When to Contact Your OB-GYN During Pregnancy

Pregnancy symptoms can vary widely, and many changes are part of a healthy pregnancy. Even so, you should never feel that you have to decide alone whether a symptom is serious. Your obstetric care team is available to answer questions, provide reassurance, and evaluate concerns when something feels unusual.

Contact your provider after a positive pregnancy test so prenatal care can begin. At your first visits, your care team may confirm and date the pregnancy, review your health history and medications, arrange routine testing, and discuss what to expect in the months ahead.

Fatigue, nausea, constipation, heartburn, frequent urination, mild pelvic discomfort, leg cramps, back pain, Braxton Hicks contractions, and changes in vaginal discharge may occur during pregnancy. However, symptoms that are sudden, severe, persistent, or worsening should be evaluated. Contact your OB-GYN promptly for vaginal bleeding, severe cramping or abdominal pain, abdominal trauma, or other symptoms that concern you.

Most women begin feeling fetal movement between 18 and 24 weeks. As your pregnancy progresses, you will learn your baby’s usual movement pattern. If movement becomes noticeably less frequent, lie down in a quiet place, hydrate, or have a light snack while paying close attention. Call your OB-GYN right away if movement remains decreased or does not feel reassuring. Do not rely on apps, home monitoring devices, or social media advice to evaluate reduced movement.

Call immediately if you believe your water has broken, whether you experience a sudden gush or a steady trickle of fluid. True labor contractions generally grow stronger, last longer, and occur closer together without improving through rest, hydration, or changing positions.

Other warning signs include heavy or bright red bleeding, leaking fluid, persistent contractions before 37 weeks, severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling of the face or hands, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, one-sided leg swelling, fever above 100.4°F, and significant abdominal trauma. Seek care immediately for a possible medical emergency.

At Mission Obstetrics and Gynecology, our team supports patients throughout Warren with compassionate, personalized pregnancy care. When in doubt, contact us rather than continuing to worry at home.