Reference · Conditions
Pregnancy conditions, explained.
Doula-perspective explainers on common pregnancy conditions — what each one feels like, what tends to help, and when to call your care team.
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Reference · Conditions
Doula-perspective explainers on common pregnancy conditions — what each one feels like, what tends to help, and when to call your care team.
Braxton Hicks contractions are the uterus's way of practicing for labor, feeling like irregular, mild tightening that often resolves with rest or hydration.
A 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.
Diastasis recti is a common and expected separation of your abdominal muscles during and after pregnancy, often manageable with gentle, targeted support.
Gestational 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.
Gestational hypertension is a condition where high blood pressure develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, without the additional signs of preeclampsia.
Group 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.
Heartburn during pregnancy is a very common and often uncomfortable experience, usually caused by hormonal shifts and uterine pressure.
HELLP Syndrome is a severe variant of preeclampsia involving specific blood and liver changes, requiring urgent medical attention.
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) is a serious liver condition in pregnancy causing intense itching, requiring careful monitoring and management with your care team.
Iron-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.
Intrauterine 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.
Leaking colostrum, or early breast milk, is a normal and often surprising part of late pregnancy for some, indicating your body is preparing for feeding.
Lightning crotch is a common, sharp, shooting pelvic pain in late pregnancy, often caused by the baby's position pressing on nerves.
Melasma, 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.
Oligohydramnios, or low amniotic fluid, is a condition affecting some pregnancies, characterized by reduced fluid levels surrounding your baby.
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a range of symptoms caused by weakness or tightness in the muscles supporting your pelvis, common during and after pregnancy.
Perinatal depression refers to experiencing depression during pregnancy or in the period after birth, impacting mood, energy, and overall well-being.
Pica 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.
Placental abruption is a serious condition where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall, requiring immediate medical attention.
Polyhydramnios is when there's an excess amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby, often identified in the third trimester, requiring close monitoring.
PPROM, or preterm premature rupture of membranes, means your water has broken before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which requires careful monitoring and support.
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition marked by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, typically appearing after 20 weeks of gestation or postpartum.
Pregnancy anxiety is a common experience, affecting many expectant parents with feelings of worry and unease throughout their pregnancy.
Lower back pain and pelvic discomfort are common experiences during pregnancy, often manageable with evidence-based approaches and support.
Pregnancy 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.
Pregnancy constipation, or slow digestion, is a common experience that can be managed with evidence-based approaches and support from your care team.
Headaches during pregnancy are common, especially in the first trimester, and can often be managed with simple, evidence-based approaches.
Pregnancy 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.
Pregnancy insomnia, or trouble sleeping, is a common experience that can be managed with practical strategies and support.
Pregnancy nosebleeds are a common, mild symptom often caused by increased blood volume and hormonal changes, typically resolving after birth.
Pregnancy rhinitis is a common, non-allergic stuffy nose during pregnancy, caused by hormonal changes and increased blood flow.
Pregnancy sciatica is a common discomfort where nerve pain radiates from your lower back down the leg, often felt in the second and third trimesters.
Many 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.
Pregnancy stretch marks, or striae gravidarum, are a common and natural part of the physical changes many bodies experience during pregnancy.
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.
Pregnancy tailbone pain, or coccydynia, is a discomfort often felt in later pregnancy and postpartum due to joint changes and pressure from your baby.
This is general wellness information, not medical advice. For personalized guidance, talk with your obstetric provider.