Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms, Week by Week Pregnancy Guide

Pregnancy typically brings along with it certain aches and pains which are usually par for the course. Women either live with these or try and overcome these as best they can. However there are some symptoms that should never be ignored during pregnancy:

1. Any vaginal bleeding, discharge or leakage

Though there could be instances where this could be harmless, this could also signal a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy and/or premature labor in cases.

2. Fever or chills.

Not only is an elevated body temperature bad for fetal development (particularly during the first trimester) a fever with or without chills could indicate illness, infection or disease which ought to get attention promptly.

 3. Dizziness or lightheadedness

This could have innocuous causes, but it could also be caused by low blood pressure so be sure to report it.

4. Abdominal pain or cramping

Though aches and pains will occur as the body stretches and adjusts to the growing baby, any pain that is severe or which persists for a long time ought to be checked out, particularly if accompanied by any other symptoms such vaginal bleeding.

5. Swelling or puffiness of the face

Swollen ankles may be a bugbear of pregnancy, but severe swelling of the hands or the feet, or puffiness around the eyes should be investigated.

6. Very rapid weight gain

Pregnancy weight gain should be slow and steady. If it is rapid however, this could be the sign of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia. And even if the weight gain is related only to overeating, it is still something that needs attention.

7. Problems with urination

If there is any burning sensation or pain while passing urine, if the urine is discolored or if its frequency increases or decreases significantly, you should try and find out why? UTIs, dehydration etc should never be ignored in pregnancy.

8. Fewer or less vigorous fetal movements

If you feel that baby is not moving as much, as frequently or as vigorously as it has been, you should report this.

9. Severe vomiting

Some amount of morning sickness is normal; hyperemesis is a medical condition that needs intervention.

10. Just not feeling right

It may be there are no specific symptoms that you experience other than that intuitive feeling that all is not as it should be. Though it can be difficult to tell what is normal and what is not normal for a first time pregnancy, it is best to clear any doubts that you may have with the doctor.