At some time or another during the course of pregnancy, many women will suffer from one or more of what is commonly known as the minor discomforts of pregnancy.

Minor Discomforts During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes many changes in your body. As your hormones change and your baby grows, you may experience symptoms that are uncomfortable but are often a normal part of pregnancy.

These discomforts can vary from person to person and may change as your pregnancy progresses. Always speak to your GP, midwife or maternity team if a symptom is severe, persistent or worrying you.

Tiredness

Feeling tired is very common, particularly during the first and third trimesters. Pregnancy uses extra energy, while disturbed sleep and the additional weight of your growing baby can contribute to tiredness later in pregnancy.

Try to:

* Rest when you can.
* Accept offers of help.
* Eat regular, balanced meals.
* Drink plenty of fluids.
* Continue gentle physical activity if you feel well enough.

Very severe tiredness can sometimes be linked to low iron levels, so mention it to your GP or midwife.

Morning Sickness

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are often called morning sickness, although symptoms can happen at any time of the day or night.

Morning sickness is especially common during the first trimester and often improves between 16 and 20 weeks.

Eating small amounts regularly and avoiding foods or smells that trigger nausea may help. Contact your GP or midwife if you cannot keep fluids down, are losing weight, feel dizzy or have signs of dehydration.

Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Indigestion may cause bloating, discomfort or feeling very full after eating.

These symptoms can be caused by pregnancy hormones and pressure from your growing baby on your stomach. They are particularly common later in pregnancy.

It may help to:

* Eat smaller meals more often.
* Avoid eating shortly before going to bed.
* Sit upright during and after meals.
* Reduce foods that make your symptoms worse, such as fatty or spicy foods.

Ask your GP, midwife or pharmacist before taking medicine for heartburn during pregnancy.

Constipation

Pregnancy hormones can slow the movement of food through your digestive system. Your growing womb and some iron supplements may also contribute to constipation.

To help prevent or ease constipation:

* Drink plenty of water.
* Eat foods that are high in fibre.
* Keep physically active.
* Go to the toilet when you feel the urge.

Speak to your GP, midwife or pharmacist before using a laxative or other treatment.

Piles

Piles, also called haemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels around the anus. They may cause itching, discomfort, a lump or a small amount of bleeding after a bowel movement.

Avoiding constipation can help reduce your risk. Drink plenty of water, eat fibre-rich foods and avoid straining when going to the toilet.

Talk to your GP, midwife or pharmacist if piles are painful or bleeding.

Back Pain

Back pain is common during pregnancy. It may be caused by changes in posture, hormonal changes and increased pressure on the joints of your back and pelvis.

You may find it helpful to:

* Pay attention to your posture.
* Avoid lifting heavy objects.
* Bend your knees when lifting.
* Wear supportive, comfortable shoes.
* Rest with your back well supported.
* Continue gentle exercise if comfortable.

Ask your GP, midwife or physiotherapist for advice if the pain is severe, worsening or affecting your daily activities.

Pelvic Girdle Pain

Pelvic girdle pain can be felt around the lower back, hips, groin, thighs or pelvic joints. It can range from mild discomfort to pain that makes walking, climbing stairs or turning in bed difficult.

Tell your GP or midwife if you develop pelvic pain. Early advice from a physiotherapist may help you manage the symptoms.

Round Ligament Pain

Round ligament pain is a sharp or pulling pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen, groin or hips. It is caused by the ligaments supporting your womb stretching as your pregnancy grows.

It is more common during the second and third trimesters and may be triggered by sudden movement.

Although round ligament pain is usually harmless, new or persistent abdominal pain should be discussed with your GP, midwife or maternity team.

Leg Cramps

Leg cramps are painful muscle spasms, usually in the calves or feet. They are more common during the second and third trimesters and often occur at night.

Regular gentle activity, stretching your calf muscles and drinking enough fluids may help.

Swollen Feet and Ankles

Gradual swelling of both feet, ankles or legs is common during pregnancy. It may become more noticeable later in the day or during warm weather.

It may help to:

* Avoid standing for long periods.
* Rest with your feet raised.
* Wear comfortable shoes.
* Stay active with gentle movement.
* Avoid clothing that is tight around your ankles or legs.

Sudden swelling, particularly of your face, hands or feet, needs urgent medical advice.

Headaches

Headaches can occur during pregnancy, particularly during the early months.

Rest, regular meals, hydration and adequate sleep may help. Check with your GP, midwife or pharmacist before taking pain relief during pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team immediately if you have a sudden or severe headache, a headache that is getting worse, blurred vision, flashing lights, upper abdominal pain or sudden swelling. These may be warning signs of pre-eclampsia.

When to Contact Your Maternity Team

Contact your GP, midwife or maternity hospital urgently if you experience:

* Vaginal bleeding
* Severe or persistent abdominal pain
* A severe or worsening headache
* Blurred vision or flashing lights
* Sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
* Pain below your ribs
* A red, hot, painful or swollen calf
* Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath
* A fever or feeling seriously unwell
* Leaking fluid from your vagina
* Regular contractions before 37 weeks
* Reduced or changed movements of your baby

Never assume that a new or severe symptom is simply a normal pregnancy discomfort. Contact your maternity team whenever you are concerned.