Common pregnancy ailments and how to manage them

Growing and carrying a baby for nine months is an incredible and exciting thing, but it can also take its toll on your health and wellbeing.

Hormonal changes, uterus expansion, increased blood volume and digestive changes are just a few ways your body supports a healthy pregnancy and the growth and development of your baby.

While it’s a time of physical change, there’s also a lot happening emotionally as your hormones fluctuate and you mentally prepare yourself for parenthood (or welcoming an additional child into your family).

So, what sort of ailments are common in pregnancy? And are there ways to alleviate or manage them to make things more comfortable for you during this time?

Remember – every pregnancy is unique. Listen to your body and talk to your GP or midwife if you have any worries or concerns. They will offer personalised advice on how best to address any ailments that occur during your pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness)

Very common in early pregnancy, ‘morning’ sickness can affect you at any time of day or night. (You can also feel sick all day.) Thankfully, it usually clears up by weeks 16 to 20 and doesn’t put your baby at any increased risk¹. In rare cases women experience morning sickness even in the third trimester.

Eating small, frequent meals, avoiding strong odours, and staying hydrated can help alleviate these symptoms. Some women also find relief from ginger or vitamin B6 supplements.

In some cases, morning sickness can develop into a severe form called hyperemesis gravidarum. This can be serious as it can lead to dehydration or malnutrition. Should this happen, you may need specialist treatment and close monitoring. You might need intravenous rehydration, antiemetics (medication to prevent you being sick), or both – which may require you to be hospitalised.

Sometimes a urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause nausea and vomiting so it’s always worth getting a urine sample analysed just to make sure it’s not causing you to feel nauseous.

It’s important to seek medical advice promptly should you be experiencing severe nausea.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A UTI is a common infection that can affect your bladder, kidneys, or urethra. Hormonal changes in pregnancy can disrupt your urinary tract, which will increase your risk of UTIs. Your growing uterus will put pressure on your bladder, making it hard to empty completely and increase the risk of infection further. Your reduced immune system will also make it easier for bacteria to infect your urinary tract.

Although a UTI doesn’t directly endanger your baby’s health, if left untreated, it can lead to kidney infections which can result in premature birth, low birthweight, your water breaking too early and pre-eclampsia (a condition characterised by high blood pressure, and sometimes fluid retention and protein in the urine)².

Signs you have a UTI:

Frequent bathroom visits are common during pregnancy, which can make it tricky to spot the signs of a UTI. See your GP if you experience symptoms such as contractions and/or abdominal pain, lower back pain, small amounts of urine passed when urinating, pain when urinating, traces of blood in your urine, strong-smelling urine, dark or cloudy urine, feeling cold (not usually accompanied by fever), and sudden urinary incontinence².

How to prevent a UTI in pregnancy:

• Flush out bacteria from your urinary tract by drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated.
• Go to the toilet when you need to, rather than holding urine in for prolonged periods, as this can cause bacteria to grow in your bladder.
• Try to completely empty your bladder.
• Wiping front to back can reduce the risk of introducing bacteria from your rectal area to your urinary tract.
• Take showers not baths.
• Go to the toilet as soon as you can after sex³.
• Avoid using scented/perfumed soaps or shower gels.
• Try wearing cotton underwear as it’s more breathable.
• A barrier cream can help soothe sensitive genital skin but run this by your GP or midwife first to ensure it’s safe to use during your pregnancy.
• If you’re struggling to manage diabetes, avoid eating lots of sugary food or drinks, as they can encourage bacteria to grow².

If you experience any symptoms of a UTI, see your GP as soon as possible.

Indigestion and heartburn

Also known as acid reflux, it can be caused by hormonal changes, as well as your baby pressing against your stomach.

Symptoms include:

• a burning sensation or pain in the chest
• burping feeling or being sick
• bringing up food.

You can experience symptoms at any point during your pregnancy, but they’re more common from 12 weeks onwards⁴. Symptoms usually come and go soon after eating or drinking, but there can sometimes be a delay between eating and getting indigestion.

How you can alleviate symptoms:

If your symptoms are mild, changes to your diet and lifestyle may be enough to control them.

• Eat healthily.
• Avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, caffeinated drinks, alcohol (alongside the key foods to avoid).
• Eat smaller meals often, rather than three larger meals a day.
• Eat slowly, chewing food thoroughly.
• Sitting upright for at least an hour after eating can help reduce heartburn by allowing gravity to help keep stomach acids down.
• Avoid eating within 3 hours of going to bed at night.
• Stop smoking (NHS Smokefree helpline: 030 123 1044).
• Extra pillows to elevate your head and upper body while sleeping can also help.
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing to reduce pressure on your abdomen.

If these strategies don’t provide relief, over-the-counter antacids may be considered but always under the advice from your healthcare advisor.

If your indigestion / heartburn persists or becomes severe, seek urgent medical advice.

Back pain

Pregnancy causes the ligaments in your body to naturally become softer and stretch to prepare you for labour. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis, which can cause back pain⁵.

How to keep back pain at bay:

• Practicing good posture, using proper body mechanics, and engaging in prenatal yoga or gentle exercises. Stand tall, with your shoulders back and relaxed, and avoid slouching. Avoid lifting, pulling or strenuous activities in pregnancy if possible. If you must lift objects, bend at the knees and lift with your legs, rather than bending at the waist.
• Maternity support belts and pillows may also provide additional comfort. Always check with your healthcare advisor or physiotherapist to ensure the one you select is right for you.
• Wearing comfortable, low-heeled supportive shoes will provide good arch support.
• Exercises such as pregnancy yoga and swimming can help to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles.
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods. Make sure to take frequent breaks to change positions and stretch.
• Consider antenatal massage from a qualified professional, as it can help relieve muscle tension to reduce your backache.
• You may need to have a risk assessment at work to make necessary adjustments to suit your needs.

If your backache is very painful, talk to your GP or midwife. They may be able to refer you to an obstetric physiotherapist at your hospital, who can give you advice and may suggest some helpful exercises.

Constipation

You can become constipated early on in your pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

You can help prevent constipation by:

• Increasing fibre intake through fruits, vegetables, wholemeal breads, cereals, and pulses such as beans and lentils.
• Exercising gently and regularly will keep your muscles toned and encourage bowel regularity.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Some prenatal vitamins contain added iron, which can contribute to constipation. Your healthcare advisor can suggest alternative options if constipation becomes an issue. (Frequent constipation can cause haemorrhoids.)

Don’t forget to listen to your body. Respond to your natural urges for a bowel movement and avoid delaying when you feel the need to go.

In some cases where your constipation becomes severe or persistent, your GP may recommend a stool softener or other interventions. Don’t use over-the-counter remedies before consultation with your GP as you need to ensure they’re safe to use during pregnancy.

Thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection, which can occur during pregnancy due to the many changes happening in your body, especially during the third trimester. Thankfully there’s no evidence that thrush can harm your unborn baby⁶. But it’s important to inform your midwife / doctor if you have thrush in pregnancy.

Make sure to seek advice from your GP before using treatments such as cream or a tablet inserted in the vagina to ensure it’s safe to do so during pregnancy.

Thrush can be transferred to your baby during delivery, but this is nothing to worry about and can be easily treated⁶.

How to minimise the risk of thrush:

• Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight-fitting clothing can help keep the vaginal area dry and minimise the risk of thrush.
• Avoid scented soaps, bubble baths, and vaginal deodorants, as they can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.
• Consuming probiotic-rich foods or supplements can also promote healthy vaginal flora.

Swollen ankles, feet and fingers

It’s common to experience swelling in pregnancy, especially in your legs, ankles, feet, and fingers. It’s caused by your body holding more water than usual and often feels worse at the end of the day, and further into your pregnancy.

How to reduce swelling:

• Avoid standing for long periods of time. If possible, take breaks and sit down to rest.
• Drinking plenty of water will help to flush out excess fluids and prevent dehydration, which can contribute to swelling.
• Wearing comfortable shoes can also help – ones that provide good arch support (avoid high heels). Compression stockings / socks can also help reduce swelling in your ankles and feet.
• Encourage proper blood flow and reduce fluid accumulation by elevating your legs and feet when sitting or lying down.
• Exercise by taking regular walks during the day or by doing foot exercises to improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in your ankles and prevent cramp in your calf muscles⁷.
• Keep an eye on your salt intake, too. Limiting your sodium intake can help reduce fluid retention and swelling.

If you experience persistent or severe swelling in your feet and ankles, it's important to discuss this with your GP to rule out any underlying issues and receive appropriate guidance for managing the swelling during pregnancy. For example, a sudden increase in swelling can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious complications if not monitored and treated.

Headaches

These can be common due to hormonal changes, increased blood volume and other factors. They usually improve as your pregnancy progresses.

How you can help your headaches:

• Paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you're pregnant. However, for safety, if you take paracetamol in pregnancy, take it for the shortest possible time. You can get advice from your healthcare advisor about how much paracetamol you can take and for how long. There are some painkillers you should avoid in pregnancy – such as those containing codeine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen – unless prescribed by your doctor⁸.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can spur headaches.
• Good posture and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing in one position can help reduce tension-related headaches.
• Stress can also trigger headaches, so take time to engage in relaxing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or prenatal massage.
• Rest is also the tonic. Fatigue can lead to headaches, so make sure to prioritise healthy sleep habits to ensure you’re getting adequate rest.
• Cold packs or warm compresses to your forehead or neck can also provide relief.

If your headaches become severe or persistent, consult your GP before taking any over-the-counter remedies to ensure they are safe during pregnancy.

Important: Headaches, flashing lights, swelling on your face / hands / feet, vomiting and pain just below your ribs are symptoms of pre-eclampsia and should be reported to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Pre-eclampsia is common after 20 weeks of pregnancy but can be earlier in some cases⁸.

Pelvic / joint pain

Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), also known as pelvic girdle pain, is a condition that leads to discomfort or pain in your pelvic area, especially around your pubic bone. It’s a common issue during pregnancy and can result in challenges with walking, climbing stairs, and performing daily tasks.

In the UK, pregnant women with SPD can seek support and advice from their midwife, obstetrician, or a physiotherapist who specialises in women's health. Treatment options may include exercises, supportive belts, putting a pillow between your legs for extra support in bed and other methods to manage discomfort and improve mobility.

Fatigue

Your body’s growing a baby from scratch, so it’s no surprise that tiredness and exhaustion is common during pregnancy, especially during the first 12 weeks.

Getting plenty of rest, staying physically active within the limits of what's comfortable, and maintaining a balanced diet can help combat fatigue. Delegating tasks and seeking support from loved ones can also alleviate the burden alongside short naps during the day. Dehydration can also contribute to fatigue, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout your day.

Aim to get plenty of sleep at night and, if possible, take short naps during the day to combat tiredness. When sleeping, the safest position to go to sleep is on your side, either left or right. Research suggests that after 28 weeks, falling asleep on your back can double the risk of stillbirth. This may be to do with the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby⁹. Don’t worry if you wake up on your back, you can turn over and go to sleep again on your side. You can try supporting your bump with pillows and putting a pillow between your knees⁹.

Dizziness and fainting

You might feel lightheaded or dizzy now and again during your pregnancy, which is a result of your cardiovascular system going through dramatic changes. Your heart rate goes up, your heart pumps more blood per minute, and the amount of blood in your body increases by 30-50%¹⁰.

Your cardiovascular and nervous systems usually adjust to these changes and maintain adequate blood flow to your brain. But sometimes they don’t adapt quickly enough, which can lead to feeling lightheaded, or even make you faint. You’ll also likely feel dizzy if you have anaemia, don’t drink enough water, overdo it with exercise, stand up too quickly or get overheated¹⁰.

Try to lie down as soon as you start to feel dizzy. By lying on your side, you maximise blood flow to your body and brain, which may keep you from fainting and could ease your light-headedness altogether. If you’re in a location where you can’t lie down, sit down to avoid falling. Try to put your head between your knees (although this might not be possible if you’re very pregnant). If you’re doing anything that might put yourself or others at risk, stop immediately. Deep breaths, opening windows, loosening tight clothing and getting some fresh air are also useful strategies to keep in mind¹⁰.

Stress

To manage stress effectively, you need to find a way to incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, gentle yoga and / or prenatal massage into your daily routine. Engaging in approved physical activities, seeking social support from loved ones or support groups and prioritising self-care activities can also help alleviate stress.

If you have specific concerns that are causing stress, speak to a loved one and your GP. It’s crucial to explore stress management strategies that could help you. Your GP can advise on the ones that are appropriate to your specific situation.

If stress becomes overwhelming, you might find that professional counselling or therapy can provide additional support.

Mood swings

Hormonal changes can lead to fluctuations in mood, ranging from heightened emotions and tearfulness to irritability and anxiety. The impact of these mood swings can vary from woman to woman and may be influenced by factors such as stress, fatigue, and individual differences in hormone levels. Understanding and managing these mood changes is an important aspect of prenatal care.

Communication is key. Share your feelings with your partner, friends, and family members. Sometimes simply talking about your emotions can provide relief.

Regular, gentle exercise can also help improve your mood and reduce stress, as well as self-care activities and relaxation techniques.

It’s also important to recognise that mood swings can be part of the process for many. Seeking support from your GP, therapists, or support groups can be beneficial for managing this common aspect of pregnancy.

Food aversions and cravings

If you’re ever unsure of the food (and drink) to avoid or be careful of when pregnant, the NHS provides a helpful list. Listen to your body and indulge in cravings in moderation but look to maintain a balanced diet overall.

Forgetfulness

Forgetfulness during pregnancy, often dubbed "baby brain," is a common experience characterised by memory lapses and difficulty concentrating, likely due to hormonal changes, fatigue, and the demands of pregnancy. To reduce this, it's helpful to use organisational tools, prioritise self-care, engage in activities that promote mental focus and relaxation, and seek support from loved ones and healthcare professionals.

Dental health

During pregnancy, dental health is crucial, as hormonal changes can significantly affect oral health. These are some common dental problems encountered during pregnancy:

Pregnancy gingivitis: Pregnancy can lead to gingivitis due to increased levels of hormones like progesterone, which can make your gums more vulnerable to plaque, leading to inflammation and bleeding¹¹. Also known as gum disease, symptoms include swollen, red gums that may bleed during brushing.

Periodontitis: If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious gum disease that can result in tooth loss.

Dental caries (cavities): Pregnant women may experience an increased risk of cavities due to cravings for sugary foods and changes in oral hygiene practices. The NHS recommends maintaining a balanced diet and reducing sugar intake¹².

Morning sickness: Vomiting associated with morning sickness can expose teeth to stomach acid, leading to enamel erosion. Rinse with water or a fluoride mouthwash after vomiting but avoid brushing for at least 30 minutes so you don’t spread the acid across your teeth¹³.

Dental abscesses: Infections, such as dental abscesses, can occur more frequently during pregnancy. Prompt treatment is essential, and pregnant individuals should seek dental care if they experience pain or swelling.

Changes in taste and saliva: Hormonal fluctuations can alter taste preferences and saliva production, affecting oral hygiene and dietary choices. Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital during this time.

The NHS offers free dental care to pregnant women in the UK. For optimal dental health during pregnancy, it’s advisable to:

• Schedule regular dental check-ups.
• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice daily and floss regularly.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks.
• Rinse with water after vomiting and avoid immediate brushing.

Partners

Although you’re not physically carrying your baby, your health and wellbeing is still extremely important. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to provide the support you want to, or the support your partner needs. Alongside the usual health and wellbeing diet and exercise recommendations, don’t forget to check in with how you’re feeling emotionally and keep communicating with your partner, and your own personal support network. Find time for activities that bring you joy, prioritise rest and sleep (as sleepless nights lie ahead!), and read up on parenthood to build confidence in your capabilities.

Pregnancy ailments, like the ones above, can be a lot. Make sure to discuss any questions or concerns you have with your GP or midwife and be honest with loved ones about how you’re feeling along the way. The more people know, the more they can provide the best support to you.

References

1. Vomiting and morning sickness – NHS
2. Urine infections in pregnancy: The causes, symptoms & treatments – Tena
3. Infections during pregnancy – NCT
4. Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy – NHS
5. Back pain in pregnancy – NHS
6. Thrush – NHS
7. Swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy – NHS
8. Headaches in pregnancy – NHS
9. Tiredness and sleep problems in pregnancy – NHS
10. Dizziness in pregnancy – Baby Center
11. Bleeding gums in pregnancy – NHS
12. Have a healthy diet in pregnancy – NHS
13. Dental Health and Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG): Tips for Managing Oral Hygiene – Pregnancy Sickness Support