Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore

How do you know whether that sudden ache is normal or warrants a 2 a.m. call to your doctor or midwife? Here's a rundown of symptoms that should set off your warning bells. But even if you don't see the source of your concern on this list, it's better to err on the side of caution and make that call than to agonize for hours, wondering whether you've gone into preterm labor or just pulled a ligament.

Note that some of these symptoms may be more or less urgent depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy and on your particular situation or health history. Ask your practitioner to review with you which signs warrant an urgent call or immediate emergency medical care as your pregnancy progresses.