Pregnancy complaints: symptoms and tips for relief

Pregnancy complaints refer to various types of physical symptoms that occur during pregnancy. They are caused by hormonal changes and the body’s ongoing efforts to adjust to its new state. During this time, a woman’s body has to provide for not only itself but also a growing baby. It’s perfectly normal for the body to show a reaction to this.

Every pregnancy is different and causes a variety of complaints. Some women hardly notice any changes during their pregnancy, while others experience significant limitations. These are not always pleasant, but it’s important to remember that if you do experience any of these issues, you’re not alone – many pregnant women go through the same thing. What’s more, most symptoms are harmless and will generally clear up once you’ve given birth.

Complaints tend to occur sporadically throughout the course of a pregnancy. Depending on the stage, certain symptoms will usually dominate, and you may find you experience them in different ways. The following section explains what characterises each of the three trimesters.

First trimester (weeks 1–12)

The first trimester brings about major hormonal changes. From around the 5th or 6th week of pregnancy, some women begin to experience nausea, which peaks between the 8th and 12th weeks. Severe tiredness and dizziness are common during the first few weeks. Headaches and increased vaginal discharge may also occur. Light spotting is not uncommon in early pregnancy, but it should still be assessed by a doctor. Many women find the complaints they experience during the first trimester distressing. However, towards the end of this phase, hormone levels stabilise and the complaints often subside.

Second trimester (weeks 13–28)

After the strenuous first few months, many pregnant women find the second trimester a pleasant experience. By this stage, the body has adapted to the hormonal changes, and nausea and tiredness begin to subside. Most women feel energised and enjoy a new sense of balance.

As their bump grows, however, lots of women will experience different pregnancy complaints during the second trimester. The back and pelvic floor now carry a greater load, and from around the 20th week, heartburn and constipation often set in. Lower abdominal pain during the second trimester is mainly caused by stretching of the round ligaments. A typical symptom is a sharp, brief pain when moving.

Some women may also begin to experience “practice contractions” (or Braxton Hicks contractions, to give them their proper name) as early as the 16th to 20th week of their pregnancy.

Third trimester (weeks 29–40)

In the final trimester, the baby grows rapidly, taking up more and more space. For many women, this leads to increased levels of pregnancy complaints again. Water retention and heartburn reach their peak in the third trimester. Trouble sleeping, shortness of breath and a frequent urge to urinate are common at this stage.

Lower abdominal pain during the third trimester is mainly due to latent labour contractions and the increasing pressure on the pelvic floor. This is the body’s way of gradually preparing for childbirth. In the last few weeks, the baby drops lower into the pelvis, which helps to alleviate heartburn and shortness of breach.

Most pregnancy complaints affect the digestive tract, the musculoskeletal system, the circulation and the hormonal balance. We’ve put together a list of the most common symptoms below along with an explanation of how they develop.

Discharge

Increased discharge during pregnancy is a normal side effect. Higher levels of oestrogen increase blood flow to the vaginal lining and alter the vaginal flora. Lactic acid bacteria also multiply more than usual, protecting the birth canal from unwanted germs. Normal discharge is white, clear or milky white and is either odourless or has a slightly sour smell.

If you do notice a yellow tinge to any discharge during pregnancy, this is usually nothing to worry about. However, discharge that is noticeably yellow, greenish or grey in colour may indicate an infection, particularly when accompanied by an unpleasant odour, itching or a burning sensation. You should speak to a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Bleeding

You may experience light spotting, especially early on in your pregnancy. This isn’t necessarily a sign of any complications. Possible causes include changes to the cervix – which will currently have a particularly healthy blood supply – or contact bleeding following sexual intercourse. In the event of heavier, persistent or painful bleeding, however, you should seek immediate medical attention, regardless of the stage of your pregnancy.

This is especially important if you also experience severe abdominal pain, dizziness or other complaints.

Varicose veins and calf cramps

Pregnancy increases the volume of blood in the body and causes the veins to become more dilated, both of which place added strain on the circulatory system. The growing uterus also exerts pressure on the large pelvic veins, making it more difficult for blood to flow back. This means blood is more likely to pool in the legs. Whether this causes varicose veins to develop during pregnancy additionally depends on genetic predisposition. In most cases, they will clear up on their own after birth.

Many women also experience calf cramps while pregnant, particularly at night. As the body excretes more minerals during this time, a deficiency is one possible cause of these muscle cramps. The strain on the leg muscles caused by the higher body weight exacerbates the symptoms during pregnancy.

Headaches

Headaches can occur during pregnancy for a variety of reasons. Hormonal changes, fluctuations in the circulation and tension in the neck are some of the most common triggers. Dehydration and tiredness can also be contributing factors.

Headaches, especially in the final trimester, can have other causes, too – such as pre-eclampsia – so you should speak to a doctor if you experience persistent discomfort.

Back and lower abdominal pain

As your bump grows, your centre of gravity will shift forward naturally. This puts more pressure on the spine and, in many cases, leads to a hollow back. This is why lots of women experience back pain during pregnancy, particularly in the lower back. Hormones also cause the ligaments and joints in the pelvic area to loosen. This prepares the body for childbirth, but it puts added strain on the back, too.

Lower abdominal pain during pregnancy is often caused by the round ligaments. These hold the uterus in the pelvis and stretch as it grows. Many pregnant women experience a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen, similar to period pain. As the pregnancy progresses, this is exacerbated by latent labour and Braxton Hicks contractions along with increasing pressure on the pelvic floor.

Insomnia

Sleep patterns also change during pregnancy. You may find your growing bump makes it difficult to find a comfortable position in bed. At the same time, the urge to urinate, night-time heartburn and the baby moving around can all make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. This is why insomnia is very common during pregnancy.

Anxiety about the birth and recurring thoughts can additionally keep you from falling asleep. Some pregnant women experience restless legs syndrome, which manifests as a constant urge to move the legs. The resulting sleep deprivation usually makes everyday life more difficult.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is one of the earliest and most common complaints associated with pregnancy. Around 80% of pregnant women will be affected at some stage. The nausea is not limited to the morning; many women experience it throughout the day. It’s often accompanied by dizziness, a heightened sensitivity to smell and changes in eating habits. Certain foods or smells can suddenly trigger an aversion.

The cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, although the rapid increase in the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) is considered the main trigger. Progesterone also slows down digestion during pregnancy and makes nausea worse. Once the body has adjusted to the new hormone levels, the symptoms usually subside in most women.

Remember that, in addition to morning sickness, which is common during the first trimester, hyperemesis gravidarum may also occur in rare cases. This is a severe form of morning sickness which causes prolonged, intense nausea with frequent vomiting. If you are affected by this form of morning sickness and find it difficult to eat or drink, you should seek medical assistance.

Heartburn

The reason women suffer from heartburn during pregnancy is that the pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes the sphincter between the stomach and the oesophagus. This makes it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus. The bigger the uterus gets, the more it pushes the stomach upwards, further increasing reflux.

Typical symptoms of heartburn are a burning sensation behind the breastbone, acid reflux and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. These complaints are particularly common after eating and when lying down. Many women suffer from heartburn during pregnancy, especially at night.

Constipation

The intestine works more slowly than usual during pregnancy. Progesterone has an influence here as well, relaxing not only the uterus but also the intestinal muscles. As a result, it takes longer for food to pass through the digestive tract. In addition, the growing uterus pushes on the intestines, making it harder for food to get through. Many women suffer from constipation during pregnancy, and the effects can persist for a long time.

In addition to constipation, flatulence and a feeling of fullness are also common during pregnancy. This is because slowed intestinal activity promotes the build-up of gas in the digestive tract.

Water retention

Swollen feet and water retention in the legs affect around 85% of pregnant women. Fluid can also build up in the hands and fingers. Water retention during pregnancy is caused by a combination of several changes. Blood volume increases and progesterone dilates the blood vessels. This makes it easier for the liquid components of the blood to pass into the surrounding tissue. These pregnancy complaints become more pronounced as the uterus expands and body weight increases.

Many pregnancy complaints can be alleviated with simple measures and tried-and-tested home remedies. The following tips will help you with the most common forms.

What helps with morning sickness?

Various home remedies have proven effective against morning sickness. In particular, ensuring a balanced diet during pregnancy often alleviates many complaints:

• Have a bite to eat before you get up. A dry biscuit, rusk or crispbread can all help soothe an empty stomach.
• Divide your meals into several smaller portions throughout the day.
• Avoid fatty, spicy and very sweet foods. Coffee and carbonated drinks also exacerbate nausea in many women.
• Ginger tea is thought to help with morning sickness. Other herbal teas, enjoyed in small sips, are also beneficial.
• Try sniffing a slice of lemon or orange. Some women find the fresh scent relieves discomfort.

What helps with heartburn during pregnancy?

Your eating habits and sleeping position can both have an influence when it comes to heartburn. The following tips can help ease discomfort during pregnancy:

• Use an extra pillow to prop yourself up slightly while sleeping. This usually helps to relieve night-time heartburn during pregnancy.
• Do not lie down straight after eating. Go for a short walk to aid digestion.
• Try to have your last big meal of the day a few hours before going to bed.
• Avoid acidic fruits and fruit juices.
• Limit your intake of chocolate, peppermint and caffeinated drinks, as these can cause the sphincter between the stomach and oesophagus to relax.

What helps with constipation during pregnancy?

A high-fibre diet and plenty of fluids help to maintain regular bowel movements:

• Aim to drink at least 2 litres of fluids a day. Unsweetened tea is a good way to relieve constipation during pregnancy. Water and diluted fruit juice can also help maintain your fluid intake.
• Make sure you eat plenty of wholegrain products, pulses, vegetables and fruit. These foods are high in fibre and stimulate intestinal activity.
• Add linseed, psyllium or oat bran to your muesli or yoghurt. Be sure to soak the seeds overnight and drink plenty of fluids when adding them to your diet.

What helps with water retention?

Water retention during pregnancy can be alleviated with simple home remedies:

• Elevate your legs several times a day, ideally above heart level.
• Avoid standing and sitting for long periods. Don’t cross your legs when sitting down.
• Wear compression stockings. They help blood flow back from the legs and relieve pressure on the veins if you do suffer from varicose veins during pregnancy.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Tight cuffs, waistbands and sock tops can make swelling worse.

What can you do about back pain?

Regular exercise and a few adjustments to your daily routine can help strengthen your back. The following tips will help you alleviate discomfort during pregnancy:

• Yoga, Pilates and pregnancy gymnastics are all great ways to exercise during pregnancy. They will help strengthen your back and pelvic floor.
• Walks and Nordic walking keep the circulation going and take the strain off the spine.
• A warm bath or a hot water bottle can help ease tension in the muscles.
• Sleep on your side and place a pillow between your knees. This takes the strain off your lower back.
• Make sure you maintain an upright posture and avoid standing for long periods.

Remember that back pain can also be a sign of contractions. If you’re at all unsure, you should discuss your complaints with a doctor, just in case.

Whether it’s prescription medication for morning sickness or an over-the-counter painkiller, do not take any medication without getting medical advice first. Many active ingredients pass through to the unborn child via the mother’s metabolism. That’s why it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional or pharmacist before you take anything. This also applies to herbal and dietary supplements.

If you do experience pregnancy complaints that become too much to bear, your doctor or midwife will be happy to advise you. Talk to them to find the right course of treatment for you and your baby. By listening to your body and taking good care of it, you’ll be better placed to enjoy all the positive sides to your pregnancy – despite the odd complaint.