Navigating Pregnancy Comfortably (Part 1)

September 28, 2023

Common Pregnancy Discomforts: 6 Symptoms and What Can Help

Pregnancy can bring an extraordinary range of physical changes — and some of them aren't particularly glamorous.

Nausea, exhaustion, backache, heartburn, swollen feet and constipation are all common during pregnancy. Some may appear for only a few weeks, while others can come and go throughout your pregnancy.

Most common pregnancy discomforts are nothing to worry about, but it's still important not to assume that every new symptom is simply part of being pregnant.

Here we look at six common pregnancy complaints, what may help and when it's sensible to seek medical advice.

1. Morning Sickness

Despite its name, morning sickness can happen at any time of the day or night.

Nausea and vomiting are particularly common during early pregnancy and usually improve as pregnancy progresses, although some people experience them for longer.

Things that may help include:

eating smaller meals more frequently
eating plain foods if they're easier to tolerate
having something simple to eat before getting out of bed
sipping fluids regularly
getting plenty of rest
avoiding foods or smells that trigger your nausea
trying foods or drinks containing ginger if they suit you

You don't need to simply endure severe pregnancy sickness.

If you're unable to keep food or fluids down, are becoming dehydrated, losing weight or feeling very unwell, contact your midwife, GP or NHS 111.

We've covered pregnancy sickness — including hyperemesis gravidarum and when to get medical help — in more detail here:

Best Ways to Cope With Morning Sickness

2. Tiredness and Fatigue

Feeling tired — sometimes extremely tired — is very common during pregnancy, particularly during the first 12 weeks. Later in pregnancy, carrying additional weight and disrupted sleep can leave you feeling exhausted again.

Rest isn't laziness.

If your body is asking you to slow down, try to listen to it.

Eating a varied diet, resting when possible, accepting offers of help and doing some gentle activity if you feel able can all be useful.

What If the Tiredness Feels Excessive?

Mention persistent or concerning tiredness to your midwife or GP rather than assuming pregnancy must be the cause.

Iron deficiency anaemia, for example, can cause tiredness, lack of energy, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Pregnancy is itself a common cause of iron deficiency anaemia.

Don't start taking extra iron simply because you're tired. Your GP or midwife can advise whether you need supplementation.

For more on eating well during pregnancy:

Nourishing Your Pregnancy: Vitamins, Minerals and Meals

3. Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back pain is very common in pregnancy.

Hormonal changes cause ligaments to become softer and stretch, which can place additional strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis. As pregnancy progresses, the changing weight and shape of your body can add to the strain.

Some simple measures may help:

bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting
avoid lifting heavy objects
wear comfortable, flat shoes
keep your back supported when sitting
get enough rest
try a warm bath
stay gently active if you're able

If back pain is particularly troublesome, speak to your GP or midwife. You may be referred to an obstetric physiotherapist who can assess you and recommend appropriate exercises or treatment.

When Does Back Pain Need Urgent Advice?

Contact your GP or midwife urgently if you have back pain during the second or third trimester that could indicate early labour, or if it's accompanied by symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, fever or pain when urinating.

Don't simply put severe or unusual pain down to pregnancy.

4. Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn and indigestion are common during pregnancy and can occur at any stage, although they become more common from around 12 weeks.

Hormonal changes, your growing baby pressing against your stomach and relaxation of the muscles between your stomach and oesophagus can all contribute.

You may find it helps to:

eat smaller meals more frequently
avoid eating within three hours of going to bed
sit upright while eating and immediately afterwards
reduce foods that seem to trigger your symptoms
cut down on rich, spicy or fatty foods if they make symptoms worse
reduce caffeine
raise your head and shoulders when sleeping

If these changes aren't enough, speak to your pharmacist, midwife or GP.

Some antacids and alginates can be used during pregnancy, but not every antacid is suitable, so tell your pharmacist that you're pregnant. Antacids also shouldn't be taken within two hours of folic acid or iron supplements because they can affect absorption.

5. Swollen Feet, Ankles and Fingers

Some gradual swelling during pregnancy is common, particularly later in pregnancy and towards the end of the day.

It happens partly because your body holds more water during pregnancy and your growing uterus can affect circulation in your legs.

Resting with your feet elevated, wearing comfortable shoes, avoiding standing for very long periods and keeping gently active may make you more comfortable.

But there is an important distinction between gradual everyday swelling and swelling that needs medical attention.

When Should You Get Help for Swelling?

A sudden increase in swelling can sometimes be a sign of pre-eclampsia, particularly when it affects your face, hands or feet.

Other warning signs can include a severe headache, problems with vision, pain just below your ribs, vomiting or feeling very unwell.

Contact your maternity unit, midwife or GP immediately if you experience symptoms that could indicate pre-eclampsia. NHS guidance specifically advises getting swelling checked rather than simply assuming it is normal pregnancy fluid retention.

6. Constipation During Pregnancy

Hormonal changes can cause constipation surprisingly early in pregnancy.

Eating more fibre, drinking plenty of water and staying active can help keep your digestive system moving.

Good sources of fibre include:

wholemeal bread
wholegrain cereals
fruit and vegetables
beans
lentils
other pulses

Iron supplements can sometimes make constipation worse. If you've been advised to take iron and constipation becomes a problem, don't simply stop taking it — speak to your doctor or midwife about whether another preparation might be appropriate.

If lifestyle changes aren't helping, ask your pharmacist, midwife or GP about treatments that are suitable during pregnancy rather than choosing a laxative yourself.

Common Doesn't Mean You Have to Put Up With It

One theme runs through all six of these pregnancy complaints:

common doesn't mean insignificant.

There's no prize for enduring pain, severe sickness or debilitating symptoms because somebody tells you they're “just part of pregnancy”.

Your midwife, maternity team, GP and pharmacist are there to help you distinguish between ordinary pregnancy discomfort and something that needs treatment or investigation.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice During Pregnancy?

The appropriate service can depend partly on how many weeks pregnant you are and your local maternity arrangements.

Current NHS guidance broadly directs people to:

a GP or early pregnancy unit during the first 12 weeks before the first midwife appointment
a midwife or early pregnancy unit between 12 and 19 weeks
a midwife or maternity unit from 20 weeks onwards

Local arrangements can vary.

If you're unsure what to do, NHS 111 can advise. Always call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.

Most importantly, don't wait for a routine antenatal appointment if something feels wrong or you're concerned about a symptom.

Where Are You in Your Pregnancy?

Different symptoms can appear at different stages, so we've also created guides to each trimester:

First Trimester of Pregnancy: What to Expect in Weeks 1–12

Second Trimester of Pregnancy: What to Expect in Weeks 13–27

Third Trimester of Pregnancy: What to Expect in Weeks 28–40+

And once pregnancy ends, a completely new period of physical and emotional adjustment begins:

Fourth Trimester: The Complete Guide