Symptoms of pregnancy

Body

During pregnancy there are a lot of changes in your body. You experience the following changes:

• You do not have your menstrual period.
• You gain weight.

You may also have one or more of the following kinds of discomfort. This is normal. If you have any questions, contact your midwife or gynaecologist.

• nausea;
• tiredness;
• constipation (not being able to defecate);
• swollen and painful breasts;
• need to go to the toilet frequently;
• irritated gums.

Later in the pregnancy, you may have other kinds of discomfort:

• stretch marks (line-shaped scars) on your belly;
• painful/swollen legs and feet;
• back pain.

Emotions

Your emotions and moods can change very quickly. For instance: you may feel happy one moment and then sad or anxious.

Nausea

Nausea mainly occurs during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

• Have a light breakfast;
• Eat several small portions of food during the day;
• Drink enough water during the day;
• Contact your midwife of gynaecologist if you vomit or have only a small amount of urine.

It can also help to:

• Eat something light before you get out of bed and when you go to bed;
• Drink some milk or ginger tea.

Tiredness

Tiredness occurs especially at the beginning of the pregnancy.

• Rest a lot;
• Go to a midwife or gynaecologist to check if you have enough iron in your blood.

At the end of the pregnancy you may experience emotional stress and lack of sleep. This can be caused by the baby’s movement, muscle cramps and frequent urination, which also cause tiredness.

Constipation

The muscles in the bowel are more relaxed and work more slowly during pregnancy. This may cause constipation.

• Drink a lot of water; (1.5 to 2 litres a day)
• Drink fresh fruit juice;
• Eat a lot of fibres (e.g. wholemeal bread);
• Stay active (take exercise for at least 30 minutes every day). 

irritated gums

Changes in your hormones during pregnancy increase blood flow to the gums. Your gums can become more sensitive, irritated and swollen, and start to bleed. 

• Brush your teeth 2 times a day;
• Use toothpicks every day; 
• Go to a dentist if your gums continue to bleed. 

Stretch marks

Stretch marks are pink or brownish lines in the skin of the belly, breasts or hips. They are caused by the stretching of your skin. The stretchmarks fade after pregnancy, but remain slightly visible.

You can put a hydrating cream or oil on your belly to care for your skin.

Painful/swollen legs and feet

Most pregnant women suffer from swollen legs and feet, mainly towards the end of the pregnancy. Swollen legs and feet are caused by the increased pressure of the uterus on the veins and the increased amount of blood in the body.

Raise your legs up high when sitting down and drink sufficiently.

Back pain

Back pain is mainly caused by the increased weight of the uterus and changes in hormones.

• Sit straight;
• Bend your knees when lifting heavy objects;
• Do not wear high heels;
• Take light exercise, for example: walking, swimming or cycling.

After delivery

After delivery, your body look different from how it was before your pregnancy. For example: your weight and the shape of your belly and breasts may be different than before.