There’s nothing more nerve-wracking than having something go wrong during pregnancy. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time being pregnant or your fourth or even the tenth. There are a lot of things to worry about during your pregnancy, and it’s easier once you know what they are.
Vaginal bleeding – Ensure that you are aware of the difference between spotting and actively bleeding. Spotting is a soft bleed, similar to a period, and the blood may be red, pink or brown in color. If you are actively bleeding with any pain, call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you cannot reach them. Bleeding can be caused by a number of things, including implantation, ectopic pregnancy, labor, infection or miscarriage. Always let your doctor know so that everything can be ruled out, and you can feel better.
Stomach discomfort or cramping – It can be tricky to tell the difference between a normal stomach pain/cramping and something more serious while you’re pregnant. If you experience any sort of discomfort, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and take a break. After a few minutes, if the pain does not go away, call your doctor and describe the discomfort in as much detail as possible. They will be able to tell you whether or not you need to come in for a check-up or if there is something more serious going on. Don’t worry if it turns out that you just had gas or were experiencing Braxton hicks contractions – at least you will have peace of mind knowing that everything is okay with your pregnancy.
Gush of fluid – If your water breaks before or during labor, it’s time to call your physician and head to the emergency room. If it’s close to your due date, this could mean you’re in labor. But if it isn’t close to your due date, it could be something else. Either way, you should call your physician right away and go to the emergency room.
Dehydration – Although you are pregnant, it is easy to become dehydrated – especially if you have morning sickness or simply do not drink the recommended eight glasses of water per day. If you notice yourself becoming pale, with a dry mouth or feeling dizzy, you may be dehydrated and should see a doctor right away. Dehydration can cause premature labor and/or distress during pregnancy.
Agonizing urination – A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that can easily be treated with medication or by drinking lots of fluids and cranberry juice. A UTI occurs when the pregnant belly presses against the ureters, making it difficult for urine to flow through. This can cause an infection. Another way to determine if you have a UTI is if you have a foul odor when you urinate.
Pregnancy can be scary enough as it is, so there’s no need to add to your anxiety. If you ever have a concern or feel unsure about something, always speak to your doctor. First-time mothers often worry about different pains they feel, but never be afraid to call the doctor – even if it’s in the middle of the night or if you feel silly. It’s better to be safe than sorry! If you’re worrying, all you’re doing is causing stress on you and the baby. So find out what’s wrong and try to relax.
