In 60 seconds
Your short plan for this week
If tightenings occur, pause, hydrate and note timing, pain, fluid loss, bleeding and movement so you can describe the pattern clearly.
Complete any diabetes testing or follow-up your team scheduled and ask what the result changes, if anything.
Do not spend hours trying home remedies when symptoms are rhythmic, worsening or accompanied by pressure, bleeding or leaking fluid.
What you may notice
Your body and how you may feel
Braxton Hicks tightenings can occur, but regular painful contractions or fluid loss need prompt assessment.
What is happening
Baby’s development this week
The eyes and nervous system continue maturing; sleep and waking patterns may emerge.
Plain-language examples
What this means in real life
Irregular tightenings that settle can occur. Regular, painful or intensifying contractions—especially this early—need maternity advice.
A short checklist
What to do now
- If tightenings occur, pause, hydrate and note timing, pain, fluid loss, bleeding and movement so you can describe the pattern clearly.
- 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 spend hours trying home remedies when symptoms are rhythmic, worsening or accompanied by pressure, bleeding or leaking fluid.
What may be coming up
Appointments, tests and decisions
Complete any diabetes testing or follow-up your team scheduled and ask what the result changes, if anything.
Choose birth and newborn learning
Look for evidence-based antenatal education that includes recovery and newborn care.
Ask about gestational diabetes testing
Timing and testing method depend on your medical history and care plan.
Learn your baby's movement pattern
As movement becomes familiar, ask your care team what to do if it slows or changes.
Review pregnancy vaccinations
Confirm current and seasonal recommendations with your clinician.
For the support person
One useful thing a partner can do
- Time symptoms and call the service while the pregnant person rests; do not make them prove that the sensation is serious.
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