In 60 seconds
Your short plan for this week
Learn the difference between a brief stretching twinge and pain that is severe, persistent, rhythmic or paired with bleeding or fever.
Vaccination recommendations can depend on season and location; ask what is currently recommended rather than relying on an old list.
Do not self-diagnose abdominal pain from its location alone—call when pain is strong, worsening or comes with other warning signs.
What you may notice
Your body and how you may feel
You may notice stretching sensations as the uterus grows; sudden severe or persistent pain needs assessment.
What is happening
Baby’s development this week
Facial expressions and limb movements are developing, even if you cannot feel them yet.
Plain-language examples
What this means in real life
Round-ligament discomfort is often brief and linked to movement; that label should not be used to explain away new severe pain.
A short checklist
What to do now
- Learn the difference between a brief stretching twinge and pain that is severe, persistent, rhythmic or paired with bleeding or fever.
- Stay active in ways that feel stable and are appropriate for your pregnancy.
- Learn what movement changes should prompt a call later in pregnancy.
Pause and check
What not to do—or what to ask first
- Do not self-diagnose abdominal pain from its location alone—call when pain is strong, worsening or comes with other warning signs.
What may be coming up
Appointments, tests and decisions
Vaccination recommendations can depend on season and location; ask what is currently recommended rather than relying on an old list.
For the support person
One useful thing a partner can do
- Slow down sudden changes of direction, offer a hand on stairs if wanted, and take pain reports seriously.
Contact your care team
Contact your doctor or maternity team promptly
Some concerns need advice before the next routine appointment even when they do not feel like an emergency. If a symptom becomes severe, sudden or frightening, use urgent care instead.
See when to contact careUrgent or emergency
Urgent signs during pregnancy or within a year after birth
Get medical care immediately for these symptoms. The list is not exhaustive; if something feels seriously wrong, seek help.
Open urgent warning signs