• Spotting and light vaginal bleeding during the beginning of the pregnancy.

Any bleeding during pregnancy is scary! When the embryo implants itself in the uterine lining there can be normal bleeding or spotting described as implantation bleeding.  Implantation bleeding is fairly common occurring in 30% of pregnant women.

It’s not so scary knowing this type of expected bleeding happens 6 to 12 days after conception (day 24 to 26 of your cycle) and can often be mistaken for a period since it’s around the time you would expect your next period. It is often the very first sign of pregnancy.  The type of bleeding is classically light red, brown or pinkish. Implantation bleeding typically lasts for 2-7 days.

• Ovarian cyst with pregnancy.

During pregnancy, since you are not ovulating you will not produce any new simple cysts common to the ovaries.  Ovarian cysts can sound scarier than they actually are. There is an expected and normal cyst of pregnancy called a corpus luteum cyst that produces estrogen and progesterone which helps the pregnancy develop normally.  This cyst is found on ultrasound during the first trimester and usually goes away after 8 weeks.

It’s not scary knowing corpus luteum cysts do not affect pregnancy at all and are, in fact, helpful to the pregnancy.  Persistent ovarian cyst continuing through pregnancy could be a problem if they are large in size >6cm.  

• Nipple discharge

Discharge from the breasts can be scary! Your breasts undergo a complete metamorphous during pregnancy in preparation for optimal breast feeding.  The changes occurring with the breast are slow and steady transforming them into the perfect buffet for your newborn baby.  As your breasts prepare for this process changes occur getting them ready for a 24/7 feeding source for a growing baby.  Colostrum is the very first evidence of this process and is noticed during the second trimester and continues until a few days after delivery. Colostrum is a yellow and thick liquid, high in protein, rich in protective immunities and proceeds milk production.  Breast milk usually appears 2 to 3 days following delivery.

• Varicose veins during Pregnancy.

Varicose veins are commonly seen during pregnancy as a result of the extra weight gain, pressure in the lower limbs due to the heavy and growing uterus and any genetic influence your mother or grandmother might have passed down to you.  These veins are seen in the legs but also can occur in the vagina.  Varicose veins of the vagina can cause pain and discomfort.  The good news is varicose veins will go away or become less noticeable once you have given birth.  Knowing varicose veins will improve after pregnancy makes them a lot less scary.