Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pregnancy?
An obstetrician, a doctor who cares for women during pregnancy and delivers babies, or a midwife, a trained birth provider, usually gives care during pregnancy. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is pregnancy?
Taking care of your health while you are pregnant helps your fetus, the growing baby, develop into a healthy baby. Your body keeps changing as the fetus grows, until your baby is ready to be born. The placenta is an organ that grows in your uterus, the womb, to give the fetus oxygen and nutrients.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pregnancy vary, but the most common sign of early pregnancy is a missed period. Other common early signs include:
- Swollen, tender breasts.
- Fatigue, which means feeling very tired.
- A frequent need to urinate, or pee.
- Nausea and vomiting, also called morning sickness.
- Feeling bloated or swollen in your belly or body.
It can be hard to know whether a new symptom is normal or could be a sign of a problem.
Causes and who gets it
After a fertilized egg attaches to the inside wall of the uterus, the placenta starts making a hormone called hCG. This hormone tells your body to make progesterone, which thickens the lining of your uterus. It also stops your menstrual periods. Some pregnancies are higher risk, for example because of health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure.
How doctors diagnose it
A pregnancy test checks a sample of your urine or blood for hCG. Urine tests can be done at a provider's office or with an at-home kit. Blood tests can show whether you are pregnant before you have missed your period.
A positive result usually means you are pregnant. It is important to see your provider as soon as possible to get the right care. If you did a home test, your provider may do another test to confirm your pregnancy.
Treatment
Pregnancy is cared for with prenatal care, which is the health care you get while you are pregnant. An obstetrician or a midwife usually provides it. It lets your provider spot health problems early, and early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others.
At most visits, your provider checks your blood pressure and weight gain and measures your belly, once you begin to show, to check how the baby is growing. Your provider also checks the baby's heart rate and looks for swelling in your hands and feet.
If you are over 35 years old or your pregnancy is high risk, your provider will probably want to see you more often.
- Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water.
- Take prenatal vitamins, because you need higher amounts of certain vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid and iron.
- Check with your provider before you start or stop any medicine, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements.
- Stay active, and ask your provider which kinds of activity are right for you.
- Avoid substances that could hurt your baby, including alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.
When to see a doctor
See a provider as soon as possible if a home pregnancy test is positive. If you get two negative home tests but still think you are pregnant, call your provider. Check with your provider if something is bothering or worrying you during pregnancy. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, vaginal bleeding with pain in your belly or back, chest pain that lasts two minutes or more, fainting, severe belly pain, or severe trouble breathing.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can talk through your test results, review your health history, and help you connect with an obstetrician or midwife for prenatal care.
Common questions
How do I know if I am pregnant?
A pregnancy test can tell you, by checking your urine or blood for the hormone hCG. A missed period is the most common early sign.
What is prenatal care?
Prenatal care is the health care you get while you are pregnant. It includes your checkups and prenatal testing.
How often are prenatal visits?
Visits are usually once a month for weeks 4 through 28, twice a month for weeks 28 through 36, and weekly from week 36 until your baby is born. Your provider will give you a schedule for your prenatal visits.
Can I take medicine while I am pregnant?
Always check with your provider before you start or stop any medicine. This includes over-the-counter medicines and dietary or herbal supplements. Some medicines can harm your fetus.
Can a home pregnancy test be wrong?
Yes, a home test can say you are not pregnant when you really are, especially if you test too soon. Because hCG levels rise every day in early pregnancy, it is a good idea to repeat the test a week later.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
