Common pregnancy symptoms
Everyday discomforts of pregnancy, what helps, and how to tell them apart from warning signs.
- Nausea, heartburn, constipation, backache and mild ankle swelling are common
- Simple measures usually help more than medicine
- Iron tablets can worsen constipation — tell your nurse
- Facial swelling, severe headache or reduced movements are not routine
Most pregnancy discomforts are normal and improve with simple measures.
Nausea and vomiting: small frequent meals, ginger, avoiding strong smells. Heartburn: smaller meals, avoid lying down straight after eating, avoid very spicy or fatty food. Constipation: more water, more fibre, gentle activity. Iron tablets can make this worse. Backache: good posture, low-heeled shoes, gentle stretching, support when sleeping on your side. Leg cramps: stretching before bed, staying hydrated. Mild swelling of the feet and ankles: rest with your feet raised. Tiredness and trouble sleeping: rest when you can, sleep on your side in later pregnancy.
Some symptoms are not routine. Swelling of the face or hands, a bad headache with blurred vision, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, fluid leaking, fever or fewer movements all need to be assessed.
- Severe headache with blurred vision or flashing lights
- Swelling of the face or hands
- Severe or constant abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking
- Fever above 38 °C
- Fewer or weaker baby movements
These signs need to be checked the same day. Go to your nearest clinic or hospital — do not wait for your next appointment.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.