7 Pregnancy Complications: Bleeding, Preeclampsia, and More

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WebMD Feature Reviewed byNivin Todd, MD, FACOG

You may wonder what symptoms during pregnancy warrant immediate medical attention and what symptoms can wait until your next prenatal visit.

Always ask your health care provider at your visits about your concerns. But keep in mind some symptoms do need swift attention.

Pregnancy Week by Week
If you are newly pregnant, or trying to conceive, you have many questions about what to expect. How will your body change? What's happening inside you? Here's what to expect week by week.

Weeks 1-4 Weeks 5-8 Weeks 9-12 Weeks 13-16 Weeks 17-20 Weeks 21-25 Weeks 26-30 Weeks 31-34 Weeks 35-40  

© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. 1. Bleeding

Bleeding means different things throughout your pregnancy. “If you are bleeding heavily and have severe abdominal painand menstrual-like cramps or feel like you are going to faint during first trimester, it could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy,” Peter Bernstein, MD, ob-gyn professor at New York's Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, says. Ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus, can be life-threatening.

Heavy bleeding with cramping could also be a sign of miscarriagein first or early second trimester. By contrast, bleeding with abdominal pain in the third trimester may indicate placental abruption, which occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine lining.

“Bleeding is always serious,” women’s health expert Donnica Moore, MD, says. Any bleeding during pregnancy needs immediate attention. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room.

2. Severe Nausea and Vomiting

It's very common to have some nausea when you're pregnant. If it gets to be severe, that may be more serious.

“If you can’t eat or drink anything, you run the risk of becoming dehydrated,” Bernstein says. Being malnourished and dehydrated can harm your baby.  

If you experience severe nausea, tell your health care provider. Your doctor may prescribe medication or advise changing your diet.

3. Baby’s Activity Level Significantly Declines

What does it mean if your previously active baby seems to have less energy? It may be normal. But how can you tell?

Some troubleshooting can help determine if there is a problem. Bernstein suggests that you first drink something cold or eat something. Then lie on your side to see if this gets the baby moving.

Counting kicks can also help, Nicole Ruddock, MD, assistant professor of maternal and fetal medicine at University of Texas Medical School at Houston, says. “There is no optimal or critical number of movements,” she says, “but generally you should establish a baseline and have a subjective perception of whether your baby is moving more or less. As a general rule, you should have 10 or more kicks in two hours. Anything less should prompt a phone call to your doctor.”

Bernstein says to call your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor has monitoring equipment that can be used to determine if the baby is moving and growing appropriately.

4. Contractions Early in the Third Trimester

Contractions could be a sign of preterm labor. “But a lot of first-time moms may confuse true labor and false labor,” Ruddock says. False labor contractions are called Braxton-Hicks contractions. They’re unpredictable, non-rhythmic, and do not increase in intensity. “They will subside in an hour or with hydration,” Ruddock says. “But regular contractions are about 10 minutes apart or less and increase in intensity.”

If you're in your third trimester and think you're having contractions, call your doctor right away. If it is too early for the baby to be born, your doctor may be able to stop labor.

1 | 2 Next Page > SHARE What is this? Next Article:First Trimester of PregnancyPregnancy Week by Week: The First MonthThe Second Month of PregnancyThe Third Month of PregnancyPrenatal Tests During PregnancyPrenatal Tests: First TrimesterRh SensitizationChorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)High-Risk Pregnancy7 Pregnancy Warning SignsBed Rest During PregnancyDealing With Morning SicknessBlighted OvumSex During PregnancyCommon Pregnancy PainsBleeding During PregnancyUnderstanding MiscarriageAnemia in PregnancyEctopic PregnancyMultiple Pregnancies: Twins and MoreGestational Diabetes Health & Pregnancy Guide 1 Getting Pregnant 2 Nutrition and Fitness 3 First Trimester 4 Second Trimester 5 Third Trimester 6 Countdown to Baby #url_reference {display: none};#url_reference { display: block; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; }#logo_rdr img { visibility: visible; }.titleBar_rdr .titleBarMiddle_fmt { padding-top: 1.5em !important;}Pregnancy Week-By-Week NewsletterDelivered right to your inbox, get pictures and facts on
what to expect each week of your pregnancy.

Further Reading: Amniotic Banding Syndrome Supplement Claims for Pregnancy Symptoms: Confusion Reigns The D&C (Dilation and Curettage) Procedure Preventing Miscarriages 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Pregnancy Pregnancy 101: Things Mom Never Told You Understanding Pregnancy Discomforts -- Treatment See All Pregnancy Symptoms Topics Related to Pregnancy & Baby Tips for Heartburn Relief Healthy Diapering: The Basics Dental Visits for Pregnant Women Healthy Recipes Minus the Heartburn Protect Your Family From Germs Embarrassed by Incontinence? WebMD Editors’ Picks: News and Trends in Pregnancy Your Pregnancy Week by Week: What to Expect Photos: See Your Baby's Development Pregnancy Calendar: Daily Tips for You and Your Baby Pregnancy Symptoms Home Medical Reference Features Quizzes News Archive Pregnancy Home News Reference Videos Community Questions and Answers Glossary Health and Pregnancy Guide 1 Getting Pregnant 2 Nutrition and Fitness 3 First Trimester 4 Second Trimester 5 Third Trimester 6 Countdown to Baby See what others are asking about

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