Being pregnant is an exciting time in your life. But, along with all of the joy and happiness you feel, you might also feel some discomforts or aches and pains. These aches and pains are common – a normal part of a healthy pregnancy. The good news is that there are things you both can do to make you feel more comfortable.
Keep a list of all your discomforts. You should then discuss this list with your healthcare provider. Dads may also notice some of these discomforts and should let you know so these can be added to the list. Don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider between appointments if you are at all concerned about any physical discomforts you are having.
Worried that you might be bothering them or that they are too busy to listen to your issues? Don't worry – they’re used to it. They would rather have too much information than too little.
Pregnancy affects all of the systems in a woman's body. You may notice changes to your cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, respiratory, reproductive and urinary systems. With all of these changes taking place, it's no wonder you feel a few aches and pains!
Below, you will find a list of some of the most common concerns and discomforts expecting moms feel during pregnancy. Keep in mind, every woman's pregnancy is different; you may experience a few or many of these problems. But don't worry; there are steps a couple can take to make you more comfortable.
Remember, most of these aches and pains will disappear once your baby is born.
BRAXTON HICKS CONTRACTIONS
BACKACHE
BREAST CHANGES
CONSTIPATION
FATIGUE OR DIFFICULTY SLEEPING
GROIN PAIN
HEADACHE
HEARTBURN
HEMORRHOIDS
INCREASED URINATION (PEEING)
INCREASED VAGINAL DISCHARGE
LIGHT-HEADEDNESS
NAUSEA AND VOMITING (MORNING SICKNESS)
MUSCLE CRAMPS
NASAL STUFFINESS, NOSEBLEEDS
QUICKENING
SKIN COLOUR CHANGES (CHLOASMA AND LINEA NIGRA)
STRETCH MARKS (STRIAE)
SWELLING (EDEMA)
VARICOSE VEINS
SHORTNESS OF BREATH