What are the most common uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms?

The months of pregnancy bring special and often surprising physical and emotional changes. This is natural and in many cases necessary. In this article we look at a few symptoms that may cause the most discomfort, and we will see that there are ways to ease them.

During pregnancy the mother’s body goes through major changes in a relatively short time. Hormonal shifts can alter how the body functions from head to toe. Is it not amazing how a woman’s body prepares to carry and birth a baby safely? Let’s look at the most common symptoms.

Fatigue

This is one of the most common symptoms. From the very start, pregnancy comes with hormonal changes that can cause unusual tiredness. It may be surprising, but the main culprit is progesterone, which rises steeply in the first month. Added to this, blood pressure and blood sugar can drop as metabolism slows and the body changes.

As pregnancy progresses, the volume of circulating blood continues to increase so it can support the placenta and the baby. To pump this extra volume, the heart needs to work harder. This load can show up as fatigue. Poor diet, an underactive thyroid, or iron deficiency may also play a role.

By the second trimester most women reach a more active phase when tiredness almost disappears and a real sense of physical and mental wellbeing takes over. In the third trimester the strain grows again, so tiredness may return, often made worse by sleep difficulties due to a larger bump and baby’s movements.

How can you ease fatigue?

Mainly with attention and plenty of rest and sleep. Gentle exercise and regular walks help both body and mind. From a diet point of view, it can help to lighten meals and reduce rich, fatty foods and those high in quick-release carbohydrates.

Back pain

During pregnancy, once the bump is larger, around months five to seven, and its weight is noticeable, the body’s centre of gravity shifts and overall body weight increases, while joints become looser. Movement feels different and mums-to-be may feel a bit like a marionette.

Back pain is not only uncomfortable in itself. It can make lying down and resting harder, which can quickly lead to exhaustion. A tired expectant mum is often low in mood and irritable, which can affect family life and day-to-day routines, and cause many sleepless, restless nights.

The good news is there is an effective solution. Professional pregnancy massage that relaxes the pelvis, hips and back muscles can help. Regular sessions are often needed, which is natural, since the strain on the lower back and hips continues, yet the improved relaxed state can be maintained.

Morning sickness, nausea and vomiting

Nausea and sometimes vomiting usually appear in the first trimester, and often pass by weeks 12 to 14. Between 50 and 80 percent of women experience these harmless yet unpleasant symptoms. Possible causes include changes in gut function, hormonal shifts, the balance organ of the inner ear, altered sense of smell, high hCG levels, overactive thyroid, and Helicobacter pylori in the stomach.

Nausea is often the first suspicious sign of pregnancy, most commonly in the morning, although some feel it later in the day. If vomiting occurs, it is important to avoid dehydration. In cases of severe vomiting medical care in hospital may be needed. The risks are dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and weight loss.

Professionals may recommend lifestyle adjustments, changes to eating habits, maintaining fluid balance, herbal approaches, psychotherapy when stress is present, or hospital care if required. In some cases it is enough to take prenatal vitamins later in the day and with food.

Troubling shortness of breath

It can be hard to cope with that suffocating feeling that often shows up between weeks 28 and 36. It feels similar to lack of oxygen, as if the amount of air you breathe in is not enough. It can be alarming, even frightening, but fortunately it is temporary.

Knowing the cause helps you accept it as normal, even if it is not easy. As the bump grows, the uterus presses against the diaphragm and lungs. At the same time, pregnancy demands more air. This leads to breathlessness, which we cannot completely remove, although we can ease it.

Sitting with a straight back gives the internal organs and bump a better position. At night a semi-upright posture may be more comfortable. If the air outside is cool, by day or by night, a little fresh air can feel good and be calming. During breathlessness the baby still receives the right amount of oxygen via the umbilical cord.

Leaking urine

In pregnancy, some women experience stress incontinence. Before the cause, it helps to know that in most cases the issue resolves on its own. If it does not, there are several pelvic floor strengthening therapies to choose from.

As the baby grows, more weight rests on the bladder. A sudden increase in pressure, for example sneezing or coughing, can lead to leaks. The muscles supporting the bladder and the pelvic floor are weaker because the pelvic muscles become looser. In later pregnancies the problem is more likely to appear or persist after birth.

How can pregnancy incontinence be managed?

• With pelvic floor exercises and specialist-led pelvic training. Always ask a healthcare professional about safe practice during pregnancy.

• With mindful fluid intake and regular loo breaks to avoid overfilling the bladder.

• With comprehensive pelvic floor rehabilitation programmes. Used mainly after birth, these can bring strong improvements within 12 weeks.

If there is a sudden large loss of urine, or burning and pain are present, see a doctor.

Constipation

Passing stools fewer than two or three times per week, and with straining, points to a bowel function problem. In pregnancy bowel movements often slow because of hormonal changes and the baby’s pressure on the rectum. The solution is fibre-rich foods and adequate water.

Some high-fibre foods include: wheat bran, brown rice, apples, pears, beetroot, courgette, avocado, coconut, peanuts, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, bulgur, buckwheat, coconut flour, linseed flour.

Breast tenderness

Breast sensitivity and swelling can appear very early, even before a missed period. Hormones drive these changes and they are among the most visible physical signs of pregnancy. Breasts change throughout pregnancy, they grow, feel tender and may ache. Blood flow increases and the milk ducts begin to develop, so the body prepares for breastfeeding well before birth. Not every expectant mum notices big changes, this varies from person to person.

When should you definitely see a doctor?

• If you notice unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge, possibly with burning, itching or a greenish colour. This may indicate an infection.

• If you experience any bleeding.

• If you have a symptom that you cannot clearly identify as harmless.

We have previously written about implantation and the signs of early pregnancy, please read that article too.

References:

NHS – Common pregnancy symptoms:

Tommy’s (UK charity) – Common pregnancy symptoms and how to cope: