When Pregnancy Symptoms Become a Concern

Pregnancy brings a range of new sensations, from mild cramps to unexpected headaches, and sometimes, moments when you notice changes like a decrease in fetal movement. It can be tough to know which symptoms are normal and which ones require medical attention. If you’re wondering whether something is cause for concern, rest assured, you are not overreacting.

Your OBGYN is your trusted partner in navigating these concerns. In this blog, we’ll help you identify which symptoms are common during pregnancy and when it’s time to seek immediate care. With the right information, you can make confident decisions about your health and the health of your baby.

Your Body Is Changing: Here Is What to Expect

Pregnancy brings about a range of changes, from hormonal shifts to increased blood volume and physical adaptations. Most of the symptoms you experience are your body’s way of adjusting to support your growing baby. Understanding what’s typical can help ease your mind and give you the confidence to recognize when something may need further attention.

Your OBGYN care team monitors these changes during your routine prenatal visits, ensuring that everything is progressing safely.

First Trimester: Intense But Normal Shifts

The first 12 weeks often bring the most noticeable changes as your body adjusts to rising hormone levels and increased blood volume:

Fatigue: Your body produces significantly more progesterone, which can make you feel exhausted even after a full night’s sleep. This is compounded by the energy your body is directing toward building the placenta during the first trimester. This level of fatigue is a normal physiological response, not a sign that something is wrong.
Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting affect up to 80% of pregnancies and can happen at any time of day, not just in the morning. Symptoms typically start around week 6 and are often triggered by strong smells, an empty stomach, or certain foods. Small, frequent meals and staying hydrated between bites can help manage symptoms.
Breast tenderness: Hormonal changes begin preparing your body for breastfeeding early. You may notice soreness, swelling, or increased sensitivity, similar to premenstrual tenderness but often more pronounced.
Mild cramping and light spotting: These can occur during implantation, typically around 6 to 12 days after conception, and are usually normal. The cramping often feels like mild period discomfort and should resolve within a day or two.
Frequent urination: Your kidneys process more fluid as blood volume increases, and your growing uterus puts early pressure on your bladder. This is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and tends to ease mid-pregnancy before returning in the third trimester.

These symptoms tend to peak between weeks 8 and 12, then gradually ease as you move into the second trimester. If you’re uncertain about any of these sensations, your OBGYN is always there to address your concerns, whether at your next scheduled appointment or over the phone.

Second and Third Trimester: What’s to Come

As your baby grows, your body continues to adapt in noticeable ways. Many of these changes can feel uncomfortable, but they are often a normal part of a healthy pregnancy. Common experiences include:

Round ligament pain: Sharp, brief twinges in your lower abdomen as the ligaments supporting your uterus stretch. This pain may occur when you change positions quickly, cough, or stand up too fast.
Braxton Hicks contractions: Irregular, painless tightening of your abdomen that can start in the second trimester and become more frequent in the third. These “practice” contractions usually ease with rest, hydration, or a change in position.
Swelling: Your feet, ankles, and sometimes your hands may swell as your body retains more fluid and your growing uterus places pressure on blood vessels. Swelling tends to worsen later in the day or after long periods of standing.
Back pain and heartburn: As your center of gravity shifts, your lower back works harder to support your changing posture. At the same time, hormonal changes can relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, leading to heartburn, especially after meals or when lying down.

Between weeks 16 and 25, you will likely begin feeling your baby’s movements, often described as light flutters at first. Before 28 weeks, movement patterns can be inconsistent. If you notice a sudden and clear decrease in movement compared to what you have been feeling consistently over several days, contact your OBGYN for guidance, even if you are earlier than 28 weeks.

After 28 weeks, your OBGYN may recommend daily kick counts. After eating a meal or snack, sit or lie down and count how long it takes to feel 10 movements. Most babies will move 10 times within two hours. If you do not feel 10 movements within that time frame, reach out to your specialist the same day for further evaluation.

ALSO READ: Signs of a Healthy Pregnancy: What Every Mom-to-Be Should Know

When to Contact Your OB-GYN or Seek Immediate Care

Some pregnancy symptoms can be tricky to interpret. They might be harmless, or they might signal something that requires attention. The safest approach is always to reach out to your OBGYN and describe what you’re feeling. Your care team would much rather hear from you early on than have you wait until later.

Routine Concerns

Nausea or Vomiting That Won’t Let Up
Morning sickness is common, especially in the first trimester. It becomes a concern if you cannot keep fluids down for more than 12–24 hours, or if you are vomiting multiple times a day and are unable to tolerate small sips of water. This may signal hyperemesis gravidarum, a more severe form of pregnancy-related nausea that can lead to dehydration and weight loss.

Look for warning signs like:
- Dark-colored urine
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness when standing
- Urinating fewer than three to four times in 24 hours
If you notice these symptoms or cannot stay hydrated for more than half a day, contact your OBGYN the same day for guidance.
Headaches That Intensify or Persist
Mild headaches are common during pregnancy. A headache becomes concerning if it lasts longer than four hours and does not improve with rest, hydration, or acetaminophen approved by your OBGYN.

Seek prompt medical advice if a headache:
- Is severe or sudden in onset
- Worsens over several hours
- Occurs with blurred vision, flashing lights, or dark spots
- Is paired with swelling in your face or hands
These signs can point to elevated blood pressure or preeclampsia and require evaluation.
Swelling That Appears Suddenly
Gradual swelling in your feet and ankles is expected. Sudden swelling in your face, hands, or legs over a day or two is different. If swelling develops quickly, feels tight or painful, or occurs alongside a persistent headache or visual changes, contact your OBGYN the same day for assessment.
Fever Over 100.4°F
A temperature of 100.4°F or higher during pregnancy warrants a call to your OBGYN. If your fever reaches 101°F or higher, or if it does not improve within 24 hours, you should seek medical guidance promptly. Early treatment of infections protects both you and your baby.

Emergency Symptoms

Vaginal Bleeding or Fluid Leaking
Any vaginal bleeding beyond light spotting should be evaluated immediately. Heavy bleeding, especially if you’re soaking through a pad within an hour, could be a sign of placental abruption (where the placenta separates from the uterine wall) or placenta previa.

If you notice fluid leaking from your vagina, it may indicate your amniotic sac has ruptured. If this happens before 37 weeks, it can lead to preterm labor and needs urgent evaluation by your team of OBGYN specialists.
Severe Abdominal or Pelvic Pain
Sharp, constant, or worsening pain is not typical during pregnancy. While some discomfort is common, like round ligament pain or Braxton Hicks contractions, severe abdominal or pelvic pain could indicate more serious complications.

In the first trimester, intense one-sided pelvic pain may point to an ectopic pregnancy, while later on, it could signal placental abruption. If your pain is accompanied by bleeding, dizziness, or fever, don’t wait; get to the emergency room or call your OB-GYN for immediate guidance.
Reduced or Absent Fetal Movement
By 28 weeks, you should notice a consistent pattern of movement from your baby. A noticeable decrease or complete lack of movement requires immediate attention.

Use kick counts to track your baby’s movements daily: after eating a meal or snack, sit or lie down and count how long it takes to feel 10 movements. If it takes more than two hours or you don’t reach 10 movements, contact your OB-GYN right away. Your OB-GYN can perform a nonstress test to monitor your baby’s heart rate and movement in real-time.
Contractions Before 37 Weeks
Regular contractions before 37 weeks, especially if they occur every 10 minutes or more frequently, could indicate preterm labor. Unlike the irregular, painless tightening you may have experienced before, true preterm contractions are steady, intensify over time, and are often accompanied by lower back pressure or a heavy feeling in your pelvis.

If you experience these contractions, contact your OB-GYN immediately. They will help determine whether you are in active labor and take steps to protect your baby.
Chest Pain, Difficulty Breathing, or Rapid Heartbeat
While mild shortness of breath can occur as your uterus presses against your diaphragm, chest pain, sudden difficulty breathing, or a racing heartbeat are not normal at any stage of pregnancy.

These symptoms could point to serious cardiac or pulmonary complications. If you experience pain or swelling in one leg along with breathing difficulty, it may indicate a blood clot. In these cases, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away for urgent care.

Your Mental Health Matters Too

While much of the focus during pregnancy tends to be on physical symptoms, your emotional well-being is just as important. Hormonal changes, disrupted sleep, and the pressures of preparing for a new chapter in your life can affect how you feel in ways that go beyond typical stress. Taking care of your mental health is essential for both you and your baby.

When to Talk to Your OBGYN About How You’re Feeling

Pregnancy affects more than your body. Hormonal shifts, disrupted sleep, and the weight of preparing for a new chapter can leave you feeling emotionally off-balance, and that’s more common than most people realize. If you’re experiencing persistent sadness, overwhelming anxiety, difficulty sleeping beyond typical pregnancy discomfort, or feeling disconnected from your pregnancy, bring it up with your OB-GYN. These are recognized medical responses to the changes your body is going through, and your care team can help.

If your emotions feel unmanageable or you’re struggling to cope, confidential support is available anytime. Your OB-GYN can connect you with the right resources and guide you toward the care that fits your situation. Early conversations with your provider often lead to simple, effective adjustments, whether that’s a referral to a counselor, changes to your routine, or just knowing someone is monitoring how you’re doing.

Trust What Your Body Is Telling You

The fact that you’re looking for this information shows you’re paying attention to your body, advocating for yourself and your baby, and trusting your instincts, and that matters. Being informed about your body’s signals empowers you to make confident decisions for your pregnancy and health.

At Northside/Northpoint OB-GYN, we provide the kind of care that keeps you informed and supported at every stage. Our team is dedicated to supporting you throughout your pregnancy, ensuring any concerns are addressed early with the expertise and compassion you deserve. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to reach out to our OBGYN clinic. Whether it’s time for your next prenatal visit or you have a question, we’re here for you. We’re always ready to listen and support you.