Troublesome Signs to Watch Out for During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be both exciting and frightening, often in nearly equal doses. Nothing compares to the fun and beauty of bringing a new baby into the world, however there are worries that rest on the mind of every pregnant mother. These fears are largely unwarranted, but are often perpetuated none the less by books, well-meaning relatives, and worst of all Dr. Google.

Of course, there are some instances where it is a good idea to visit your doctor or midwife for a checkup. Signs of trouble during pregnancy are very clear in most cases and thankfully pretty rare overall.

Bleeding

Light spotting following sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam is generally nothing to be concerned about. However, more intense bleeding, similar to a menstrual cycle, accompanied with or without pain should be immediately reported to a care provider. True bleeding can be a sign of several serious conditions including placental abruption, placenta previa, ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage.

Seeing "Stars"

There are times when this phenomenon is fairly normal, for example, when standing or turning around rapidly or after coughing. However, frequently seeing stars, tracers, or bright dots of lights is sometimes a sign of one of several related conditions known as preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP Syndrome. Other symptoms include dizziness, unusually high blood pressure, and swelling of the extremities.

Though these conditions are rare, preeclampsia, which is a condition signifying the potential for eclampsia, is the most commonly diagnosed. All of these conditions are serious and potentially life threatening if left untreated. For this reason, it is critical to report symptoms to one's care provider for testing.

Painful Urination

Painful urination, especially when accompanied by back pain, headaches, and fever, can be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections are extremely common amongst pregnant women; sometimes they are even diagnosed in women who appear to have no symptoms. When detected early, they are easy to treat with antibiotics, as well as some home remedies. Women can reduce their odds of contracting a urinary tract infection by drinking plenty of water, taking in very little sugar, and enjoying natural, sugar-free cranberry juice on a regular basis.

Though UTIs are not serious when detected early, they can lead to serious kidney problems if left untreated. Additionally, they can lead to preterm labor by triggering uterine contractions.

Intense, Persistent Contractions Before 37 Weeks Gestation

Many women will begin to experience Braxton Hicks contractions weeks before actually going into labor. These are 'practice contractions', and they are especially prominent amongst women who have been pregnant previously. If the contractions become intense, last for more than an hour, and are not swayed by drinking a glass of water and lying down or changing positions, they may indicate preterm labor. If this is the case, the mother should go in for a checkup, as there are methods for stopping the labor and preventing premature birth from taking place.

Nicole S. Wilson is passionate about supporting the needs of pregnant women. She is the owner of Mermaid Maternity, an innovative maternity swimwear line designed to help pregnant women feel comfortable and confident in their bathing suits. Her functional and flattering maternity swimsuit collection consists of tankinis, swim skirts, swim shorts, board shorts, and rash guards. These swimwear separates can be purchased at http://www.MermaidMaternity.net.

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