Pain, discomfort and twitches are all part of normal pregnancies. Whether it’s your first or your 10th pregnancy, you probably lie in bed wondering if what you are feeling is normal. If you don’t want to be rushing to the hospital every day, be aware of the normal symptoms and the danger signs of pregnancy.
Pains
While lower back aches are normal in every pregnancy, be aware of the frequency and intensity of the pain. A low, dull pain that continues consistently throughout the day or night may be a warning sign of a problem. Cramping is another common pain in pregnancy, especially in the beginning and end. If you suddenly start feeling cramps, more intense and painful than normal, contact your doctor. Sudden pain around your knees, apart from an injury, or sudden intense headaches are danger signs, signaling problems in your circulation. Dangerous knee or leg pain may also be accompanied by swelling. Be aware of any pain or burning when you urinate. If your vagina burns or tightens painfully, you may be experiencing problems.
Fluids
Pregnancy can be rather messy. Vomiting is an unfortunate side effect of morning sickness. If you continue to vomit for days and get dehydrated, go to your local hospital and get medical attention. Although morning sickness and occasional vomiting will not hurt the baby, dehydration or malnutrition will. Similarly, visit a doctor if you have diarrhea causing dehydration. During the first few weeks of your pregnancy, you may experience implantation bleeding, around the time of your period. If you start bleeding during other times in your pregnancy, consult with your doctor. He can tell you if the bleeding is normal spotting or a bigger problem. Clear fluids from the vagina can be a sign of labor or of danger in the pregnancy.
Oddities
If you catch a seasonal bug, monitor your body temperature. If you reach more than 100 degrees F for longer than a day, visit an emergency room or call your medical practitioner for guidance. If a simple headache leads to blurriness or extreme dizziness, consider this a danger sign and get in touch with your doctor. Watch for contractions before the last month of your pregnancy. Although it may be nothing more than Braxton-Hicks contractions, your body may start going into labor too early. Talk with your doctor about any contractions you feel.
Photo Credit
- pregnant women belly image by Slobodan Vasic from Fotolia.com
