Pregnancy…it can be a little weird, right? Our bodies go through so many changes in a relatively short amount of time and those changes can often have us wondering, “Wait…is that normal??” If you’ve ever found yourself asking that very question, this blog post is for you! We’re going to break down some of the most commonly searched phenomenons during pregnancy that can often seem alarming but are usually pretty normal. Plus, we’ll share how to discern when those common occurrences are abnormal and deserve attention.

Reviewed by Emily Wannenburg, DNDM, CLC, AdvCD(DONA), 4th Trimester Fitness® Method and Cara Benvenuti, Postpartum Doula in Montreal, Canada.

Disclaimer: The contents of this blog post are in no way intended to be, nor should they be considered, medical advice. The purpose of this blog is solely informational. It is always recommended to consult your provider if you have any questions or concerns during your pregnancy. At the end of this article, you’ll find sources!

As you might expect in these answers, many times you will be encouraged to contact your provider with questions. As a certified doula, I want to make sure you know that you deserve to have a care provider you feel safe with! If you ever feel like your questions are not answered, your concerns are dismissed, or if you’re uncomfortable being honest with your provider – I highly recommend you shop around for a new care provider! (It’s important to not leave your current provider until you’ve been accepted at a new practice!) Gaining access to healthcare is hard enough, you should have a positive experience once you’ve made the effort to get to an office!

Is bleeding common in pregnancy? Is spotting in pregnancy normal?

Seeing blood during pregnancy can be alarming no matter how much it is. Most often, the first thought when bleeding or spotting is present during pregnancy is miscarriage, which is a valid fear. However, blood during pregnancy doesn’t always indicate something is wrong, but it is important to distinguish between bleeding and spotting. “Spotting” is very light vaginal bleeding that is usually light brown, but can be pink or red, and does not require more than a panty liner to manage. Bleeding, on the other hand, is almost always red and is a heavier, more consistent flow that will often require more than just a liner to manage. True bleeding is more of a concern and should be addressed with your provider quickly to ensure you and your baby are both safe and healthy. You should have an after-hours number for your obstetrician or midwife’s office. If not, you can go to Labor and Delivery triage, or call your hospital and ask for the Labor and Delivery Floor if you want a phone assessment first.

Spotting can occur during healthy pregnancies and doesn’t always indicate something is wrong. Some common, but not dangerous, causes of spotting during pregnancy are irritation of the cervix, implantation bleeding, and cervical ectopy–a harmless condition where delicate cells from the uterus are present in the cervical canal most commonly seen in people who have had had a vaginal birth before or who have taken birth control pills for an extended period of time. An infection of the cervix, or cervicitis, can also cause spotting and it’s important to have that infection treated. Often, infection will be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, burning, bumps/blisters, or a foul-smelling discharge. Sometimes, spotting can occur in the second and third trimesters with no known cause and rarely indicates a problem, particularly if it is very light and temporary. 

While spotting is often harmless and typically does not indicate a problem, there are some more serious concerns that can be associated with spotting. If the spotting is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or severe pain, if it progresses to bleeding, or if you’re just concerned and would like the reassurance of speaking with a medical professional, it is important to consult your provider. Your physician or midwife is there to help ensure you and your baby stay safe and healthy through pregnancy. It is never a bother, silly, or stupid to check in with your provider if you’re concerned. That’s what they’re there for!

I’m having watery or thick discharge in pregnancy, is that normal?

Have you noticed an increase or change in discharge during pregnancy and wondered what’s going on? The good news is that an increase in discharge is very common during pregnancy and is usually normal and healthy. Normal discharge during pregnancy, called leukorrhea, is odorless, either clear, whitish, or pale yellow in color, and can be watery or a bit thicker, but is generally slippery and thin. This kind of discharge keeps tissues moist and helps to clear away impurities. 

However, if you notice discharge associated with a bad smell, a change in color, itching/burning, or pelvic or abdominal pain, heavy or thick discharge, a large amount of discharge – OR if you’re at all concerned – you should consult your medical provider. Sometimes, discharge accompanied by other symptoms, like fever, can indicate an infection or other potential issues, such as leaking amniotic fluid. You’ll never regret double-checking the health of you and your baby.

Is abdominal pain normal in pregnancy?

There are a LOT of changes that occur during pregnancy in a rather short amount of time. Those changes often bring about different types of aches and pains, particularly in the abdominal region. You may experience cramping, different types of sharp pain, or ovarian pain. Thankfully, most of these are normal and not cause for concern. 

One common cause of abdominal pain during pregnancy is round ligament pain. The round ligaments are the ligaments that run along the sides of your abdomen and help support your uterus. As the baby grows and the uterus expands to make room, the round ligaments stretch, which can cause sharp pain. Generally, these sharp, sudden pains or spasms will be felt in the lower belly, hip, or groin area and most often occur when changing positions, such as moving from sitting to standing or rolling over in bed. Round ligament pains tend to be more common on the right side and are most often felt during the second trimester but can also be felt on both sides and earlier in pregnancy.

Another common cause of abdominal pain during pregnancy is ovary pain. Pain in the ovaries can occur for a variety of reasons, such as implantation, changes in hormones during pregnancy, and ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are a common occurrence during pregnancy and, usually, the pain associated with them is mild. 

Cramping is also an often-experienced type of abdominal pain during pregnancy and can have many causes. Hormone changes during pregnancy can cause changes in digestion, leading to gas and constipation, which often cause cramping. As the uterus grows and stretches, it can also lead to various cramps, aches, and pains. Contractions can also cause pain that feels similar to menstrual cramps. Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as false labor or prodromal labor, are irregular, less intense contractions that typically go away with position changes, hydration, or rest. They’re commonly felt in the later part of the second trimester and third trimester as the body prepares for labor and delivery. These practice contractions, while sometimes rather uncomfortable, aren’t cause for concern and don’t necessarily indicate that labor is near or cause any progress toward labor, such as dilation. 

If you experience wave-like pain that comes at consistent intervals, increases in intensity, and does not go away with changes in position, hydration, or rest, it is a good idea to call your doctor or provider as this kind of pain can indicate preterm labor contractions before 37 weeks.

The sheer number of aches, pains, and cramps that might be experienced during pregnancy is a little mind boggling and, sometimes, can cause fear or worry. That’s ok! As with any other symptom in pregnancy, if it worries you, talk to your doctor or provider. It is particularly important to talk to your doctor or provider when abdominal pain lasts more than a few hours or is associated with fever, light-headedness, nausea, or vomiting.

Is it normal to have Side/Back/Pelvic pain in pregnancy? 

Along with many types of abdominal pain, pain in the back, sides, and pelvis can also be common in pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses and the baby grows, your center of gravity shifts, your balance changes, and your posture changes to accommodate the added weight and position of the uterus. Your body also begins producing a hormone called relaxin that, in conjunction with progesterone, loosens your ligaments and relaxes your muscles in preparation for allowing the baby to descend through the birth canal and be born. All these changes put stress on muscles and joints, particularly in the back and pelvis, which can cause pain. Relaxin can also cause numbness and tingling – more on that later!

A particular type of pelvic pain that may be experienced during pregnancy is symphysis pubis dysfunction or SPD. Pain from SPD is felt in the center bottom of the pelvis and occurs when the joint between the left and right halves of your pelvis allows for more movement than normal. Though not dangerous, this instability can cause intense pain and difficulty when moving. If you experience this kind of pain during pregnancy, a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor health is a fantastic provider to see as they can recommend exercises, braces, and other types of therapy to help ease the discomfort caused by SPD.

Another kind of pelvic pain commonly experienced during pregnancy, often referred to as “lightning crotch”, may have an amusing name but it’s usually not so amusing for those who experience it! This colloquial term refers to a sharp shooting pain felt in the pelvis in the later stages of pregnancy. Sometimes, it’s described as a stinging or pins-and-needles feeling. Lightning crotch is not dangerous and is likely caused by the baby’s head putting pressure on the nerves around the lower part of your uterus. The pain should only last a few seconds, truly like a flash of lighting. If the pain is longer, it could indicate a potential issue and should be addressed with your doctor or provider.

As with many other types of pain we’ve already discussed, pain in the sides during pregnancy is often due to the growth and stretching of the uterus, especially when the baby gets so large that the uterus pushes on the ribs causing them to flare out. This flaring can lead to inflammation in the cartilage between the ribs, resulting in pain. This condition, known as costochondritis, usually occurs in non-pregnant people in the cartilage around the sternum, but can occur in the cartilage around the lower ribs during pregnancy. Sometimes, pain in the sides can indicate more serious issues like kidney infection, kidney stones, or gallstones, etc. You guessed it – as with all the symptoms we’ve mentioned so far, if the pain is associated with any other worrying symptoms, or if you’re just needing reassurance, always contact your doctor or midwife.As a doula, I highly recommend Spinning Babies to manage discomfort! This is a model that will entirely shift your understanding of the pregnant body, and help optimize a positive birth experience! You can learn more at: https://www.spinningbabies.com/

Are itchy hands normal in pregnancy? Is it normal to have itchy breasts and belly in pregnancy?

Though it can be very irritating, itching during pregnancy is usually normal. Though keep reading because there is one major exception!

Changes in hormone levels during early pregnancy can cause the breasts to itch. As the pregnancy progresses, skin stretches and tends to dry out, especially on the belly, which often causes itching. Typically, itching isn’t something to worry about. 

However, if you have intense itching without any kind of rash that starts on the palms or soles of the feet, spreads to other parts of the body, and is worse at night, it is a good idea to check in with your health care provider as you could be experiencing a serious issue with your liver called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy or ICP. ICP requires medical attention and can come with other symptoms such as dark urine, pale stool, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), but these other symptoms are not always present. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you are concerned in any way, always consult your healthcare provider.

Are restless legs normal in pregnancy?

Do you ever lay there at night and have an irresistible urge to move your legs, especially when you’re pregnant? Restless leg syndrome is very common during pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s possible that diet, hormones, genetics, changes to the body during pregnancy or a combination of any of these factors could contribute to the development of restless leg syndrome. 

Generally, if the symptoms begin during pregnancy, they will resolve shortly after birth. Though normal, restless leg syndrome can have negative impacts on a pregnant person, particularly by reducing quality and quantity of sleep. Contact your healthcare provider as they can evaluate if you’re deficient in any vitamins, minerals, and can help you evaluate if you experience any new or concerning symptoms. You can also work with a practitioner like a chiropractor to help with nervous system issues in pregnancy.

I’m experiencing numbness and tingling in pregnancy.

As with a lot of new or unusual symptoms during pregnancy, you can generally blame hormones and physical changes for that pins and needles feeling you might experience in your hands, back, legs, and feet. 

Remember the hormone relaxin that can cause aches and pains due to those stretching muscles, tendons, and ligaments? This can shift your center of gravity and posture which can, in turn, put pressure on nerves and cause tingling or numbness. Carpal tunnel, which can cause tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, difficulty grasping objects, and swelling in the hands, is particularly common during pregnancy. Weight gain and fluid retention can also contribute to numbness and tingling, whether by putting extra strain on your muscles, ligaments, and tendons or by causing swelling, particularly in the hands and feet. Most numbness and tingling occurs during the third trimester. 

Massage, baths, gentle stretching, and varying sleeping positions can all help ease or alleviate numbness and tingling during pregnancy, but checking in with your healthcare provider is still a good idea to be safe.

In Conclusion: Be mindful of your body!

These common pregnancy symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to weird or unusual things bodies can do during pregnancy. Many changes are happening very quickly during pregnancy and sometimes our bodies do interesting things to cope with the changes. Though they can be concerning or frightening, these symptoms are normal most of the time and not much to worry about. 

However, as we’ve said many times throughout this blog (because it’s important and we really mean it!), it is ALWAYS okay (and usually a good idea!) to check in with your healthcare provider any time you experience new symptoms or anything that concerns you. 

At the end of the day, your intuition will tell you a lot! Using your fine-tuned intuition, you will make excellent decisions for you and your baby. And if you find yourself unsure, we hope you have a wonderful support system of excellent providers to guide you! A doula can help you find a primary care provider for the healthiest pregnancy, as well as be a listening ear for your concerns. Find a doula near you today!

Disclaimer: The contents of this blog post are in no way intended to be, nor should they be considered, medical advice. The purpose of this blog is solely informational. It is always recommended to consult your provider if you have any questions or concerns during your pregnancy.

SOURCES