10 Common Pregnancy Problems In The First Trimester

Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase of a woman’s life. However, during the first trimester, there are some common risks that they face. As the body undergoes multiple changes, an expecting mum is prone to some problems. But timely tests and care can help address the issues. 

Some symptoms like vaginal discharge, nausea, and a little bleeding are common, but these symptoms could also mean that there is a problem. Hence you must pay close attention to such symptoms. 

Knowing what to watch for can be confusing. Here are some first trimester symptoms that are not unusual, but could be a serious problem. 

Pregnancy Complications In The First Trimester

1. Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is normal. Unless the discharge looks yellowish or has an odour, you need not worry. However, an itching could indicate an infection or a sexually transmitted disease. This can get transmitted to the baby hence meet your doctor to get it treated.

2. Miscarriage

About 15 per cent of pregnancies that are identified or tested positive conclude in a miscarriage. Most of these happen during the first trimester which is before 13 weeks. Chromosomal abnormalities, anatomic problems, clotting disorders or other infections can cause miscarriage.

Avoid alcohol and smoking to have a healthy pregnancy. Eat a balanced diet, and do appropriate exercise regularly.

3. Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilised egg grows outside a woman’s uterus. In this pregnancy, the egg gets implanted in a fallopian tube which can lead to a rupture in the tube. The rupture causes internal bleeding which can be fatal.

4. Painful Urination

Urinary tract infection (UTI)  is one of the early pregnancy complications. During pregnancy, a woman is highly prone to UTI. The body of a pregnant woman is changing which causes the urinary tract to contract a UTI easily. 

Furthermore, when the bladder is not able to drain completely because of the pressure from the uterus, infection is bound to happen. Get the UTI treated on time to prevent early labour or kidney infection.

5. Constipation and Diarrhoea

Stomach problems are common during the first trimester. Women commonly experience constipation which is mild to severe in nature as there are changes in diet. The consumption of iron-rich foods also leads to constipation. This can cause haemorrhoids and bloody stools.

Visit a doctor if your diarrhoea lasts more than 3-4 days. Prolonged diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and weakness. Drink lots of water and consume a well-balanced diet to recover. 

Sometimes, diarrhoea can be a result of food poisoning. So get treatment immediately if it doesn’t resolve within 24 hours.

6. Multiple and Twin Pregnancy Complications

One of the common early pregnancy complications which usually occurs with mums carrying twins or multiple foetuses. This commonly causes vaginal bleeding. In the case of twin pregnancy during the first trimester, there are chances of a vanishing twin as miscarriage leads to the loss of one baby. 

The lost embryo is usually reabsorbed into the uterine lining without the mother noticing any symptoms.

7. Headache and Calf Pain

Calf pain is usually caused by hormonal changes and exhaustion. However, calf pain is not very common during the first trimester. In case, there is calf pain it could be an indicator of a blood clot which happens because pregnancy increases the chances of clots.

An active lifestyle helps improve blood circulation and hence reduces the chances of blood clots. 

8. Difficulty in Breathing

Shortness of breath can happen during the first trimester as there is an increase in the levels of progesterone. Slow down the pace of working and sit up straight as much as you can. Prop up your pillows while sleeping to ease the breathing problems

Visit a doctor in case there is coughing and wheezing along with shortness of breath to find the exact cause.

9. Vaginal Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding can be common and you need not worry about it. Unlike menstruation, the bleeding is not heavy and does not occur for several days. However, it is important to find out the cause by consulting a doctor to confirm that it is not a result of a serious underlying issue.

10. Nausea & Vomiting

Morning sickness during the first trimester is very common, and each woman’s experience can be different compared to another. In extreme cases, there is dehydration and women are not able to hold anything that they consume.

This in turn affects the nutrition of the mother and the foetus. A proper diet that helps combat morning sickness is to be taken. Follow your doctor’s advice and take medications if recommended.

Pregnancy comes with its own set of challenges and there are things that an expecting mum has to endure. However, it is undoubtedly a beautiful and fortunate event in a woman’s life. Ensure that you take care of yourself well and enjoy this phase. 

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.