Is This a Normal Part of Pregnancy?

No one said there’d be days like this, when your whole body seems out of control. Is this normal? Or should you call the doctor or dentist?

You will probably have some uncomfortable symptoms during pregnancy. Some are caused by changes in your hormones. Others can be traced to the pressure and weight of your growing baby.³ The list of annoying but normal symptoms includes:

• Mild swelling: puffiness in face, hands, legs, feet, and ankles^3,5

• Stomach problems: nausea and vomiting, heartburn, gas, bloating^2,6

• Mild aches and pains: backaches, leg cramps^2,3

• Bathroom issues: frequent urination, leaky bladder, constipation, hemorrhoids^2,7

• Changes in your mouth: swollen gums that may bleed easily when you brush¹

• Breathing issues: stuffy nose and shortness of breath^2,3

• Skin changes: brown spots on the face, stretch marks, varicose veins^2,3

• Some symptoms may indicate a serious problem. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Signs of premature labor: vaginal bleeding, unusual fluid discharge, abdominal cramping, dull low backache, pelvic pressure, or regular tightening of the abdomen (contractions) every 10 minutes or less⁴

• Pain or burning when you urinate^2,3

• Sudden, extreme swelling in the face, hands, or fingers^2,3

• Severe pain such as bad headaches or strong stomach pain or cramps^2,3

• Dizziness³

• Problems seeing or blurred vision³

• Severe nausea or vomiting, or any higher-than-normal temperature^2,3

The bottom line: If a new symptom bothers or concerns you, call your doctor. He or she can give you helpful self-care advice or, if needed, schedule an appointment for a checkup.

¹ “Pregnancy: Frequently Asked Questions.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2730.aspx Accessed 2010.

² “Taking Care of You and Your Baby While You’re Pregnant.” American Academy of Family Physicians, April 2008. www.familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/pregnancy/basics/053.html Accessed 2010.

³ “Healthy Pregnancy” The National Women’s Health Information Center. www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-are-pregnant/staying-healthy-safe.cfm Accessed 2010.

⁴ “Pregnancy and Newborn: Preterm Labor.” March of Dimes, April 2008. www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_1080.asp Accessed 2010.

⁵ “Pregnancy and Newborn: Changes During Pregnancy--Swelling” March of Dimes, 2008. www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_16190.asp Accessed 2008.

⁶ “Pregnancy and Newborn: Gas” March of Dimes, 2008. www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_15246.asp Accessed 2010.

⁷ “Pregnancy and Newborn: Frequent Urination.” March of Dimes, 2008. www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_16192.asp Accessed 2010.