Being pregnant is an exciting, yet nerve-wracking experience! It’s natural to worry about the health of your baby, and to be aware of any warning signs that may indicate a problem. Pregnancy can bring on many different physical and emotional changes that can be difficult to navigate. Knowing the warning signs to look out for, and when to seek help, is an important part of staying healthy during pregnancy.
This article will provide you with important warning signs that you should never ignore during pregnancy. From irregular bleeding to extreme fatigue, these warning signs could be indicators of a more serious issue, and should be taken seriously. No matter how healthy your pregnancy is going or you are taking your multivitamins on time if you experience any of these warning signs during your pregnancy, it is important to consult your doctor for a professional opinion. Read on to learn more about these important warning signs and how to stay healthy during your pregnancy.
Irregular Bleeding
While it is not uncommon for women to experience light bleeding during their pregnancy, any bleeding outside of a normal menstrual cycle should be immediately examined by your doctor. If bleeding is more than light spotting and is happening more often than every two weeks, or lasts longer than a week, it could be a sign of a more serious issue, such as a miscarriage.
There are a few different warning signs that could indicate a problem with your bleeding, including bleeding that is not connected to a cycle, heavier, longer, or more frequent bleeding, bleeding in unusual places, or spotting between periods. If you experience any of these bleeding warning signs, it is important to consult your doctor for a professional opinion. He or she can help you figure out what is causing the bleeding, and determine if there are any treatment options.
Extreme Fatigue
Extreme fatigue is a common sign that may indicate a problem with the baby, or your body’s nutrition. Although it is normal to feel tired during pregnancy, severe fatigue should be taken seriously as a warning sign.
If you are feeling more tired than usual, as well as experiencing decreased energy, it could be a sign of anemia. Iron deficiency is common during pregnancy, and can result from insufficient consumption of iron-rich foods, such as fish, red meat, and poultry.
It can also be the result of heavy bleeding, low iron stores in your body, or an infection that has drained your iron stores. If you experience extreme fatigue during pregnancy, it is important to consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Swelling in the Feet and Hands
Pregnancy causes your body to swell, as a result of added blood volume, and weight gain. Swelling in the feet and hands is common, and typically goes away after your baby is born. However, if the swelling occurs outside of your regular swelling period, or is accompanied by a fever or abdominal pain, it could be a warning sign of a more serious condition, such as listeriosis.
Listeriosis is an infection caused by a bacteria found in raw meats, such as sardines, salami, and hot dogs. It can cause severe flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle pain, nausea, and diarrhea. It is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you experience any of these swelling warning signs, immediately consult your doctor.
Pain or Pressure in the Abdomen
Pain or pressure in your abdomen while pregnant should be taken seriously. Abdominal pain during pregnancy is usually caused by a growing baby, and may be caused by an umbilical hernia, enlarged ovaries, or early signs of toxemia.
If the pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as appendicitis. If you experience any of these pain or pressure warning signs, it is important to consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Headache or Blurred Vision
Headaches and blurred vision are among the most common signs that indicate a pregnancy problem. Headaches that last longer than two weeks, as well as ones that are accompanied by nausea or vomiting, should be taken seriously during pregnancy. They could indicate a condition such as high blood pressure, or anemia. If you experience any of these headache or blurred vision warning signs, it is important to consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath during pregnancy should be taken seriously. It could indicate heartburn or a condition known as pericarditis, whereby the sac that surrounds the heart can become inflamed. It could also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as pulmonary embolism.
A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot blocks one of the arteries in the lungs. Symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, fatigue, and an decrease in the amount of blood in your body. If you experience any of these shortness of breath warning signs, it is important to consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Excessive Weight Gain
Weight gain during pregnancy can vary greatly between women. However, many doctors recommend that women gain at least 25-30 pounds during their pregnancy, with the ideal weight range being between 115 and 140 pounds. Women who gain more than this may run the risk of complications, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure.
Excessive weight gain can also increase the risk of multiple pregnancies, as well as certain complications when your baby is born, including shoulder dystocia, difficulties with labour, and an increased risk of delivering your baby too early. If you are experiencing excessive weight gain, make sure to talk to your doctor.
Obesity during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications, but if you have a healthy weight range, it is not cause for concern. If you are gaining too much weight, your doctor may suggest switching to a different prenatal vitamin, eating less frequently, or increasing your exercise routine.
High Blood Pressure
The placenta is responsible for producing a hormone that regulates your blood pressure and maintains your hydration level. If your blood pressure is too high, you could suffer from a condition called preeclampsia. This condition is triggered by increased protein levels in your bloodstream, and can cause serious complications in both you and your baby.
Low blood pressure is common during pregnancy, but should be monitored carefully. If your blood pressure becomes too low, you could experience a condition known as low blood volume, in which your organs do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. If you experience an increase in your blood pressure that is too high, you should speak with your doctor.
You may be monitored more closely during your pregnancy, or may need to take medication to maintain your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is low, your doctor may suggest a course of extra-firm bed rest to help keep you hydrated and warm. In some cases, you may even be advised to delay your baby’s birth.
Reduced Fetal Movement
Fetal movement is a great sign that your baby is healthy and growing well. However, if you experience an abnormally low level of movement, it is important to speak with your doctor. In most cases, reduced fetal movement is seen in early pregnancy and can be a sign of a placental issue.
Low levels of movement may also be a sign of anemia, gestational diabetes, or another condition that can be detected during your prenatal visit. If you experience reduced movement during your pregnancy, it is important to speak to your doctor. You may be screened for a placental issue, or have blood work done to determine a cause of your reduced movement.
Burning Feeling When Urinating
If you experience an unusual burning or stinging sensation when you urinate, it could indicate a less serious condition, such as a urinary tract infection. However, it could also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a urinary tract infection, urethritis, or endometriosis.
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, often during a period of excessive vaginal discharge. Burning or stinging when urinating should be taken seriously. It could indicate a urinary tract infection or a more serious condition, such as endometriosis or urethritis. If you experience any of these burning feeling urinating warning signs, it is important to consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
When to Seek Help
If you experience any of the warning signs detailed above, it is important to seek medical help. There are a number of issues that may occur during pregnancy that should always be taken seriously, and require immediate medical care. Additionally, if you experience one of these warning signs, but are otherwise doing well, it is important to schedule an appointment.
Make sure to tell your doctor that you are experiencing one of the warning signs detailed above, so that they can be taken seriously. If you are experiencing any of the warning signs noted above, and are otherwise doing well, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
If you are experiencing any of the warning signs noted above, and are otherwise doing well, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you are experiencing any of the warning signs noted above, and are otherwise doing well, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is an exciting time for any mother, but it can also be a challenging time for many. Knowing the warning signs to look out for, and when to seek help, is an important part of staying healthy during pregnancy. If you experience any of these signs during your pregnancy, it is important to speak with your doctor for a professional opinion.
Wellness and Fitness
TDPel Media
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