In this detailed guide, Dr Mamta Agrawal, senior Gynaecologist & Obstetrician in Delhi, explains the most important early pregnancy complications, their symptoms and when you must visit a hospital immediately. This article is for patient education and does not replace a personalised consultation.
What is considered early pregnancy?
Early pregnancy usually refers to the first trimester, from conception up to 12–13 weeks. This is the time when the baby’s organs start forming and major hormonal changes occur in the mother’s body. Normal early pregnancy symptoms include missed periods, breast tenderness, mild nausea, increased sleepiness and mild stretching or pulling sensations in the lower abdomen.
However, certain symptoms such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, high fever or continuous vomiting are not normal and may indicate an early pregnancy complication. Knowing the difference helps you decide when to seek urgent care from a gynaecologist or emergency department.
Common early pregnancy complications
1. Threatened miscarriage
Light bleeding or spotting with or without mild cramps in early pregnancy is called a threatened miscarriage. Many women go on to have a completely healthy pregnancy, but bleeding in pregnancy should never be ignored.
Your gynaecologist will examine you, perform an ultrasound to check the baby’s heartbeat and may advise rest, medicines and follow-up scans. Avoid self-medication or taking hormonal tablets without prescription. More detailed information about pregnancy planning and care is available in our article on preparing for pregnancy – essential tips for women.
2. Miscarriage (spontaneous abortion)
Miscarriage means loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks. It often presents with increasing vaginal bleeding, passage of clots or tissue, moderate to severe cramping and back pain. Most miscarriages happen due to chromosomal problems in the baby that are beyond the mother’s control.
If a miscarriage is suspected, you will need urgent evaluation, ultrasound and sometimes a procedure to empty the uterus safely. Trying home remedies or waiting for the bleeding to “settle on its own” can lead to infection and heavy blood loss. After recovery, your gynaecologist will guide you about planning your next pregnancy.
3. Ectopic pregnancy – a medical emergency
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. As the pregnancy grows, the tube can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Ectopic pregnancy is one of the most serious early pregnancy complications.
Warning signs of ectopic pregnancy include:
- Sharp one-sided lower abdominal pain
- Shoulder tip pain, dizziness or fainting
- Vaginal spotting with a positive pregnancy test
- History of previous ectopic, tubal surgery or pelvic infection
If you experience these symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Do not delay searching for a hospital. Treatment may include medicines or surgery depending on the condition.
4. Early pregnancy bleeding from other causes
Not all bleeding in early pregnancy means miscarriage. It may also be due to cervical polyps, infection, local lesions or implantation bleeding when the embryo attaches to the uterine lining. Only a gynaecologist, after examination and ultrasound, can reassure you whether the pregnancy is safe or at risk.
Reliable organisations such as the NHS (UK) also stress that any bleeding in pregnancy should be reviewed promptly.
5. Hyperemesis gravidarum – severe vomiting
Mild nausea and occasional vomiting are common in early pregnancy and often called morning sickness. When vomiting becomes severe, frequent and persistent, it is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Women may not be able to keep even water down, lose weight and feel extremely weak.
Warning signs include:
- Vomiting more than 3–4 times a day
- Dark yellow urine or not passing urine regularly
- Dizziness, dry tongue, fast heartbeat
Hospital admission, intravenous fluids and medicines may be required to correct dehydration and protect mother and baby.
6. Infections in early pregnancy
Untreated infections such as urinary tract infection (UTI), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or severe vaginal infections can lead to complications like fever, preterm contractions or miscarriage.
Consult your gynaecologist if you notice:
- Burning urination, foul-smelling or cloudy urine
- High-grade fever with chills
- Vaginal discharge with strong odour, itching or pain
Your doctor will suggest safe antibiotics after checking your reports. Never use leftover medicines or over-the-counter antibiotics in pregnancy.
7. Molar pregnancy (hydatidiform mole)
In a molar pregnancy, abnormal tissue grows inside the uterus instead of a normal baby. Women may have very high pregnancy hormone levels, heavy bleeding, severe vomiting and an enlarged uterus. Ultrasound typically shows a characteristic “snowstorm” appearance.
This condition needs specialised management and close follow-up of hormone levels even after the uterus is emptied. Molar pregnancy is uncommon but important to diagnose early.
8. Early pregnancy with pre-existing medical problems
Women with diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypertension, epilepsy, previous heart disease or kidney disease require special monitoring in early pregnancy. Uncontrolled blood sugar or blood pressure can increase the risk of miscarriage, growth problems and birth defects.
If you have any chronic illness, schedule an early visit with a high-risk pregnancy specialist. For conditions such as gestational diabetes, you can also refer to our dedicated page on gestational diabetes in pregnancy on BestGyno.in.
When should you see a gynaecologist urgently in early pregnancy?
Contact your doctor or visit the emergency department immediately if you experience any of the following in early pregnancy:
- Heavy bleeding, soaking more than one pad per hour
- Severe one-sided abdominal pain or shoulder pain
- Fainting, extreme dizziness or shortness of breath
- High fever with chills
- Persistent vomiting and inability to retain fluids
- Severe headache, visual disturbances or swelling of face and hands
Do not wait at home to “see if it gets better”. Early pregnancy complications can progress quickly, and timely medical intervention saves lives.
How a gynaecologist evaluates early pregnancy complications
After taking a detailed history and physical examination, your gynaecologist may advise:
- Pregnancy hormone (beta-hCG) levels
- Blood group, haemoglobin and other routine tests
- Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound to check the location and viability of pregnancy
- Urine tests and swabs for infection
Based on the reports, you will receive a clear explanation of the problem, treatment options and follow-up plan. In many cases, reassurance and observation are all that is required. In others, timely procedures or medicines are life-saving.
Can early pregnancy complications be prevented?
Not all complications are preventable, but you can reduce risk by:
- Planning pregnancy when your chronic medical conditions are well controlled
- Taking folic acid and other supplements as prescribed before conception
- Avoiding smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs completely
- Maintaining healthy weight and balanced diet
- Managing stress and getting adequate rest
- Attending all scheduled antenatal visits with your gynaecologist
Remember that you are not alone. Many women go through early pregnancy scares but go on to deliver healthy babies with proper guidance and care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is light spotting normal in early pregnancy?
Very light spotting around the time your period was due may be implantation bleeding and can be normal. However, any bleeding in pregnancy should be reported to your gynaecologist. They will decide whether it is harmless or a sign of threatened miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
2. Can stress or lifting weight cause miscarriage?
Everyday stress or lifting a moderate weight at home is unlikely to cause miscarriage. Most early miscarriages occur due to chromosomal problems. However, excessive physical strain, long standing hours and lack of rest can worsen bleeding and should be avoided if your doctor has advised precautions.
3. I have severe nausea. How do I know if it is serious?
Mild to moderate nausea is common in early pregnancy and often improves after 12–14 weeks. It becomes serious if you are vomiting multiple times a day, unable to drink water, passing very little dark urine or feeling extremely weak and dizzy. In such cases, you should visit your doctor for assessment and possible IV fluids.
4. When can we try for pregnancy again after a miscarriage?
The ideal time depends on your physical and emotional recovery, as well as your medical reports. Many women can safely try again after one or two normal menstrual cycles, but your gynaecologist will give personalised advice. It is also a good time to optimise weight, control chronic diseases and start folic acid.
5. Which hospital should I visit in an emergency?
In case of heavy bleeding, severe pain or fainting, it is safest to go to the nearest hospital with emergency and gynaecology services instead of travelling long distances. Once you are stable, you can follow up with your regular gynaecologist for continued care and further pregnancy planning.
Suggested image for this blog
Image idea: A realistic image of a worried young Indian woman in early pregnancy sitting on a hospital bed, with a female gynaecologist gently explaining an ultrasound report. The background shows a subtle monitor and medical equipment, giving a clear hospital setting but with a reassuring, hopeful atmosphere.
Recommended image file name: early-pregnancy-complications-dr-mamta-agrawal.webp
Recommended image title: Early Pregnancy Complications – Consultation with Dr Mamta Agrawal
Recommended image alt text: Indian woman in early pregnancy discussing complications and ultrasound report with gynaecologist Dr Mamta Agrawal in a hospital
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace a face-to-face consultation or emergency care. Always contact a qualified gynaecologist or visit a hospital if you have concerning symptoms in pregnancy.
