I am having a lot of aches and pains during the pregnancy. What is normal, what is labor, and when do I call the doctor?
Aches and pains are very common during pregnancy. Usually, they are due to normal contractions of the uterus, stretching of tissues, and loosening and separation of pelvic bones. If the pain is not too severe, and provided there are no other symptoms (bleeding, urinary tract infection symptoms, fever, etc.), then it is probably normal. If you are early pregnant and experiencing pain or light bleeding, it is recommended for you to get off your feet, rest, and avoid anything in the vagina. If the pain is severe, or bleeding is heavy, you should be seen by your doctor during regular hours, or go to the emergency room at night or on weekends. True labor contractions at term or near term will be regular, painful, generally hurt in the back and spread to the front. Your stomach will get extremely hard, as well. You could also experience bloody vaginal discharge, or leaking/rupture of your membranes. If you feel you are in labor or have broken your water, please do the following: During offic
