Merck Manual

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Introduction to Symptoms During Pregnancy

By

Emily E. Bunce

, MD, Wake Forest School of Medicine;


Robert P. Heine

, MD, Wake Forest School of Medicine

Reviewed/Revised Jul 2023
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If labor was quick in previous pregnancies, women should notify their doctor as soon as they have any indication that labor is starting.

Common pregnancy symptoms

Many symptoms are common in pregnancy. They are often mild and are usually caused by normal pregnancy-related changes. However, if a symptom is new, severe, or persistent, a woman should contact her doctor.

Symptoms that are usually due to normal pregnancy-related changes if the symptom is mild include

Symptoms that may raise concern about the pregnancy

Some symptoms are part of the normal labor and delivery process, when they occur in a full-term pregnancy. However, if these symptoms occur earlier in pregnancy, women should contact their doctor. These symptoms may be due to a problem with the pregnancy, such as a possible miscarriage or preterm labor.

Symptoms of normal labor or a possible problem with the pregnancy include

Symptoms that may raise concern about other disorders

Pregnant women can develop complications that occur only during pregnancy. They can also develop other disorders that are not related to pregnancy. These may cause symptoms that are unusual, severe, or persistent.

Pregnant women should contact their doctor if they have symptoms that are not related to normal changes of pregnancy, including

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