pregnancy

These are the pregnancy symptoms you shouldn't ignore.

Growing a little human inside of you can affect your body in so many ways that it can be difficult to know what pregnancy symptoms are normal and what’s not.

As your hormone levels fluctuate and your body accommodates the new addition you’re likely to experience a variety of pregnancy symptoms.

Some symptoms are common in your first trimester, but others could signify health problems to mum and bub. These are the pregnancy symptoms you shouldn’t ignore:

Severe morning sickness.

Nausea and vomiting are quite common in your first trimester – so much so that it has a name, and has become the classic clue some is pregnant in movies and TV. However, vomiting up almost everything you eat will result in you not taking in the nutrients from the food and should be addressed by a doctor. About one in 100 women (including Kate Middleton) suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy and require medical treatment to treat dehydration and replace lost nutrients.

Kate Middleton suffered extreme morning sickness with both her pregnancies. (Image via Getty.)
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Discoloured or foul-smelling discharge.

While a milky white discharge is normal (you might notice there's a bit more than before you were pregnant), it's best to see your doctor if you are finding it's foul-smelling, green, or yellow. Also, if later on in your pregnancy you're noticing a lot of clear, thin discharge it may be that you are leaking amniotic fluid and you should check with your doctor to be safe.

Listen: Bec Judd talks about her three pregnancies on Mamamia's new podcast Hello, Bump.

Significant bleeding, cramping, or sharp pain.

While about one in four women will experience light bleeding in their first trimester,  significant bleeding could be a sign of a miscarriage, especially when coupled with cramping or sharp pain. It could also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or cyst and expectant mums should seek medical attention immediately.

Seems like every celebrity is pregnant in 2017. (Post continues after gallery.)

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Severe dizziness.

Dizziness and light-headedness is an unfortunate part of pregnancy, but persistent dizziness or feeling faint accompanied by blurred vision, headaches, or palpitations isn't. It could be a symptom severe anaemia, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or another illness that could impact yours and your baby's health. In this case, it's best to see a doctor.

This post, though thoroughly researched is no replacement for doctor's advice. If you are concerned about the health of you or your baby please see your GP.