10 symptoms pregnant women should be aware of.

During pregnancy, you may experience Braxton contractions. These differ from labor pains in that they are painless and occur less frequently.

Your body undergoes many changes throughout your nine months of pregnancy. If you experience unusual sensations in your stomach, leg pain, etc., you might start to worry. Take a deep breath. Most pregnant women are healthy and give birth to healthy babies. However, it's important to monitor and recognize any unusual symptoms so you can see a doctor if necessary.

1. Spotting and bleeding

"Whenever you experience bleeding during pregnancy, you need to know the cause," says Dr. Francis Chang, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, California.

During the first eight weeks of pregnancy, spotting is a normal sign, as the embryo implants in the uterus. Spotting can also come from a vaginal tear, recent sexual intercourse, or a cervical infection – these issues are not harmful to the pregnancy.

If you experience spotting and pain, you may have an ectopic pregnancy. Bleeding can also indicate that the cervix is ​​contracting or dilating, that you have had a miscarriage, or a sign of placenta previa. If you experience any of these problems, you should call your doctor immediately.

Photo: foxnews.

2. Contractions (spasms)

Many expectant mothers are very worried when they first experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are different from labor pains and occur infrequently, says Dr. James Bernasko, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. Braxton Hicks contractions can occur in the second trimester of pregnancy, but are most common in the third trimester. Dehydration can also cause these contractions.

Before 24 weeks of gestation, contractions can also mean you have a urinary tract infection or yeast infection. If the contractions are painful or frequent, call your doctor.

3. The baby's movements slow down or stop.

Between 17 and 18 weeks, you'll start to feel your baby moving in your belly, although it may only feel like a gentle rocking motion. The baby's movements (and kicks) will become stronger, and around 24 weeks, you may notice that your baby is quiet during the day and more active at night.

If your baby's movements slow down, you should drink a glass of iced water or orange juice. "A sudden change in temperature or a sudden spike in blood sugar will make the baby move," Chang says.

If your baby is moving significantly less than usual, call your doctor.

4. Leg pain

Pregnancy increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that causes blood clots and can be life-threatening. The increase in progesterone causes the veins in the legs to dilate and increase blood supply, which can lead to slower blood flow to the legs. If you experience pain in your calves, call your doctor.

5. Depression

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, between 14 and 23 percent of women experience depression during pregnancy. If you experience depression during pregnancy, you are at a higher risk of postpartum depression. Talk to a mental health professional.

6. Phù

Approximately 70 to 80% of women experience swelling in their feet, lower legs, face, and hands during pregnancy. If this is accompanied by high blood pressure or headaches, you may have gestational hypertension.

7. Vaginal discharge

Increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal, but if it's accompanied by blood or you experience pain, tell your doctor. In the second trimester, these symptoms could mean your cervix is ​​dilating, which could lead to miscarriage.

8. Chills and fever

"Any fever and pain should be carefully monitored," Bernasko says. Depending on the location of the pain, you could have a kidney infection or pneumonia, both of which are very serious during pregnancy.

9. Headache

Headaches are a very common problem during pregnancy, often due to dramatic hormonal changes and increased blood volume. Lack of sleep, stress, or reduced caffeine intake can worsen headaches.

Headaches are usually nothing to worry about, but headaches in the second or third trimester could be a sign of preeclampsia, Bernasko says.

10. Difficulty breathing

Increased progesterone levels and a gradually enlarging abdomen can make you feel short of breath. This is perfectly normal, but in rare cases, it could be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism, heart disease, or lung disease. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.

According to VnExpress.