MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network

Pregnancy-Related Problems

Overview

It's likely you'll be healthy during your pregnancy. You probably won't have any serious health concerns. But it's important for you to be aware of symptoms that may mean you have a more serious problem. Talk with your healthcare provider or midwife about any concerns you have while you are pregnant. Then your health problems can be checked quickly.

Many minor problems of pregnancy can be managed at home. Home treatment is usually all that's needed to relieve mild morning sickness or discomfort from heartburn or constipation. You can also use home treatment for sleep problems, hip pain, hemorrhoids, and fatigue. But talk to your healthcare provider or midwife before you take any over-the-counter medicines or natural health products. Some may not be safe during pregnancy. If you have a problem and your healthcare provider or midwife gives you specific instructions, be sure to follow those instructions.

While most problems that occur during pregnancy are minor, you may have more serious symptoms that you need to talk to your healthcare provider or midwife about. Your symptoms may be related to:

Miscarriage. Symptoms may include:
- Vaginal bleeding. In the first trimester, it may be a sign of miscarriage.
- Tissue that passes through the vagina. When you pass tissue, you may also pass large blood clots. If you can, collect the tissue and bring it with you when you see your healthcare provider or midwife.
- Cramps.
Preterm labour. Symptoms may include:
- Contractions that start before the 37th week of pregnancy.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding, or fluid leaking from your vagina.
- Abnormal menstrual-like cramps.
- Belly, pelvic, or back (flank) pain. This pain may come and go regularly.
- Regular contractions (with or without pain) for an hour. This means that you have 6 or more within 1 hour after you change your position and drink fluids.
Gestational diabetes. You may have symptoms of high blood sugar, such as being very thirsty or having blurred vision. Or you may not have any symptoms at all.
Infection. Symptoms may include:
- Fever. Mild fevers that last only a short time usually aren't a concern. A fever that doesn't get better with home treatment or doesn't improve after several days may mean that you have a more serious problem.
- Nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. Vomiting during pregnancy is more likely to be serious if it happens more than 2 or 3 times a day or if you also have pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding.
- Urinary problems, such as pain when you urinate, blood in your urine, or a frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
- Vaginal problems, such as vaginal pain or itching, abnormal discharge, or sores or rashes in or around the vagina.
High blood pressure. Sometimes this is the first sign of a serious problem called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia can occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Symptoms of very high blood pressure or preeclampsia may include:
- Sudden swelling in your face, hands, or feet.
- New vision problems (such as light sensitivity, blurring, or seeing spots).
- Rapid weight gain—more than 1 kg (2.2 kg) a week.
- A severe headache.
- New pain in the upper right belly.
- New severe nausea and vomiting.
Blood clots. The risk of blood clots increases during and after pregnancy. Symptoms may include:
- Pain or swelling in your arm or leg. Or you may have warmth or redness or any change in colour in your arm or leg. These are symptoms of a blood clot in your arm or leg (deep vein thrombosis).
- Sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, and coughing up blood. These are symptoms of a blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolism).
Cholestasis of pregnancy. When bile doesn't flow out of the liver very well, it can cause a liver problem that can make your skin feel very itchy. This problem doesn't cause any serious health problems for you. But it may cause problems for your baby. Your healthcare provider or midwife will want to watch you and your baby closely.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy. This problem may occur during late pregnancy. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, and feeling very tired and faint or dizzy.
Depression. If you are tearful, sad, or anxious, or if you have big mood swings, talk to your healthcare provider or midwife. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call or text Canada's suicide and crisis hotline at 988 right away.

You may also have other common problems while you're pregnant, like a cold, COVID-19, or influenza (flu), that aren't caused by your pregnancy. Ask your healthcare provider or midwife about home treatments for these problems. And make sure to talk to your healthcare provider or midwife if you develop more serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or a fever that doesn't get better with home treatment.

During the days and weeks after delivery (postpartum period), you can expect that your body will change as it returns to its non-pregnant condition. As with pregnancy changes, postpartum changes are different for each person. Some problems, such as high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, or diabetes, may continue after delivery. You may need to follow up with your healthcare provider or midwife about these problems after your baby is born.

Check Your Symptoms

Are you pregnant?

This topic covers problems directly related to pregnancy as well as symptoms that may be more serious for pregnant women.

Yes

Pregnancy

How old are you?

Less than 12 years

12 years or older

Are you male or female?

Male

Female

The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have.

If you are transgender or non-binary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as "male" and once as "female"). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Do you have symptoms of shock?

Yes

Symptoms of shock

How many weeks pregnant are you?

Less than 20 weeks

Less than 20 weeks pregnant

20 weeks to 23 weeks

20 weeks to 23 weeks pregnant

24 weeks to 37 weeks

24 weeks to 37 weeks pregnant

More than 37 weeks

More than 37 weeks pregnant

Is the umbilical cord or the baby's foot bulging into your vagina?

If this is happening, you will have other symptoms too. Fluid may be leaking from your vagina because the amniotic sac has broken, or you may be having contractions or other signs of labour.

Yes

Umbilical cord or baby's foot bulging into vagina

Is your baby moving less than usual?

"Moving less" means moving or kicking fewer than 10 times in 2 hours. Some babies do this at certain times of the day.

Yes

Decreased movement of baby

Do you have any signs that you are in labour?

This means more than just mild contractions that you can talk through or that are irregular or may even stop for a while.

Yes

Signs of labour

Do you have any symptoms of preterm (early) labour?

Yes

Symptoms of preterm labour

Have you had any vaginal bleeding in the last 48 hours?

Yes

Vaginal bleeding

When this bleeding was heaviest, was it severe, moderate, mild, or minimal?

Severe

Severe bleeding

Moderate

Moderate bleeding

Mild

Mild bleeding

Minimal

Minimal bleeding

Have you had a seizure?

Yes

Seizure

Are you having trouble breathing (more than a stuffy nose)?

Yes

Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose

Would you describe the problem as severe, moderate, or mild?

Severe

Severe difficulty breathing

Moderate

Moderate difficulty breathing

Mild

Mild difficulty breathing

Are you nauseated or vomiting, or do you have diarrhea?

Nauseated means you feel sick to your stomach, like you are going to vomit.

Yes

Nausea or vomiting or diarrhea

Do you think you may be dehydrated?

Yes

May be dehydrated

Are the symptoms severe, moderate, or mild?

Severe

Severe dehydration

Moderate

Moderate dehydration

Mild

Mild dehydration

Are you having trouble drinking enough to replace the fluids you've lost?

Little sips of fluid usually are not enough. You need to be able to take in and keep down plenty of fluids.

Yes

Unable to maintain fluid intake

Able to maintain fluid intake

Is there more than a trace of blood in your vomit?

Yes

More than a trace of blood in vomit

Are you vomiting more than 3 times a day?

Yes

Vomiting more than 3 times a day

Have you lost at least 0.5 lb (0.2 kg) in the past 48 hours (2 days) or at least 2 lbs 9oz (1 kg) in the past week?

Yes

Weight loss

Do you have a new headache that is different than the types of headaches you are used to?

Yes

New or different headache

Do you have a severe headache that started suddenly and is the worst headache of your life?

This probably would not be like any headache you have had before.

Yes

Sudden, severe headache

How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?

8 to 10: Severe pain

Severe pain

5 to 7: Moderate pain

Moderate pain

1 to 4: Mild pain

Mild pain

Are you having new vision problems, such as blurred or decreased vision or flashes of light?

Yes

Vision problems

Do you have pain in your belly, pelvic area, or back?

Yes

Belly, pelvic, or back pain

How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?

8 to 10: Severe pain

Severe pain

5 to 7: Moderate pain

Moderate pain

1 to 4: Mild pain

Mild pain

Do you have belly pain (not labour)?

Yes

Belly pain (not labour)

Do you have pain in the upper right side of your belly?

It may help to think about four areas of the belly: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left.

Yes

Pain in upper right belly

Do you have pain and swelling in one calf or pain when you breathe?

These can be warning signs of a blood clot moving from the leg to the lung (called a pulmonary embolism).

Yes

Pain and swelling in one calf or pain with breathing

Is fluid other than blood leaking from your vagina?

Yes

Fluid leaking from vagina

Have you passed any tissue through your vagina?

Collect the tissue if you can, and bring it with you when you see your doctor.

Yes

Passed tissue into vagina

In the past week, have you had an injury, such as a blow to the belly or a hard fall?

Yes

Past week had a blow to the belly or a hard fall

Do you suspect that the injury may have been caused by abuse?

This is a standard question that we ask in certain topics. It may not apply to you. But asking it of everyone helps us to get people the help they need.

Yes

Injury may have been caused by abuse

Did the injury involve a direct blow to your belly?

Examples of this type of injury are a fall in which you landed hard on your belly or a car accident that caused a forceful hit to your belly.

Yes

Direct blow to belly

Did the injury happen within the past 24 hours?

Yes

Injury within past 24 hours

Do you have any new vaginal bleeding, belly pain, or pelvic pain that may be related to the injury?

Yes

New vaginal bleeding, belly pain or pelvic pain

Do you think you may have a fever?

Yes

Possible fever

Did you take your temperature?

Yes

Temperature taken

How high is the fever? The answer may depend on how you took the temperature.

NOTE: Most people have an average body temperature of about 37°C (98.6°F). But it can vary by a degree or more and still be considered normal. If a low body temperature is the only symptom, it’s usually not something to worry about. But be sure to watch for other symptoms.

High: 40°C (104°F) or higher, oral

High fever: 40°C (104°F) or higher, oral

Moderate: 38°C (100.4°F) to 39.9°C (103.9°F), oral

Moderate fever: 38°C (100.4°F) to 39.9°C (103.9°F), oral

Mild: 37.9°C (100.3°F) or lower, oral

Mild fever: 37.9°C (100.3°F) or lower, oral

How high do you think the fever is?

High

Feels fever is high

Moderate

Feels fever is moderate

Mild or low

Feels fever is mild

How long have you had a fever?

Less than 2 days (48 hours)

Fever for less than 2 days

At least 2 days but less than 1 week

Fever for at least 2 days but less than 1 week

1 week or more

Fever for 1 week or more

Do you have a health problem or take medicine that weakens your immune system?

Yes

Disease or medicine that causes immune system problems

Do you have shaking chills or very heavy sweating?

Shaking chills are a severe, intense form of shivering. Heavy sweating means that sweat is pouring off you or soaking through your clothes.

Yes

Shaking chills or heavy sweating

Do you have problems with urination?

Yes

Problems with urination

Are you able to urinate at all?

Yes

Able to urinate

Unable to urinate

Do you have symptoms of a kidney infection?

Yes

Symptoms of kidney infection

Do you have symptoms of a bladder infection?

Yes

Symptoms of bladder infection

Do you have symptoms of a vaginal infection?

Yes

Symptoms of a vaginal infection

Do you have swelling in the face, hands, or feet?

Yes

Swelling in the face, hands, or feet

Do you have ongoing swelling?

Yes

Ongoing swelling

Do you have any other symptoms you're concerned about?

These could include things like skin problems or digestive issues.

Yes

Concern about other symptoms

Are you having problems with constipation or heartburn?

Yes

Problems with constipation or heartburn

Has home treatment helped?

Yes

Home treatment helped

Home treatment has not helped

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, or natural health products can cause symptoms or make them worse.
Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

HomeTreatment

RelatedInformation

Temperature varies a little depending on how you measure it. For adults and children age 12 and older, these are the ranges for high, moderate, and mild, according to how you took the temperature.

Oral (by mouth) temperature

High: 40 °C (104 °F) and higher
Moderate: 38 °C (100.4 °F) to 39.9 °C (103.9 °F)
Mild: 37.9 °C (100.3 °F) and lower

A forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.3° C (0.5° F) to 0.6° C (1° F) lower than an oral temperature

Ear temperature

High: 40.6 °C (105 °F) and higher
Moderate: 38.6 °C (101.4 °F) to 40.5 °C (104.9 °F)
Mild: 38.3 °C (101 °F) and lower

Armpit (axillary) temperature

High: 39.5° C (103° F) and higher
Moderate: 37.5 °C (99.5 °F) to 39.4 °C (102.9 °F)
Mild: 37.4° C (99.4° F) and lower

Pain in adults and older children

Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and can't do anything else except focus on the pain.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's there.
Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Symptoms of difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe. For example:

You may feel a little out of breath but still be able to talk (mild difficulty breathing), or you may be so out of breath that you cannot talk at all (severe difficulty breathing).
It may be getting hard to breathe with activity (mild difficulty breathing), or you may have to work very hard to breathe even when you're at rest (severe difficulty breathing).

Severe trouble breathing means:

You cannot talk at all.
You have to work very hard to breathe.
You feel like you can't get enough air.
You do not feel alert or cannot think clearly.

Moderate trouble breathing means:

It's hard to talk in full sentences.
It's hard to breathe with activity.

Mild trouble breathing means:

You feel a little out of breath but can still talk.
It's becoming hard to breathe with activity.

Symptoms of preterm labour may include:

Mild or menstrual-like cramps, with or without diarrhea.
A feeling of pressure in your pelvis or lower belly.
A steady, dull ache in your lower back, pelvis, lower belly, or thighs.
Changes in your vaginal discharge.
Regular contractions for an hour. This means about 6 or more in 1 hour, even after you have had a glass of water and are resting.

Severe vaginal bleeding means that you are soaking 1 or 2 pads or tampons in 1 or 2 hours, unless that is normal for you. For most people, passing clots of blood from the vagina and soaking through their usual pads or tampons every hour for 2 or more hours is not normal and is considered severe. If you are pregnant: You may have a gush of blood or pass a clot, but if the bleeding stops, it is not considered severe.

Moderate bleeding means that you are soaking more than 1 pad or tampon in 3 hours.

Mild bleeding means that you are soaking less than 1 pad or tampon in more than 3 hours.

Minimal vaginal bleeding means "spotting" or a few drops of blood.

If you're not sure if a fever is high, moderate, or mild, think about these issues:

With a high fever:

You feel very hot.
It is likely one of the highest fevers you've ever had. High fevers are not that common, especially in adults.

With a moderate fever:

You feel warm or hot.
You know you have a fever.

With a mild fever:

You may feel a little warm.
You think you might have a fever, but you're not sure.

Symptoms of a kidney infection may include:

Pain in the flank, which is felt just below the rib cage and above the waist on one or both sides of the back.
Fever or chills.
Pain or burning when you urinate.
A frequent urge to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
Belly pain.

Symptoms of a bladder infection may include:

Pain or burning when you urinate.
A frequent urge to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
Blood in the urine.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
Medicines taken after organ transplant.
Not having a spleen.

During pregnancy, swelling that may be a sign of a more serious problem may include:

Weight gain of 0.9 kg (2 lb) or more during a 24-hour period.
New and increasing swelling, especially in your face, hands, or feet.
Swelling in your feet that does not improve even after you lie on your side for several hours.

You can get dehydrated when you lose a lot of fluids because of problems like vomiting or fever.

Symptoms of dehydration can range from mild to severe. For example:

You may feel tired and edgy (mild dehydration), or you may feel weak, not alert, and not able to think clearly (severe dehydration).
You may pass less urine than usual (mild dehydration), or you may not be passing urine at all (severe dehydration).

Severe dehydration means:

Your mouth and eyes may be extremely dry.
You may pass little or no urine for 12 or more hours.
You may not feel alert or be able to think clearly.
You may be too weak or dizzy to stand.
You may pass out.

Moderate dehydration means:

You may be a lot more thirsty than usual.
Your mouth and eyes may be drier than usual.
You may pass little or no urine for 8 or more hours.
You may feel dizzy when you stand or sit up.

Mild dehydration means:

You may be more thirsty than usual.
You may pass less urine than usual.

Signs that you are in labour include:

Regular contractions for at least 1 hour. This means about 4 or more contractions in 20 minutes, or about 8 or more in a single hour.
A sudden release of fluid from the vagina.

"Bloody show" is blood-tinged mucus that may pass out of the vagina as the cervix begins to open (dilate) and thin (efface). On its own, however, this is not a definite sign that you are in labour.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may quickly occur after a sudden illness or injury.

Adults and older children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

Passing out (losing consciousness).
Feeling very dizzy or light-headed, like you may pass out.
Feeling very weak or having trouble standing.
Not feeling alert or able to think clearly. You may be confused, restless, fearful, or unable to respond to questions.

Symptoms of a vaginal infection may include:

Vaginal itching.
Vaginal discharge that is not normal for you.
Red, irritated skin in the vaginal area.
Pain when you urinate.
Pain or bleeding when you have sex.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour.
You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
- You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
- You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today.
If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

HomeTreatment

RelatedInformation

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don't want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

HomeTreatment

RelatedInformation

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Get down on your knees, bend forward, and put your head on the floor so your buttocks are higher than your head. Stay in this position until help arrives.

Sometimes people don't want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Self-Care

Managing morning sickness

If you have morning sickness, try these tips to feel better.

Eat five or six small meals a day.
It's helpful to always have some food in your stomach, but not too much.
Eat a small snack when you first wake up.
Keep a few crackers nearby when you go to sleep so you can eat them before you get up.
Drink enough fluids.
Water and other caffeine-free drinks are good choices.
Try to avoid foods and smells that make you feel sick.
High-fat or greasy foods, milk, and coffee may make nausea worse. Some foods that may be easier to tolerate include cold, spicy, sour, and salty foods.
Try foods and drinks made with ginger.
Foods and drinks made with ginger, like ginger tea, ginger ale, and crystallized ginger, may help with nausea.
Try P6 acupressure wrist bands.
Some people find that these anti-nausea wristbands help. You can buy them at most drugstores.
Take your prenatal vitamins at night.
And make sure you have something in your stomach when you take them.
Talk to your healthcare provider or midwife about other things that may help.
If you're taking iron supplements, ask if they're needed. (Iron can make nausea worse.) Ask your healthcare provider or midwife about medicines that may help with symptoms.

If you have vaginal problems, such as vaginal pain or itching or a change in vaginal discharge, talk with your healthcare provider or midwife about your symptoms before you try any home treatments or over-the-counter medicines.

Try these tips to help with vaginal problems during pregnancy.

Don't scratch the vaginal area.
Relieve itching with cold-water compresses or cool baths. Warm baths may also relieve pain and itching.
Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing.
- Stay away from nylon and synthetics. They hold heat and moisture close to the skin, which makes it easier for an infection to start.
- You may want to remove your pyjama bottoms or underwear when you sleep.
Avoid using scented soap.
When you wash your vulva, use plain water or a mild, unscented soap.
Don't douche or use powders, sprays, or perfumes in your vagina or on your vulva.

Fetal Movement Counts
In the last trimester of your pregnancy, your healthcare provider may ask you to keep track of the baby's movement every day. This is often called a "kick count" or fetal movement count.

A common way to do this is to note how long it takes to count 6 movements (such as kicks, flutters, or rolls). Call your healthcare provider or nurse call line right away if you don't feel at least 6 movements in 2 hours.

Your healthcare provider may ask you to track your baby's movements once each day. Bring this record with you to each prenatal visit. For more information on counting your baby’s movements, go to: Fetal Movement Count Chart.

Treating heartburn

Treating heartburn during pregnancy focuses first on making lifestyle changes, like changing what and how you eat, and on taking non-prescription antacids. Some healthcare providers or midwives may also recommend a prescription medicine to treat heartburn.

When to call for help during self-care

Call your healthcare provider or midwife if any of the following occur during self-care at home:

New or increased vaginal bleeding.
Weakness or light-headedness.
Belly pain.
Swelling of the face, hands, or feet.
A severe headache.
Vomiting that gets worse or continues even with home treatment.
Urinary problems, such as frequent or painful urination or blood in your urine.
Fever.
Heartburn that continues even with home treatment.
Symptoms that occur more often or are more severe.

Learn more

Preparing For Your Appointment

You can help your healthcare provider diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared for your appointment.

Making the Most of Your Appointment

Related Information

Credits

Adaptation Date: 8/7/2024

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services

Pregnancy: Signs of Preterm Labor

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.