Common complaints in pregnancy

Your body will change a lot during pregnancy – this can cause a range of complaints, from discomfort to pain. This page lists some of the common complaints in pregnancy.

Common complaints in pregnancy

Your body needs to change to fit your growing baby. This can cause a range of complaints, including:

  • varicose veins – swollen purple or blue veins just under the surface of your skin; often in the legs
  • haemorrhoids – also known as piles
  • constipation – when you have 3 or fewer bowel movements (poos/tuutae) in a week
  • heartburn – a burning feeling at the back of your throat
  • back pain
  • leg cramps
  • wrist pains
  • swollen hands, feet or ankles
  • stomach pain
  • difficulty sleeping
  • morning sickness
  • feeling tired or faint
  • mood changes.

You can find out more about these common complaints, including things you can do to treat them, on the National Women’s Health website.

Talk to your midwife or specialist doctor if you are worried. See also the Danger signs page – if you have any of the signs listed there, seek help straight away.


Related websites

Common side effects of pregnancy – Patient UK
Advice on many different pregnancy complaints.

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