What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time of great change and growth for a woman’s body. As the baby grows, the mother’s body will undergo a number of changes to accommodate the new life. These changes can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which are more common than others.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
The most common early pregnancy symptom is a missed period. However, there are a number of other symptoms that can occur in the early weeks of pregnancy, including:
- Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness)
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Frequent urination
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Mood swings
- Food cravings or aversions
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
Mid-Pregnancy Symptoms
As the pregnancy progresses, the mother’s body will continue to change and grow. This can lead to a number of new symptoms, including:
- A growing belly
- Weight gain
- Back pain
- Leg cramps
- Hemorrhoids
- Varicose veins
- Skin changes
- Hair growth
- Nail growth
- Increased appetite
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Frequent urination
- Urinary incontinence
- Vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
- Round ligament pain
Late Pregnancy Symptoms
In the late stages of pregnancy, the mother’s body will prepare for labor and delivery. This can lead to a number of new symptoms, including:
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- Cervical dilation
- Effacement of the cervix
- Bloody show
- Water breaking
- Labor pains
When to See a Doctor
Most pregnancy symptoms are normal and do not require medical attention. However, there are some symptoms that can be a sign of a problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Nausea and vomiting that is severe or does not go away
- Diarrhea that is severe or does not go away
- Constipation that is severe or does not go away
- Frequent urination that is painful or burning
- Urinary incontinence
- Vaginal discharge that is foul-smelling or bloody
- Pelvic pain that is severe or does not go away
- Round ligament pain that is severe or does not go away
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a time of great change and growth for a woman’s body. These changes can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which are more common than others. Most pregnancy symptoms are normal and do not require medical attention. However, there are some symptoms that can be a sign of a problem. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.