Pregnancy can produce some unexpected symptoms.
You might find yourself getting up several times during the night to use the toilet, struggling to find a comfortable sleeping position, experiencing leg cramps or wondering why climbing a flight of stairs suddenly leaves you breathless.
Some of these changes are very common.
But, as with all pregnancy symptoms, common doesn't automatically mean something should be ignored — particularly if a symptom appears suddenly, becomes severe or is accompanied by other signs that something isn't right.
Here we look at six more common pregnancy concerns, what may help and when it's important to seek medical advice.
1. Frequent Urination During Pregnancy
Needing to urinate more often can begin surprisingly early in pregnancy and may continue until your baby is born.
Later in pregnancy, pressure from your baby's head on your bladder can make those frequent bathroom visits even more noticeable.
You shouldn't deliberately cut down significantly on fluids to avoid needing the toilet. Staying adequately hydrated remains important.
If getting up repeatedly during the night is disturbing your sleep, you could try reducing drinks later in the evening, while making sure you're drinking enough during the daytime. Reducing caffeine may also help. (nhs.uk)
What About Leaking Urine?
Pregnancy and childbirth can place additional strain on the pelvic floor, and some people notice a little urine leaking when coughing, sneezing or laughing.
Pelvic-floor exercises help strengthen these muscles and are recommended during pregnancy. (nhs.uk)
That's different from saying pelvic-floor exercises will stop you needing to urinate frequently
If you're experiencing urinary leakage or other pelvic-floor symptoms, mention them to your midwife or GP. You don't have to simply accept them as an inevitable part of pregnancy.
When Could Frequent Urination Mean Something Else?
Pain or burning when you urinate, blood in your urine, cloudy or unusually smelly urine, lower abdominal or back pain, fever or feeling unwell can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI).
UTIs during pregnancy need appropriate assessment and treatment, so contact your GP, midwife or maternity team if you think you may have one. (nhs.uk)
2. Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Stretch marks are extremely common during pregnancy.
They often appear on areas including the abdomen, breasts and upper thighs as pregnancy progresses.
Your likelihood of developing them is influenced by factors including how elastic your skin is, and they frequently become less noticeable after your baby is born. (nhs.uk)
Can Oils or Creams Prevent Stretch Marks?
There is no reliable evidence that applying oils or creams prevents stretch marks. (nhs.uk)
A moisturiser or body oil may make your skin feel more comfortable and can certainly be part of a skincare routine if you enjoy using one — but that's different from promising that it will prevent or minimise stretch marks.
We've looked at the evidence and some of the unrealistic promises surrounding stretch marks in much more detail here:
Stretch Marks During Pregnancy and Postpartum: What Can You Do? →
3. Mood Changes and Emotional Wellbeing
Pregnancy can bring complicated emotions.
You may feel happy and excited one day and worried, irritable or overwhelmed the next. Hormonal and physical changes, worries about birth, relationships, work, previous experiences and the prospect of becoming a parent can all affect how you feel.
Talking to somebody you trust can help.
Rest, gentle activity where appropriate and making space for things you enjoy may also support your general wellbeing.
But we should be careful about describing significant anxiety or low mood simply as “normal pregnancy mood swings.”
When Should You Ask for Help?
If you're frequently feeling low, hopeless, anxious or unable to enjoy things you would normally enjoy, speak to your midwife or GP.
Mental health problems can occur during pregnancy, and support is available. (nhs.uk)
Please check out the following article as already covered mental health in more detailed article specifically about this:
Pregnancy Guilt and Worry: Looking After Yourself as a Mum-to-Be
4. Difficulty Sleeping During Pregnancy
Sleep can become more difficult as pregnancy progresses.
You may be waking to use the toilet, struggling to get comfortable, experiencing heartburn or simply finding that your mind won't switch off.
A regular bedtime routine, comfortable pillows and avoiding caffeine later in the day may help.
Sleeping Position After 28 Weeks
From 28 weeks of pregnancy, NHS guidance recommends going to sleep on your side, either left or right.
Research has associated going to sleep on your back after 28 weeks with an increased risk of stillbirth. (nhs.uk)
That applies when going to bed at night and when taking a daytime nap.
If you wake up on your back, don't panic. Simply turn onto your side before going back to sleep.
We've also covered this in our:
Third Trimester of Pregnancy Guide →
5. Leg Cramps During Pregnancy
Cramp is a sudden, sharp pain, usually affecting the calf muscles or feet, and it can be particularly troublesome at night.
Regular gentle calf stretches may help reduce cramp, although it's not always possible to prevent it. (nhs.uk)
If cramp strikes, pulling your toes upwards towards your ankle and rubbing the affected muscle may help.
When Is Leg Pain More Concerning?
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is different from ordinary pregnancy cramp.
Pregnancy increases the risk of DVT. Symptoms commonly affect one leg and can include pain, swelling, tenderness, warmth or redness. (nhs.uk)
If you think you may have a DVT, contact your GP, midwife or NHS 111 immediately.
If leg symptoms are accompanied by sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, coughing up blood, or collapse, call 999 because a clot may have travelled to the lungs. (nhs.uk)
6. Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy
Feeling more breathless than usual can occur during pregnancy.
Later in pregnancy, your growing uterus and changes in your body can make you notice your breathing more during everyday activity.
Slowing down, changing position and taking breaks may make you more comfortable.
But breathlessness is another symptom where we shouldn't automatically say “that's normal because you're pregnant.”
When Does Breathlessness Need Medical Advice?
Seek medical advice if you're worried about breathlessness, particularly if it is new, worsening or affecting you significantly.
Sudden or severe difficulty breathing needs urgent assessment.
Call 999 if you have severe difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, cough up blood or collapse. These can be symptoms of a pulmonary embolism and require emergency treatment. (nhs.uk)
Breathlessness can also occur with conditions such as anaemia, which is another reason persistent symptoms are worth discussing with your maternity team rather than diagnosing yourself.
When a Pregnancy Symptom Doesn't Feel Right
One of the difficulties of pregnancy is that many symptoms that can be completely harmless can also occasionally be signs that you need medical attention.
You don't need to make that distinction entirely by yourself.
Contact your midwife, maternity unit, GP or NHS 111 as appropriate if:
- a symptom is severe or suddenly becomes worse
- you feel significantly unwell
- something feels different or concerning
- you're unsure whether a symptom is normal
- your baby's movements reduce or change once you've begun recognising their usual pattern
Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
Looking for the Other Common Pregnancy Symptoms?
This article is deliberately paired with our first pregnancy-discomfort guide.
It covers another six common concerns:
- morning sickness
- fatigue
- back pain
- heartburn
- swollen feet and ankles
- constipation
Read Common Pregnancy Discomforts: 6 Symptoms and What Can Help
Together, the two guides now cover 12 common pregnancy symptoms without trying to cram everything into one enormous article.
Looking Beyond Pregnancy
As pregnancy progresses, it's natural for attention to turn increasingly towards birth.
But preparation doesn't have to end there.
The first weeks after birth bring their own physical and emotional changes, and understanding that transition in advance can be helpful.
Read our Fourth Trimester Guide.
Further Reading
Common Pregnancy Discomforts: 6 Symptoms and What Can Help
Stretch Marks During Pregnancy and Postpartum: What Can You Do?
Third Trimester of Pregnancy: What to Expect in Weeks 28–40+
Fourth Trimester: The Complete Guide
Written by Primrose + Ginger