It is common to suffer from various discomforts during pregnancy. Therefore, we have here collected various pregnancy related problems to guide you through its cause and effect.

Symptoms

Some reminders about bleeding
- bleeding is common in early pregnancy and does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
- it is not always possible to find the cause of the bleeding.
- there is nothing you can do to prevent bleeding.

### Check the color!
- fresh bleeding is light red to dark red.
- reddish brown bleeding means that the bleeding started earlier and has ended.

### Check the volume!
- bleeding is considered heavy when you saturate a pad in one hour or if you experience clotting. 
- if you are spotting and feel well otherwise, you do not need to seek emergency medical care. However, most healthcare providers in the US recommend that you contact your prenatal clinic/maternity clinic  for advice if you experience any bleeding after week 12 for further evaluation.  

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek emergency care immediately:
- if you are bleeding, regardless of the volume, and have severe abdominal pain, either on one side or your lower abdomen.
- if you are bleeding, regardless of the volume, and feel generally unwell (you feel ill, faint, dizzy and tired)
- if you are bleeding to such a degree that you soak through a pad in one hour or if you experience clotting. 

### Bleeding between weeks 12+0 – 21+6 can have several causes:

- Spotting after sexual intercourse, also called post coital spotting. The cervix is more likely to bleed during pregnancy so it’s common to have spotting or blood mixed discharge after sexual intercourse (looks like a dark reddish-brown discharge the day after). There is no reason to be alarmed. 

- Hydatidiform mole, or “mole”, can cause heavy menstruation-like bleeding. This is not a pregnancy but a cluster of swollen cysts that show a positive result in a pregnancy test due to the increase in hormones. It can be seen in an ultrasound. A hydatidiform mole must be surgically removed through a minor procedure involving a scraping.

- Infection bleedings are typically caused by a bacterial infection in the vagina or cervix, often combined with heavy and/or foul-smelling discharge and are treated with antibiotics. Always notify your midwife if you notice a change in your discharge (volume, appearance and odor smell).

- Polyp bleedings. A cervical polyp is usually a harmless benign growth on the cervix that bleeds easily. Occasionally, these need to be removed through a simple surgical procedure. 

- Cell changes. Uncommon in pregnant women, but bleeding from the cervix may be a sign of cervical cancer. Treatment to remove the cancer is possible during pregnancy, but the treatment must be modified from case to case depending on how far along the woman is in her pregnancy.

- Placenta previa is when the placenta is attached to the uterus down toward the cervix. The placenta can either partially or totally cover the cervix. Bleeding is a common complication of placenta previa, particularly when the baby in the uterus grows and the pressure on the placenta increases. The position of the placenta inside the uterus can be seen during a routine ultrasound examination done between weeks 18 and 20. If the placenta is far down during the first ultrasound, more ultrasounds will be performed during your pregnancy to monitor its position. Some women need to be admitted to the hospital for bleeding observations once or more frequently during pregnancy if the placenta is partially or fully covering the cervix. Medication may be necessary to help the blood coagulate faster and stop the bleeding. Normally, the placenta moves higher up in the uterus as it grows, making vaginal delivery possible. However, if the placenta is partially or fully covering the cervix toward the end of pregnancy, it will be necessary to deliver the baby with a cesarean section. Avoid sexual intercourse during the last part of your pregnancy to reduce the risk of bleeding if the placenta is fully or partially covering the cervix.  Speak with your midwife if you have questions or are worried. 

- Miscarriage bleeding—a more menstruation-like bleeding could be a sign of miscarriage. It is uncommon to have a miscarriage during this phase of pregnancy and the reason is usually because the cervix has not closed as it should or an infection. Before week 22+0, contact the OB/GYN emergency services or hospital emergency department if you are bleeding. Unfortunately, it is not possible to prevent a miscarriage. Taking good care of yourself is all that you can do. Eat well, exercise, rest when you are tired and don’t smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs. Many women miscarry. For most women, a miscarriage is associated with some level of grief that needs to be processed. Your body can also grieve after a miscarriage. Read more about miscarriage under “Miscarriage”.

To determine what is causing bleeding, you will have a pelvic exam and an ultrasound, if necessary.

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

Bleeding between weeks 12+0 – 21+6

Bleeding

Pregnancy puts extra strain on your veins, the vessels that carry the blood back to your heart. The muscular walls of your blood vessels relax during pregnancy, causing blood to pool and the vessels to swell, while the pressure on veins increases. A vein that is unusually swollen is called a varicose vein. Varicose veins are most common on the legs and calves, but they also occur around the vagina.

Compression stockings may relieve symptoms because they facilitate blood circulation in the body. You can also prevent swelling and make your legs feel lighter by regularly putting your legs up on a chair or a pillow on the couch. Some varicose veins completely disappear after pregnancy.

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

Pregnancy puts extra strain on your veins, the vessels that carry the blood back to your heart. The ...

Varicose veins

varicose

Abundant vaginal discharge is common in pregnancy and is due to increased blood flow to the tissues inside your vagina, which discharges fluid more easily. The discharge is usually milky white and has no particular smell. However, itching, burning or a strong odor may be a sign of infection. If you have any such symptoms, contact your health care provider.

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

Abundant vaginal discharge is common in pregnancy and is due to increased blood flow to the tissues ...

Vaginal discharge

vaginal discharge

Feeling like you need to urinate and running to the bathroom more often are not necessarily a sign that anything is wrong. Urine production increases during pregnancy, and the growing womb puts pressure on your bladder. 

When you are pregnant, the risk of suffering from a urinary tract infection is somewhat higher than normal. Left untreated, an infection can cause premature contractions and, in the worst case, preterm labor. It is therefore important to get the right treatment for any infections. Contact your health care provider if you need to pee more frequently or if you feel burning or pain in your lower belly.

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

Feeling like you need to urinate and running to the bathroom more often are not necessarily a sign t...

Urinary tract disorders

urinary tract disorders

Your body is clever and signals when it’s thirsty and needs fluids, so there’s a very slight risk that you will drink too little during your pregnancy. If you engage in physical activity or expose yourself to extreme heat make sure to drink a bit more. Keep an eye on the color of your urine  which should be a pale yellow. Your urine will be more concentrated and have a darker yellow shade if you’ve had too little to drink.

However, if you notice an extreme thirst and urinate more than usual, speak with your healthcare provider since extreme thirst can be a sign of gestational diabetes. A simple blood test will be taken to check your blood sugar levels. 

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

Your body is clever and signals when it’s thirsty and needs fluids, so there’s a very slight risk th...

Thirst

thirst

Your legs, feet and hands may swell easily because you carry more fluid when you are expecting. Any extra fluid collects at the extremities of your arms and legs. The bigger your belly gets, the harder it can be to put on your shoes or wear rings. The symptoms are often worse after a long day at work or in the summer when the weather is warm. The swelling goes down if you wear compression stockings or rest with your legs raised. If you wear compression stockings, put them on early in the morning before the fluid has accumulated in your legs.

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

Your legs, feet and hands may swell easily because you carry more fluid when you are expecting. Any ...

Swollen legs and feet

swollen leg and feet

The pregnancy hormones affect the elastic tissue in the skin, and pink, red or purplish streaks often appear as the skin stretches. These are called stretch marks and often appear on the belly, breasts and thighs. Stretch marks fade after birth and become a silvery-gray, but they don’t usually disappear completely. You may also get more pigmentation in your skin during pregnancy and get brown patches on your face and body. You increase the risk of brown patches when you expose your skin to the sun, so be careful and take steps to protect you from the sun.

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

The pregnancy hormones affect the elastic tissue in the skin, and pink, red or purplish streaks ofte...

Skin changes

skin changes

Nighttime sleep is often affected as your belly grows, and many women wake up frequently which leaves them feeling tired. It is common to make more trips to the bathroom, and back and pelvis pain may cause you to change your sleeping position often. Sleeping on your side is usually the most comfortable. Use lots of pillows and make sure your bedroom isn’t too hot. If your nighttime sleep is very affected, try to take short naps to make up for lost sleep at night.

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

Nighttime sleep is often affected as your belly grows, and many women wake up frequently which leave...

Problems sleeping

sleep problems

Nausea, or morning sickness, is a very common complaint. It usually starts at some point after the fourth week when the pregnancy hormones increase. Nausea is often worst between weeks seven and ten, and then subsides between weeks 12 and 14. Some women feel slightly nauseous, especially in the morning, while others really suffer and even vomit several times a day for a while. A few women continue to feel ill and vomit all throughout their pregnancy, and this is called severe morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum. If you suffer from severe morning sickness and persistent vomiting, you may be admitted to the hospital to receive fluids through an IV. Talk to your health care provider if you have severe symptoms.

You may find it reassuring to know that the body always ensures that the baby gets the nutrition it needs to develop. You don’t need to worry about the baby being affected if you vomit. 

While there are no guaranteed cures for nausea, there are many home remedies that are worth trying as they have helped many women manage their symptoms. Here are som tips:

-	If the nausea is worst in the morning, it may help to eat something before you get out of bed
-	Eat small portions of food often
-	Avoid strong smells as these can increase feelings of nausea
-	Try acupuncture, an alternative medicine form that works for some people. 

If you vomit, it’s important that you drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Take it easy and try to avoid stress. Always consult your health care provider before taking any medication for morning sickness. 

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

Nausea, or morning sickness, is a very common complaint. It usually starts at some point after the f...

Nausea

nausea

Hemorrhoids are a common complaint that can be a nuisance but are usually harmless. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include bleeding, burning or itching around the anus. Constipation during pregnancy often makes the symptoms worse. Wash your bottom with water after going to the toilet and gently pat the area dry. For severe discomfort, medicine is available to alleviate the pain and reduce itching, but always consult your health care provider.

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

Hemorrhoids are a common complaint that can be a nuisance but are usually harmless. Symptoms of hemo...

Hemorrhoids

hemoroids

During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases, causing the mucous membranes to swell, become thicker and even bleed more easily. The mucous membranes in your nose, mouth and vagina are affected. 

For example, you may suffer from a stuffy nose or nosebleeds. If your nose is congested, use a saline nasal spray. This is preferable to over-the-counter nose drops that can actually make the problem worse if used more than one week. Many pregnant women suffer for several months which is why saline is preferable (the other drops are good for a shorter cold, for example).

The swelling in your nose often becomes worse when you lie down, and it is common to snore more during pregnancy. Try elevating your head with a couple of extra pillows if you have problems with snoring.

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases, causing the mucous membranes to swell, ...

Nasal congestion

nasal congestion

The most common form of headaches are tension headaches. They are  caused by worry, stress or tension in the neck and back. Regular headaches are not harmful and normally go away on their own—though they are a signal from your body. Practice listening to your body’s signals while you are pregnant. You will have use for this when you give birth. Have you been working in front of your computer for a long time, tensing your shoulders and neck? Remember to take a break now and then, and listen to your body’s needs. 

Headaches are also a common symptom of a cold. It is safe to take Tylenol when you are pregnant, but follow the instructions in the package. 

Some headaches are migraines triggered by hormonal factors. Some women have minor migraine symptoms while others have worse. Increases or changes in hormone levels can make migraines worse.  If you have on-and-off headaches, tell your midwife or healthcare provider.

Low iron levels and thyroid problems are common in pregnancy and can also cause headaches. Both iron and thyroid levels thyroid can be checked with a blood test when necessary. 

Headaches and/or dizziness can be a sign of preeclampsia, which is a medical condition seen in conjunction with hypertension. An increase in blood pressure or hypertension (140/90 is considered high blood pressure) needs to be evaluated and monitored regularly by your health care provider at your prenatal visits. Antihypertensive medication may be necessary since high blood pressure can have an adverse effect on blood vessels in the brain and other organs.

Always notify your midwife or healthcare provider if you are not feeling well and often suffer headaches.

If you experience a sudden onset of a severe headache, contact your midwife or healthcare provider right away. You will most likely need an evaluation to check your blood pressure and other vital signs. 

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

The most common form of headaches are tension headaches. They are  caused by worry, stress or tensio...

Headaches

headache

Lots of expectant mothers feel a tiredness that has nothing to do with lack of sleep. It’s often worst at the beginning of the pregnancy when the hormonal changes are the most evident. You might need to plan a few breaks during the day in order to make it through the day and work during this period.

For some women, fatigue combined with nausea is very troublesome. It may comfort you to know that the worst fatigue is usually followed by a more energetic period in the second trimester. Towards the end of the pregnancy, tiredness is due to the extra weight from the womb and you may have problems sleeping. As your belly grows, it can be a challenge to find a comfortable sleeping position.

Iron deficiency (anemia) can also cause tiredness. Consult with your health care provider about taking iron supplements.

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

Lots of expectant mothers feel a tiredness that has nothing to do with lack of sleep. It’s often wor...

Fatigue

tiredness

Your blood pressure will drop during the first trimester. For some women, this involves dizziness and, in some cases, fainting. It usually helps to sit on the edge of the bed for a while before getting up. Avoid standing for extended periods of time. Your blood pressure will rise during the second trimester and any dizziness usually improves or disappears completely.

As the baby and your uterus grow and get bigger, you could feel dizzy if you lie flat on your back. This is called vena cava syndrome. It can occur when the baby in the uterus compresses (presses on) a large vein, located behind the uterus against the back. As a result, the oxygen flow decreases to your heart. Although not dangerous, it can feel unpleasant. Try to quickly turn onto your side and the dizziness will disappear quickly. You can try placing a pillow under your buttock/lower back so that your baby/uterus tips a bit to the side. This will prevent you from lying flat on your back and your uterus will not press on the vena cava. If this does not help, you’ll just have to accept the situation and start resting/sleeping on your side. 

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

Your blood pressure will drop during the first trimester. For some women, this involves dizziness an...

Dizziness

dizziness

During pregnancy the mucous membranes in your mouth swell, and your saliva changes. Your resistance to bacteria also decreases, which can result in gum inflammation and cavities. Increased sugar cravings and eating more frequently (which often helps with nausea) increase your risk of tooth decay further. You should therefore be even more careful about oral hygiene during pregnancy. Use toothpaste with fluoride, rinse with a fluoride mouthwash, and remember to floss. During pregnancy your gums may bleed easily when you brush your teeth. If this happens, try to brush more gently.

*Source:*
- *Lärobok för barnmorskor*. Faxelid, E. Course literature 2001.
- *Myles Textbook for Midwives*. Fraser, D. och Cooper, M. Churchill Livingstone 2003.

During pregnancy the mucous membranes in your mouth swell, and your saliva changes. Your resistance ...

Dental problems

dental problems

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