Lots of weird things are normal in pregnancy. The symptoms I cover in this infographic are not.
Sudden weight gain or swelling. These could be signs of preeclampsia. Poke yourself and tell your provider whether the indentation stays in your skin.
Cramping. This could be a sign of preterm labor. Tell your provider whether the cramps are ongoing or intermittent.
Backache. This could be a sign of preterm labor. Tell your provider whether the pain is dull or sharp, ongoing or intermittent, and occurring in your higher or lower back.
Itching (with no rash). This could be a sign of cholestasis. Tell your provider if you have any nausea or strangely colored poop and pee. You can ask your provider to do a blood test for cholestasis if you aren’t sure what’s going on.
Abdominal pain.
Severe shortness of breath.
Severe or frequent headaches. This could be a sign of preeclampsia and/or dehydration. Tell your provider how much water you’ve had today, where in your head the pain is coming from, whether the pain is sharp or dull, if you feel nauseous or are having vision problems, and what color your pee is.
BLEEDING. If you’ve had any bleeding, call your provider immediately or go to an urgent care/emergency room. Tell your provider how much blood you have seen and what color the blood was.
Vision changes. If your vision is blurry or you are seeing stars, you may be experiencing preeclampsia. Tell your provider if you have any other symptoms.
Fluid leaking from the vagina. You may have peed yourself…or you may be experiencing a premature rupture of membranes (your water broke early). You will probably go to labor & delivery to find out.
DECREASE IN FETAL MOVEMENT. Call your provider immediately or go to labor & delivery. Tell them what your kick counts normally are and what they are now.
Contact your provider immediately if you are experiencing any of these red flags.
– Abby the Sociologist Doula
Abby the Sociologist Doula 