Pregnancy comes with a long list of new aches, twinges, and changes. Most of them are completely normal, but a few are signals that you may need help right away. Knowing the difference can be hard, especially when you are tired, uncomfortable, and getting advice from friends and family. This guide explains the warning signs that should prompt a call to your OB during each trimester, so you can feel confident about when to reach out and when to rest.
A good rule to remember: you will never be a bother for calling. Your care team would much rather hear from you about something small than have you ignore something serious.
First trimester (weeks 1 to 13)
Early pregnancy is a time of big hormonal shifts. Light spotting can happen, often around the time a fertilized egg implants, and it is usually not cause for alarm. But you should call your obstetrician if you experience heavier bleeding, especially with cramping or sharp pain on one side. Pain low in your belly or shoulder, dizziness, or fainting can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy, in which the pregnancy grows outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy requires prompt medical attention.
Severe nausea and vomiting also deserve a provider visit. Morning sickness is common, but if you cannot keep food or fluids down, are losing weight, or feel very weak, you may have a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum that can be treated. A fever over 100.4°F, burning when you urinate, or strong pelvic pain is another reason to reach out.
Second trimester (weeks 14 to 27)
Many people feel their best during these months, and routine prenatal visits are usually straightforward. Still, a few symptoms should never be ignored. Call your OB if you notice any vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking from your vagina, or steady pressure in your pelvis that feels like the baby is pushing down.
This is also when you start to feel your baby move. Once those movements become regular, pay attention to them. A clear drop in how often your baby kicks or rolls is worth a call. Other warning signs in this stage include a bad headache that will not go away, changes in your vision such as blurriness or spots, and sudden swelling in your face or hands. These can point to high blood pressure problems that your provider will want to check.
Third trimester (weeks 28 to 40)
As your due date gets closer, your body is preparing for labor, so some discomfort is expected. The key is distinguishing normal changes from signs of preterm labor or other problems, and it is a question your pregnancy care team hears often. Call your OB right away if you notice any of these:
- Regular contractions or tightening before 37 weeks, a gush or steady trickle of fluid, or any vaginal bleeding
- Reduced fetal movement, a severe or lasting headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling in your face and hands
- Severe belly pain, a fever, or feeling like something is simply not right
Swelling in your feet and ankles is common late in pregnancy, especially after a long day. What is not typical is swelling that comes on fast, affects your face, or happens with a headache and vision changes. That combination can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious blood pressure condition that requires quick attention.
Trusting your instincts
No article can replace what you know about your own body. If something feels off, even if it is not on this list, it is always okay to call. Pregnancy can bring worry, and getting answers from your care team is one of the best ways to ease your mind and keep both you and your baby safe.
At Dr. Nader and Associates, our team has supported expectant mothers across Las Vegas since 1996, with deliveries at MountainView Hospital. If you are pregnant and have a question or concern at any stage, call us at (702) 818-1919 or book an appointment online. We are here to help you through every trimester.
