Common Baby Concerns
Our concern guides cover over 2,500 common baby health questions with age-specific information, action tiers (normal, mention at next visit, call now), and source citations from the AAP, CDC, and WHO.
2705+ evidence-based guides for the questions parents search at 2am. Each tells you what's normal, what to watch, and when to call your doctor.
Managing Gestational Diabetes with Diet
Gestational diabetes (GDM) can often be managed through diet modifications, with about 70-85% of people achieving blood sugar control through nutrition and exercise alone. The key is balancing carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats, eating at regular intervals, and monitoring blood sugar levels to understand how foods affect you.
Dizziness and Fainting in Pregnancy
Dizziness is common during pregnancy, affecting many pregnant people at various stages. It can be caused by low blood pressure, blood pooling in the legs, low blood sugar, anemia, dehydration, or the growing uterus compressing major blood vessels. While usually benign, fainting should always be reported to your provider.
Exercise Guidelines During Pregnancy
Exercise during pregnancy is not only safe for most people but is actively recommended. ACOG recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy. Regular exercise reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and excessive weight gain while improving mood and energy levels.
Extreme Tiredness During Pregnancy
Extreme fatigue is one of the most common and earliest symptoms of pregnancy, affecting nearly all pregnant people at some point. It is caused by surging progesterone levels, increased blood production, metabolic changes, and the enormous energy demands of growing a baby. Fatigue is typically most intense in the first and third trimesters.
Strong Food Aversions During Pregnancy
Food aversions affect up to 60-85% of pregnant people and are caused by hormonal changes that heighten the sense of smell and taste. Common aversions include meat, eggs, coffee, and strongly flavored or scented foods. While inconvenient, food aversions are a normal part of pregnancy and usually ease by the second trimester.
Frequent Urination in Pregnancy
Frequent urination is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, affecting nearly all pregnant people. It is caused by hormonal changes, increased blood flow to the kidneys, and the growing uterus pressing on the bladder. It is most noticeable in the first and third trimesters and is usually completely normal.
Gallstones During Pregnancy
Gallstones are more common during pregnancy due to elevated estrogen and progesterone, which increase cholesterol in bile and slow gallbladder emptying. They affect 5-12% of pregnant people. Many gallstones cause no symptoms, but gallbladder attacks can cause severe pain in the upper right abdomen and may require treatment.
Hair Coloring During Pregnancy
Most research suggests that hair dye is likely safe during pregnancy, especially when used occasionally. The small amount of chemicals absorbed through the scalp is minimal. Many providers suggest waiting until after the first trimester for extra caution and choosing highlights or balayage (which do not touch the scalp) as a lower-exposure option.
Headaches During Pregnancy
Headaches are common during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. They are often caused by hormonal changes, increased blood volume, stress, fatigue, caffeine withdrawal, or dehydration. Most pregnancy headaches are tension-type and harmless, but severe or persistent headaches, especially in the third trimester, should be evaluated to rule out preeclampsia.
Severe Heartburn and GERD in Pregnancy
Heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux) is extremely common in pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of pregnant people. It is caused by the hormone progesterone relaxing the valve between the stomach and esophagus, and by the growing uterus pushing up against the stomach. While very uncomfortable, it is not harmful to you or your baby.
Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area that affect up to 35% of pregnant people. They are caused by increased blood volume, pressure from the growing uterus, constipation, and straining. While uncomfortable, they are very common and usually treatable with conservative measures.
Hip Pain During Pregnancy
Hip pain affects many pregnant people, particularly in the second and third trimesters. It is caused by the hormone relaxin loosening hip joints, weight gain changing your gait, the growing belly shifting your center of gravity, and the pressure of side sleeping. It is usually treatable with stretching, support pillows, and gentle exercise.
Heat Exposure Risks in Pregnancy
Elevated body temperature (hyperthermia) in early pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects. Hot tubs and saunas, which can raise core body temperature above 101F (38.3C), should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Warm baths (not hot) at a comfortable temperature are safe and can be soothing.
Insomnia and Sleep Difficulties in Pregnancy
Insomnia affects up to 78% of pregnant people at some point during pregnancy. It can be caused by physical discomfort, frequent urination, hormonal changes, anxiety, and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position. While frustrating, it is very common and there are many strategies that can help improve sleep quality.
Insulin Use During Pregnancy
Insulin is the gold-standard treatment for gestational diabetes that cannot be controlled by diet alone. It does not cross the placenta and is therefore safe for your baby. Needing insulin is not a failure - it simply means your body needs additional help managing blood sugar, which is common as pregnancy naturally increases insulin resistance.
Itchy Skin During Pregnancy (Non-Cholestasis)
Mild itching during pregnancy is very common and usually caused by the skin stretching, dry skin, or hormonal changes. It typically affects the belly, breasts, and thighs. While usually harmless, severe or widespread itching, especially on the palms and soles, should be evaluated to rule out cholestasis of pregnancy.
Kidney Stones in Pregnancy
Kidney stones occur in about 1 in 500-1,500 pregnancies. While pregnancy itself does not increase kidney stone formation, the stones can be harder to diagnose and manage during pregnancy. Symptoms include severe flank pain, blood in urine, and nausea. Most pregnancy kidney stones can be managed conservatively with hydration and pain relief.
Leg Cramps During Pregnancy
Leg cramps, especially in the calves, are very common during pregnancy, affecting up to 50% of pregnant people. They are most frequent in the second and third trimesters and tend to occur at night. They may be caused by changes in blood circulation, extra weight on the legs, nerve compression, and possibly mineral imbalances.
Pregnancy Loss Grief and Support
Pregnancy loss — whether miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, or termination for medical reasons — is a profound loss. The grief you are feeling is entirely valid, regardless of how early or late the loss occurred. There is no "right" way or timeline to grieve. Your baby mattered, and your pain deserves acknowledgment and compassionate support.
Which Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy
Many medications are safe during pregnancy, but some should be avoided. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered the safest pain reliever. NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) should generally be avoided, especially after 20 weeks. Always check with your provider before taking any medication, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements. Never stop prescribed medications without consulting your provider first.
Migraines During Pregnancy
Migraines affect about 25% of women of reproductive age. Many people with migraines find they improve during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, due to stable estrogen levels. However, some experience worsening or new-onset migraines. Management during pregnancy requires careful medication selection under your provider's guidance.
Frequent Nosebleeds During Pregnancy
Nosebleeds are common during pregnancy, affecting about 20% of pregnant people compared to 6% of non-pregnant people. They are caused by increased blood volume expanding the tiny blood vessels in the nose and hormonal changes that can cause nasal congestion and dryness.
Pelvic Pressure and Heaviness in Pregnancy
Pelvic pressure is a common sensation in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, caused by the growing baby's weight pressing on the pelvic floor, the baby descending into the pelvis (lightening), and hormonal loosening of pelvic joints. It is usually normal but should be evaluated if it occurs before 37 weeks.
Restless Leg Syndrome in Pregnancy
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) affects up to 26% of pregnant people, making it about 2-3 times more common during pregnancy. It causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, and typically worsens at night. It may be related to iron or folate deficiency and usually resolves after delivery.
Showing 1945-1968 of 2705 concerns
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members