5 Pregnancy Symptoms to Never Ignore: What Every Expecting Parent Needs to Know

Pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, but it can also bring a lot of uncertainty as your body goes through numerous changes.

While some symptoms are a normal part of pregnancy, others may signal potential complications that need immediate attention. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference in ensuring both your health and your baby’s health.

At Daybreak Doulas, we specialize in providing emotional, physical, and educational support for expectant families. Our team is here to guide you through the pregnancy journey, helping you navigate the many changes that occur along the way. One key way we support families is by helping them recognize pregnancy symptoms that should never be ignored. These signs may indicate a more serious issue that requires medical intervention, so it's crucial to pay attention to them.

Here are five pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore, along with key information on what steps to take if you experience them.

1. Vaginal Bleeding: A Red Flag for Potential Complications

Light spotting can be a common occurrence in early pregnancy, but vaginal bleeding—especially after the first trimester—can be a sign of a serious issue. Bleeding could indicate a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or placenta previa, all of which require immediate medical attention. If you experience bright red bleeding, clotting, or severe cramping, it’s important not to wait to seek help.

What to do: Contact your healthcare provider immediately. Depending on your situation, they may want you to come in for an ultrasound or other tests to determine the cause of the bleeding.

2. Abdominal Cramping, Back Pain, or Regular Contractions Before 37 Weeks

Many women experience mild cramping early in pregnancy, but abdominal cramping, back pain, or regular contractions before 37 weeks can be a sign of preterm labor. Preterm labor can happen when the body starts preparing for birth too soon. Regular contractions every 10 minutes or less, pelvic pressure, or lower back pain are all red flags that need immediate attention.

What to do: Call your healthcare provider right away. They will likely ask you to come in for monitoring to assess whether you are in preterm labor and to determine the next steps for your care.

3. Leaking Fluid: When Your Water Breaks Early

The leaking of amniotic fluid, particularly before 37 weeks, can be a serious pregnancy complication. If you notice any unusual discharge that seems watery or continuous, this could mean your water has broken early. Leaking fluid could increase the risk of infection and preterm birth, so it’s important to address this issue as soon as possible.

What to do: Contact your healthcare provider immediately. If your water has broken, they will evaluate the situation to determine whether you need to be hospitalized or what other interventions might be necessary to protect you and your baby.

4. Severe Swelling, Visual Disturbances, or Rapid Weight Gain: Signs of Preeclampsia

While some swelling in the feet and ankles is normal as pregnancy progresses, severe swelling, especially in the face or hands, combined with visual disturbances (like blurry vision or seeing spots) and rapid weight gain, may indicate preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that affects the liver and kidneys and can lead to complications for both mother and baby if left untreated.

What to do: If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to reach out to your healthcare provider immediately. They may need to monitor your blood pressure and perform tests to rule out preeclampsia or other conditions that could jeopardize your pregnancy.

5. Persistent Itchy Skin: A Potential Sign of Cholestasis

Itching during pregnancy is common, especially as your body adjusts to hormonal changes. However, if the itching is persistent, severe, or accompanied by a rash or yellowing of the skin (jaundice), it could be a sign of cholestasis of pregnancy. This liver disorder can affect your baby’s health and may lead to complications like preterm birth.

What to do: Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may conduct blood tests to assess liver function and determine whether further monitoring or treatment is necessary.

The Importance of Doula Support During Pregnancy

We understand that pregnancy can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with symptoms or complications. While we are not medical professionals, we play a key role in supporting you emotionally, physically and mentally through your pregnancy and are able to help you recognize when to seek medical advice or offer guidance through your decisions.

Having a doula means having someone by your side who understands the nuances of pregnancy and can offer reassurance during times of uncertainty. Whether you're facing common pregnancy discomforts or experiencing more serious symptoms, our team at Daybreak Doulas is here to support you, ensuring you feel empowered, informed, and cared for through every twist and turn.

How to Reach Out to Daybreak Doulas

If you're expecting and want to ensure you have the best support system in place, we encourage you to reach out. Whether you need help navigating pregnancy symptoms, want to learn more about the role of a doula, or are looking for emotional and physical support throughout your pregnancy, we’re here to help.

Our compassionate and experienced doulas are here to provide guidance, comfort, and encouragement, so you can feel confident as you prepare for birth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.

Trust Your Instincts and Seek Support

While pregnancy is often a time of joy, it’s also filled with changes that can sometimes be worrying. By understanding which pregnancy symptoms should never be ignored, you’ll be better prepared to take action when necessary. Always trust your instincts, and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.

At Daybreak Doulas, we are here to help you navigate your pregnancy journey with confidence and support. Whether you're dealing with everyday symptoms or something more concerning, we’ve got your back—every step of the way.