Common discomforts during pregnancy

Many people have what is called morning sickness, which means they feel nauseous during pregnancy. Some vomit. 

Fatigue is common during pregnancy.  

This fatigue may be due to anaemia, which is when you do not have enough healthy red blood cells. Your midwife will therefore check your blood count when you visit the midwifery clinic. You may need to take iron tablets if your blood count is too low. 

Your stomach may hurt for various reasons. The uterus is growing and the baby is moving. You may also be having Braxton Hicks contractions. 

The ligaments in your body relax and stretch during pregnancy, which can put a strain on your joints. You may feel pain in your pelvic area and in your lower back. 

During pregnancy, your immune system becomes weaker. This may make it easier for you to catch a cold. 

Breasts grow early in pregnancy as they prepare to produce milk.  

This may make your breasts feel sore and taut throughout your pregnancy. 

It is common to have more discharge when you are pregnant. Discharge is a fluid that comes out of your vagina. 

It is common to have trouble sleeping during pregnancy. For example, it may be hard to find a comfortable position in bed. Some people need to get up frequently to pee. 

Leg cramps 

Some people may wake up with cramps in their legs. This can cause a lot of pain for a short time. It is not a serious problem. 

Standing up may help. You can also try massaging the muscle. 

You have more fluid in your body during pregnancy. This makes your mucous membranes swollen, and may make it easier to bleed.  

For example, you may get a nosebleed. A stuffy nose is also a common discomfort. 

Sleep with your head elevated 

Try sleeping with your head elevated if you have a stuffy nose. 

You can also try using saline in your nose. This is available at any pharmacy. 

Avoid using non-prescription nose drops for more than ten days. 

Legs and feet often become swollen during late pregnancy. Compression socks may help ease this.  

Also try to keep your legs elevated. 

Some people develop stretch marks, which look like little lines in the skin. They do not go away, but they may fade after pregnancy. 

Pregnancy may affect your mood. Some people get sad more easily than usual or feel sad all the time. 

Talk to a midwife about how you are feeling. 

In early pregnancy, your blood pressure may drop. You may then feel dizzy. 

Later in your pregnancy, your blood pressure will usually be back to normal. 

Your midwife will check your blood pressure regularly. 

Constipation is common during pregnancy. This is because your intestines are working more slowly. Remember to drink water and keep active. 

Here are some additional discomforts that are common during pregnancy: 

• back pain 
• varicose veins 
• haemorrhoids 
• heartburn 
• heart palpitations 

• shortness of breath 
• urinary tract infection.