Should you call the doctor for every pregnancy symptom?

  Pregnancy symptoms - dealing with them easier.

When it comes to pregnancy symptoms there are two kinds of women that drive doctors crazy. There are those who call for every little twinge of discomfort, and there are those who wouldn’t call even if they were tied to a tree, covered with honey, right under a bee’s hive. Why? Because "I didn’t want to bother you." Here are some tips to help you avoid falling into either of these two categories.

Vaginal Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding doesn’t automatically mean that there is a serious problem, but the source, and cause of the bleeding needs to be investigated. Panic usually follows this pregnancy symptom if you’re on the toilet when you discover the bleeding. This is a result of even a few drops of blood looking like a gallon as soon as they hit the water. Stay calm, and wipe with toilet paper. Make a note of the color - was it bright red, or more reddish-brown? Did the bleeding occur after some activity, such as intercourse, or moving furniture? Is the bleeding associated with cramping, or localized pain somewhere in the area? Your doctor will ask these questions, as well as how much blood you think you lost. Now, remember the difference between bleeding and hemorrhaging? If the blood isn’t running down your leg and filling up your shoe, you’re not hemorrhaging. Stay calm and call your doctor.

Generalized Swelling Of The Face & Fingers: Some swelling of your feet and ankles is a common pregnancy symptom, and is no cause for alarm. However, add the swelling of your face and fingers along with that of your feet and ankles and this may be a sign of preeclampsia (toxemia). This combined swelling requires a visit with your doctor.

Extreme Continuous Headaches: Another possible sign of preeclampsia is a severe and continuous headache, sometimes accompanied by a dimness, or blurring of vision. Migraine headaches also have these symptoms, but to be on the safe side, consult with your doctor. Especially, if you do not normally get migraine headaches.

Abdominal Pain: Aches and pains can be so common a pregnancy symptom that it is often difficult deciding if your abdominal pain is something to be concerned about. Before calling your doctor, think about what kind of pain you’re having, and ask yourself these questions: Where is it? What does it feel like? Do you have any additional symptoms besides abdominal pain, such as bleeding? Has there been an increase in your vaginal discharge? Does your pain come and go, or is it constant? It may just be the old round ligament pain again, but call your doctor and check it out.

Persistent Vomiting: This is one you will need help with. It’s important that you don’t become too dehydrated and upset your body’s chemical balance. Don’t wait until you’re so dehydrated that your tongue looks and feels like the sands of the desert. Call your doctor.

While it is safe to overlook what may be considered the usual discomforts associated with pregnancy, any pregnancy symptom that may seem serious, or that you can’t explain requires a call to your doctor.

About the author:
Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internet’s most popular topics. To read more on this topic, please visit Pregnancy Information & Resources!



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