot talk at all.
- You have to work very hard to breathe.
- You feel like you can't get enough air.
- You do not feel alert or cannot think clearly.
Moderate trouble breathing means:
- It's hard to talk in full sentences.
- It's hard to breathe with activity.
Mild trouble breathing means:
- You feel a little out of breath but can still talk.
- It's becoming hard to breathe with activity.
Symptoms of preterm labor may include:
- Mild or menstrual-like cramps, with or without diarrhea.
- A feeling of pressure in your pelvis or lower belly.
- A steady, dull ache in your lower back, pelvis, lower belly, or thighs.
- Changes in your vaginal discharge.
- Regular contractions for an hour. This means about 6 or more in 1 hour, even after you have had a glass of water and are resting.
Severe vaginal bleeding means that you are soaking 1 or 2 pads or tampons in 1 or 2 hours, unless that is normal for you. For most women, passing clots of blood from the vagina and soaking through their usual pads or tampons every hour for 2 or more hours is not normal and is considered severe. If you are pregnant: You may have a gush of blood or pass a clot, but if the bleeding stops, it is not considered severe.
Moderate bleeding means that you are soaking more than 1 pad or tampon in 3 hours.
Mild bleeding means that you are soaking less than 1 pad or tampon in more than 3 hours.
Minimal vaginal bleeding means "spotting" or a few drops of blood.
If you're not sure if a fever is high, moderate, or mild, think about these issues:
With a high fever:
- You feel very hot.
- It is likely one of the highest fevers you've ever had. High fevers are not that common, especially in adults.
With a moderate fever:
- You feel warm or hot.
- You know you have a fever.
With a mild fever:
- You may feel a little warm.
- You think you might have a fever, but you're not sure.
Symptoms of a kidney infection may include:
- Pain in the flank, which is felt just below the rib cage and above the waist on one or both sides of the back.
- Fever or chills.
- Pain or burning when you urinate.
- A frequent urge to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
- Belly pain.
Symptoms of a bladder infection may include:
- Pain or burning when you urinate.
- A frequent urge to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
- Blood in the urine.
Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:
- Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
- Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
- Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
- Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
- Medicines taken after organ transplant.
- Not having a spleen.
During pregnancy, swelling that may be a sign of a more serious problem may include:
- Weight gain of 2 lb (0.9 kg) or more during a 24-hour period.
- New and increasing swelling, especially in your face, hands, or feet.
- Swelling in your feet that does not improve even after you lie on your side for several hours.
You can get dehydrated when you lose a lot of fluids because of problems like vomiting or fever.
Symptoms of dehydration can range from mild to severe. For example:
- You may feel tired and edgy (mild dehydration), or you may feel weak, not alert, and not able to think clearly (severe dehydration).
- You may pass less urine than usual (mild dehydration), or you may not be passing urine at all (severe dehydration).
Severe dehydration means:
- Your mouth and eyes may be extremely dry.
- You may pass little or no urine for 12 or more hours.
- You may not feel alert or be able to think clearly.
- You may be too weak or dizzy to stand.
- You may pass out.
Moderate dehydration means:
- You may be a lot more thirsty than usual.
- Your mouth and eyes may be drier than usual.
- You may pass little or no urine for 8 or more hours.
- You may feel dizzy when you stand or sit up.
Mild dehydration means:
- You may be more thirsty than usual.
- You may pass less urine than usual.
Signs that you are in labor include:
- Regular contractions for at least 1 hour. This means about 4 or more contractions in 20 minutes, or about 8 or more in a single hour.
- A sudden release of fluid from the vagina.
"Bloody show" is blood-tinged mucus that will pass out of the vagina for some women as the cervix begins to open (dilate) and thin (efface). On its own, however, this is not a definite sign that you are in labor.
Shock is a life-threatening condition that may quickly occur after a sudden illness or injury.
Adults and older children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:
- Passing out (losing consciousness).
- Feeling very dizzy or lightheaded, like you may pass out.
- Feeling very weak or having trouble standing.
- Not feeling alert or able to think clearly. You may be confused, restless, fearful, or unable to respond to questions.
Symptoms of a vaginal infection may include:
- Vaginal itching.
- Vaginal discharge that is not normal for you.
- Red, irritated skin in the vaginal area.
- Pain when you urinate.
- Pain or bleeding when you have sex.
Seek Care Now
Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.
- Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
- If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour.
- You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
- You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
- You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.
Seek Care Today
Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.
- Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
- If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today.
- If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
- If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.
Call 911 Now
Based on your answers, you need emergency care.
Call 911 or other emergency services now.
Sometimes people don't want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.
Make an Appointment
Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.
- Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
- If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
- If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.
Call 911 Now
Based on your answers, you need emergency care.
Call 911 or other emergency services now.
Get down on your knees, bend forward, and put your head on the floor so your buttocks are higher than your head. Stay in this position until help arrives.
Sometimes people don't want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.
Self-care
Managing morning sickness
If you have morning sickness, try these tips to feel better.
- Eat five or six small meals a day.
It's helpful to always have some food in your stomach, but not too much.
- Eat a small snack when you first wake up.
Keep a few crackers nearby when you go to sleep so you can eat them before you get up.
- Drink enough fluids.
Water and other caffeine-free drinks are good choices.
- Try to avoid foods and smells that make you feel sick.
High-fat or greasy foods, milk, and coffee may make nausea worse. Some foods that may be easier to tolerate include cold, spicy, sour, and salty foods.
- Try foods and drinks made with ginger.
Foods and drinks made with ginger, like ginger tea, ginger ale, and crystallized ginger, may help with nausea.
- Try P6 acupressure wrist bands.
Some people find that these anti-nausea wristbands help. You can buy them at most drugstores.
- Take your prenatal vitamins at night.
And make sure you have something in your stomach when you take them.
- Talk to your doctor or midwife about other things that may help.
If you're taking iron supplements, ask if they're needed. (Iron can make nausea worse.) And ask your doctor about taking prescription medicine or over-the-counter options such as vitamin B6 or doxylamine to help with symptoms.
If you have vaginal problems, such as vaginal pain or itching or a change in vaginal discharge, talk with your doctor about your symptoms before you try any home treatments or over-the-counter medicines.
Try these tips to help with vaginal problems during pregnancy.
- Don't scratch the vaginal area.
Relieve itching with cold-water compresses or cool baths. Warm baths may also relieve pain and itching.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing.
- Stay away from nylon and synthetics. They hold heat and moisture close to the skin, which makes it easier for an infection to start.
- You may want to remove your pajama bottoms or underwear when you sleep.
- Avoid using scented soap.
When you wash your vulva, use plain water or a mild, unscented soap.
- Don't douche or use powders, sprays, or perfumes in your vagina or on your vulva.
Treating heartburn
Treating heartburn during pregnancy focuses first on making lifestyle changes, like changing what and how you eat, and on taking nonprescription antacids. Some doctors may also recommend a prescription medicine to treat heartburn.
When to call for help during self-care
Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:
- New or increased vaginal bleeding.
- Weakness or lightheadedness.
- Belly pain.
- Swelling of the face, hands, or feet.
- A severe headache.
- Vomiting that gets worse or continues even with home treatment.
- Urinary problems, such as frequent or painful urination or blood in your urine.
- Fever.
- Heartburn that continues even with home treatment.
- Symptoms that occur more often or are more severe.
Learn more
Preparing For Your Appointment
You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared for your appointment.
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
