1. Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow Pictures
2. Slideshow of Early Pregnancy Symptoms
3. Early Pregnancy Symptoms Quiz

Medical Author:

Pamela Dyne, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Bleeding is not normal at any time during pregnancy. Report any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy to your health care professional. Be prepared to give information about the amount of blood lost and a description of how you are feeling overall. If your bleeding is light and you have no pain, your evaluation may be in the doctor's office.

Go to a hospital's emergency department if the following conditions develop:

• If you have severe bleeding or cramps and contractions (call 911)
• If vaginal bleeding in pregnancy lasts for more than 24 hours and you are unable to get in touch with your health care professional or you don't have one
• If you faint (pass out) or feel very dizzy
• If you are bleeding and develop a fever over 100.5 F (38.05 C)
• If you have pain worse than a normal period, or severe localized pain in your abdomen, pelvis, or back
• If you have undergone an abortion and develop a fever, abdominal or pelvic pain, or increased bleeding
• If you have been given medical treatment for ectopic pregnancy with methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), and you develop increased abdominal or pelvic pain within the first week after the injection

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