Is this normal?
Pregnancy is a time of wonderment, new life, excitement, wonder, and more bodily changes than you can shake a stick at. Some of these changes are well documented; a growing bump and boobs, fatigue, the “bloom” but others may be annoying, or even alarming. We have pulled together some changes you are likely to experience during your pregnancy.
- Digestive changes, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, reflux, and bloating caused by hormones relaxing the digestive tract and the growing uterus putting pressure on the stomach, diaphragm, and other major organs.
- Bathroom issues passing urine more often, you may be incontinent (leak urine) you may have constipation, or haemorrhoids (piles). Your bladder and bowel become squashed by your expanding bump, and you need to maintain a good level of hydration along with a good healthy diet.
- Mild swelling, puffiness to your hands, legs, feet, and ankles which settle with rest and elevation. This is caused by extra blood volume (up to 50%) circulating during pregnancy and reduced venous return leading to pooling of fluid, especially in your lower limbs. It should resolve with rest and elevation.
- Mild aches and pains to your hips, your back or leg cramps at night. Try sleeping with a pillow between your knees, avoid crossing your legs, keep hydrated and ask your Midwife or GP for advice and if severe a physiotherapist referral.
- Skin changes. You may have areas of pigmentation on your face, stretch marks, a dark line on your tummy (Linea Negra) or varicose (swollen) veins. Using good quality pregnancy specific skincare will help to reduce irritation, dryness and irritability to stretching, hormonal skin.
- Changes in your mouth. You may have swollen gums that bleed easily (pregnant women get free NHS dental treatment during pregnancy and for 12 months following birth so get plenty of check-ups), altered taste and/or food aversions.
- Braxton Hicks, painless irregular tightening's which may come and go are perfectly normal but if accompanied by any bleeding, watery discharge, become painful or increase in frequency, strength or length you should seek advice from your midwife or GP.
Problems that are not always normal and need investigating. If you experience any of these, you should speak to your midwife or GP urgently.
- Signs of preterm labour. Vaginal bleeding or spotting, watery discharge, lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, or regular painful contractions (tightening of the abdomen) that doesn’t go away.
- Problems with passing urine. Pain or stinging/burning when you pass urine or a raised temperature (above 37.5 degrees C).
- Sudden or excessive swelling. Particularly in the face, feet, or hands that doesn’t settle with rest.
- Severe pain. Including severe headaches that don’t settle with rest, hydration or paracetamol, visual disturbances or light sensitivity, epigastric pain (upper abdominal) pain, strong stomach pain or cramps.
- Unusual rash that doesn’t fade with the ‘glass test’ or when you feel unwell.
- Illness or high temperature. This includes dizziness, severe nausea, or vomiting, feeling generally unwell, or any raised temperature (above 37.5 degrees C).
- Shortness or difficulty with breathing at rest or with mild exertion (climbing a flight of stairs).
- Calf pain in one leg with redness (redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin but it may be identified as darker than normal), swelling, and warm to touch.
Remember try not to worry if you do notice anything out of the ordinary but our Midwives would always encourage you to flag any concerns about your pregnancy with your own healthcare team.
