Early Pregnancy Symptoms

It can be hard to know whether spotting and irregular bleeding are concerning or not. Although it’s common to have bleeding or spotting during the first 12 weeks, usually because of implantation bleeding, it can also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. An ultrasound can check for any complications and give you the answers you need to navigate early pregnancy.

Although it’s called “morning sickness,” it can happen at any time of day. Nausea and vomiting are common in early pregnancy, along with aversions to certain foods or smells. This can make it exceedingly difficult for your body to obtain the nutrients and calories it needs to create new life. Severe morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, can have severe effects and require medical attention.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) can impact as many as 14% of all pregnancies. This potentially life-threatening symptom can be extreme, causing significant disruption of your daily life and potentially even altering your pregnancy plans. We understand how taxing it can be and how little you might feel supported. Early intervention is key to keeping symptoms from escalating, and we can provide extensive outpatient treatment for HG, helping you manage your symptoms with expert, attentive care. 

Cramps and abdominal pains are a normal part of early pregnancy and are typically the result of the hormonal changes your body is experiencing. They might feel similar to period cramps, which can be concerning. However, they can also be a sign of complications like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. We understand your worry, so if you’re experiencing cramps, we can help you learn what’s going on and whether more care is needed.

Dehydration and weight loss are side effects of food aversions, excessive vomiting, and an inability to keep food down. If you’re feeling excessively thirsty, not urinating as often, or feeling tired and achy, you might be dehydrated. This, coupled with noticeable weight loss, can put your baby’s health at risk.

Electrolyte imbalance is the natural result of dehydration and vomiting. Low levels of potassium are common in women with severe morning sickness, leading to possible pregnancy complications. Keeping your electrolytes in balance can be challenging during pregnancy, even without severe nausea, meaning electrolyte imbalance is a common concern.

Getting nutrients from your diet and prenatal vitamins is essential in the first few months of pregnancy. Nutrients like iron, iodine, calcium, and more are vital for your health and your baby’s growth and development, but nausea and vomiting can make it impossible to eat and keep food down. In some cases, it can become so severe that it requires IV support.

Iron deficiency can be common during pregnancy because of the increase in blood volume as your baby grows. It’s associated with lower birth weight, prematurity, and other complications, meaning being vigilant for signs of iron deficiency is important. We can perform regular testing and help you maintain your iron levels with IV therapy to ensure the best possible absorption.

If you have a history of pregnancy complications like ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages, a positive pregnancy test can bring up a lot of feelings. And spotting during the first trimester can be concerning, whether it’s your first pregnancy or not. Care and professional reassurance can be sparse at this early phase, but we can learn more about your history and help you find the right mindset to stay strong and prepared. We even offer early pregnancy ultrasounds so you can have peace of mind.