Reference
Pregnancy Conditions
Doula-perspective explainers on common pregnancy conditions — what each one feels like, what tends to help, and when to call your care team.
- ManageableMorning SicknessNausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), often called morning sickness, is a common experience during early pregnancy, involving feelings of queasiness and sometimes vomiting.
- SeriousHyperemesis GravidarumHyperemesis Gravidarum is a severe form of pregnancy nausea and vomiting, distinct from typical morning sickness, requiring medical attention.
- SeriousGestational DiabetesGestational diabetes (GD) is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, affecting how your body processes sugar, and is typically identified in the second or third trimester.
- Call providerPreeclampsiaPreeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition marked by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, typically appearing after 20 weeks of gestation or postpartum.
- Call providerICP — Cholestasis of PregnancyIntrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) is a serious liver condition in pregnancy causing intense itching, requiring careful monitoring and management with your care team.
- ManageableSPD — Symphysis Pubis DysfunctionSymphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), also known as pelvic girdle pain (PGP), is a common pregnancy discomfort characterized by pain in the pubic bone and pelvic area.
- MildHeartburn During PregnancyHeartburn during pregnancy is a very common and often uncomfortable experience, usually caused by hormonal shifts and uterine pressure.
- MildRound Ligament PainRound ligament pain is a common, harmless pregnancy discomfort caused by the stretching of ligaments supporting your growing uterus, often felt as sharp twinges.
- ManageableRestless Legs in PregnancyRestless legs syndrome (RLS) in pregnancy is an urge to move your legs, often at night, commonly experienced in the later trimesters, with iron levels being a significant factor.
- ManageableIron-Deficiency Anemia in PregnancyIron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce sufficient red blood cells, impacting energy and overall well-being.
- SeriousUTI in PregnancyA urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy is a common condition that requires prompt attention to support your well-being and the healthy development of your baby.
- MildPregnancy Carpal Tunnel SyndromePregnancy Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common experience in later pregnancy and postpartum, characterized by tingling, numbness, and pain in the hand due to fluid retention.
- MildPregnancy ConstipationPregnancy constipation, or slow digestion, is a common experience that can be managed with evidence-based approaches and support from your care team.
- ManageableGroup B Strep in PregnancyGroup B Strep (GBS) is a common bacteria found in some pregnant people that typically causes no symptoms but is screened for to protect the baby.
- MildBraxton Hicks ContractionsBraxton Hicks contractions are the uterus's way of practicing for labor, feeling like irregular, mild tightening that often resolves with rest or hydration.
- SeriousPlacenta Previaplacenta covering the cervix
- Call providerPlacental AbruptionPlacental abruption is a serious condition where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Call providerPreterm LaborPreterm labor occurs when regular contractions cause changes to your cervix before 37 weeks of pregnancy, leading to a birth earlier than expected.
- ManageablePUPPP — Pregnancy RashPUPPP is a common, intensely itchy, but harmless pregnancy rash that typically appears in the third trimester and resolves after birth.
- MildPregnancy HemorrhoidsPregnancy hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal area, a common and often uncomfortable experience for many expectant and new parents, typically in the later stages of pregnancy and postpartum.
- MildPregnancy Varicose Veinsswollen leg veins in pregnancy
- ManageableDiastasis RectiDiastasis recti is a common and expected separation of your abdominal muscles during and after pregnancy, often manageable with gentle, targeted support.
- ManageablePregnancy InsomniaPregnancy insomnia, or trouble sleeping, is a common experience that can be managed with practical strategies and support.
- MildPregnancy RhinitisPregnancy rhinitis is a common, non-allergic stuffy nose during pregnancy, caused by hormonal changes and increased blood flow.
- MildMelasma — Mask of PregnancyMelasma, often called the "mask of pregnancy," is a common skin pigmentation that appears as dark patches on the face during the second and third trimesters.
- MildPregnancy Stretch MarksPregnancy stretch marks, or striae gravidarum, are a common and natural part of the physical changes many bodies experience during pregnancy.
- ManageablePregnancy Swelling (Edema)Pregnancy swelling, also known as edema, is a common and expected experience for many during pregnancy, resulting from normal physiological changes as your body supports your baby.
- ManageablePregnancy SciaticaPregnancy sciatica is a common discomfort where nerve pain radiates from your lower back down the leg, often felt in the second and third trimesters.
- SeriousGestational HypertensionGestational hypertension is a condition where high blood pressure develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, without the additional signs of preeclampsia.
- Call providerHELLP SyndromeHELLP Syndrome is a severe variant of preeclampsia involving specific blood and liver changes, requiring urgent medical attention.
- SeriousPolyhydramniosPolyhydramnios is when there's an excess amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby, often identified in the third trimester, requiring close monitoring.
- SeriousOligohydramniosOligohydramnios, or low amniotic fluid, is a condition affecting some pregnancies, characterized by reduced fluid levels surrounding your baby.
- SeriousIUGR — Fetal Growth RestrictionIntrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), also known as Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR), means your baby's estimated weight is below the 10th percentile for their gestational age.
- SeriousCervical InsufficiencyCervical insufficiency is a condition where the cervix painlessly opens too early in the second trimester, potentially leading to preterm birth.
- ManageableSubchorionic HemorrhageSubchorionic hemorrhage is a common finding in early pregnancy where a small collection of blood forms between the placenta and the uterine wall, often resolving on its own.
- Call providerEctopic PregnancyAn ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube, requiring urgent medical attention.
- Call providerMiscarriage and Pregnancy LossMiscarriage, or pregnancy loss before 20 weeks, is a common experience, affecting many pregnancies, often due to factors beyond anyone's control.
- ManageablePregnancy AnxietyPregnancy anxiety is a common experience, affecting many expectant parents with feelings of worry and unease throughout their pregnancy.
- SeriousPerinatal DepressionPerinatal depression refers to experiencing depression during pregnancy or in the period after birth, impacting mood, energy, and overall well-being.
- ManageableBreech Baby PositionA breech baby position means your baby is positioned bottom or feet first in the uterus, rather than head-down, typically identified in the third trimester.
- ManageableProdromal LaborProdromal labor involves regular contractions that don't progress to active labor, a normal variant that can last hours to days.
- ManageablePregnancy Back PainLower back pain and pelvic discomfort are common experiences during pregnancy, often manageable with evidence-based approaches and support.
- ManageablePregnancy HeadachesHeadaches during pregnancy are common, especially in the first trimester, and can often be managed with simple, evidence-based approaches.
- MildPregnancy NosebleedsPregnancy nosebleeds are a common, mild symptom often caused by increased blood volume and hormonal changes, typically resolving after birth.
- ManageablePregnancy Dizziness and LightheadednessPregnancy dizziness and lightheadedness are common, manageable experiences often stemming from your body's significant adaptations.
- MildPregnancy Acneacne during pregnancy
- MildLeaking ColostrumLeaking colostrum, or early breast milk, is a normal and often surprising part of late pregnancy for some, indicating your body is preparing for feeding.
- ManageablePica in PregnancyPica is a craving for and/or eating of non-food substances during pregnancy, often linked to nutritional needs and more common than many people realize.
- Call providerPPROM — Water Breaking EarlyPPROM, or preterm premature rupture of membranes, means your water has broken before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which requires careful monitoring and support.
- Call providerPostpartum HemorrhagePostpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is significant blood loss after birth, a serious but manageable complication that your care team is prepared to address.
- ManageableLow Blood Pressure in PregnancyLow blood pressure in pregnancy is a common and often normal physiological adjustment as your body adapts to support your growing baby.
- ManageablePelvic Floor DysfunctionPelvic floor dysfunction refers to a range of symptoms caused by weakness or tightness in the muscles supporting your pelvis, common during and after pregnancy.
- ManageableVaginal Thrush in PregnancyVaginal thrush, commonly known as a yeast infection, is a very common and manageable experience for many during pregnancy due to natural hormonal changes.
- MildVulvar VaricositiesVulvar varicosities are swollen veins in the vulva, perineum, or inner thighs during pregnancy, often causing a feeling of heaviness or pressure.
- MildLightning CrotchLightning crotch is a common, sharp, shooting pelvic pain in late pregnancy, often caused by the baby's position pressing on nerves.
- Call providerPostpartum PreeclampsiaPostpartum preeclampsia is a serious blood pressure condition that can develop after delivery, typically within the first few days but sometimes up to six weeks postpartum.
- MildPregnancy Tailbone PainPregnancy tailbone pain, or coccydynia, is a discomfort often felt in later pregnancy and postpartum due to joint changes and pressure from your baby.
- MildPregnancy Skin ChangesMany pregnant people notice changes in their skin's appearance, including darkening in certain areas and the appearance of new marks, all common and typically temporary shifts.
- MildFourth Trimester RecoveryThe fourth trimester, the first 12 weeks after birth, is a significant period of physical and emotional healing and adjustment for new parents.
This is general wellness information, not medical advice. For personalized guidance, talk with your obstetric provider.

