Symptoms

First trimester pregnancy concerns

One of the emotions you will go through in your first trimester is worry or concern. Did I do anything to hurt my baby? Is that feeling normal? Is everything OK with the baby?

Many times, everything is OK. The more information you get, the better you will feel. At least you’ll have an idea of what is normal and what to expect.

There are things that are good and may indicate a problem. If you have any of these symptoms, make it a point to see your doctor.
Twins

Many women wonder, right from the beginning, if they are pregnant with twins, or more. Twins occurs about once in every 32 births (and multiples of more than 2 occur less often). But if you are pregnant with twins, it is better to know earlier than later.

The early twin symptoms among women may differ, but the common signs of a twin pregnancy are:

* fetal movement early in pregnancy (5 months is average for a singleton pregnancy)
* severe morning sickness
* distinct multiple heart beats at 10 to 12 weeks
* extreme fatigue
- growing one baby drains a body’s energy, but carrying around two, three or more can be even more exhausting. this is a common complaint of pregnant mothers of twins

Discharge

Thin, clear discharge is normal for early pregnancy. If you notice a change, you should check with your caregiver. A white but odorless discharge that’s causing itching or burning may be a sign of a yeast infection. Foul-smelling or frothy or yellow, green, or gray (with or without irritation, itching, or burning) might indicate a different kind of vaginal infection or a sexually transmitted infection.
Bleeding or Spotting

Spotting, or a little bit of light bleeding, is normal and common during the first trimester of pregnancy can be very normal. (However, bleeding in the second and third trimesters is not a good sign and should be treated immediately.) Sometimes spotting is accompanied by low back pain and cramping in the lower abdomen. Normal. The spotting is usually brown or pink. Normal.

Spotting happens because as the embryo attaches to the thickening wall of your uterus, some blood from the wall is released. If you are very active or just exercised, that might increase the chances of spotting too. If you find spotting in the first trimester, you might take it a little easier but bed rest is not necessary.

You should be a little more concerned if you notice:

* bleeding heavier than spotting
* bleeding that turns bright red
* passing clots or tissue
* increase of pain or a fever

If you see these things, call your doctor immediately.
Tubal Pregnancy

Also known as tubal ectopic pregnancy, it occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes. The chances of such an occurrence are one in fifty pregnancies. The symptoms could be bleeding, abdominal or pelvic pain or tenderness, and pain that worsens while coughing or moving bowels.
Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy. When it happens it is often during the first 12 weeks. A woman who is miscarrying may experience minimal to severe cramping. The most common symptom of a possible miscarriage is vaginal bleeding. The bleeding may be minor to heavy and often has blood clots and other tissue in it.

It is not too early to see your doctor or midwife. It can be very reassuring to hear a fetal heartbeat (often heard as early as eight to nine weeks with a doppler) and to make sure the uterus is growing as expected. An ultrasound may also be indicated.

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