Expecting? Here Are the 10 Common Discomforts During Pregnancy You Should Know About

Hello, expecting moms-to-be! Congratulations on this exciting journey towards motherhood. But let's admit it: not everything is sunshine and rainbows, and it’s quite normal to also encounter common discomforts during pregnancy. From morning sickness to backaches, tiredness to mood changes, these difficulties are a regular part of the process.

Hard to believe, but these discomforts are experienced by 80% of pregnant women across the globe. In fact, some discomfort is almost a guarantee during pregnancy. These discomforts can range in severity and duration, but are mainly linked to changes in hormones, more blood circulation and the physical stress from carrying a developing baby.

But no need to worry! Knowing what to expect can help you navigate these challenges and embrace the journey with more understanding. Whether experiencing them now or preparing for what's to come, let's explore these discomforts together to ensure a smoother and more comfortable pregnancy journey.

Table Of Contents 

1. 10 Common Discomforts During Pregnancy

2. Expert’s Advice

3. The Final Say 

4. FAQs 

5. References 

10 Common Discomforts During Pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, it is common to experience various physical symptoms. The level of concern often varies depending on the symptom. Vaginal bleeding and pain are particularly worrying for many, especially among younger women (Lutterodt et al., 2019). Let’s have a look at these common discomforts during pregnancy: 

Also Read: Severe Morning Sickness: 4 Causes & Considerations | ToneOp 

Expert’s Advice

As a women’s health expert, I recommend pregnant women eat small, frequent meals to combat nausea and prevent heartburn. Staying hydrated with water and consuming fibre-rich foods like fruits and veggies can ease constipation. Avoiding spicy and processed foods minimises gastrointestinal issues. Protein-rich foods like lean meats and legumes sustain energy levels, while calcium-rich options like dairy products promote bone health. These dietary adjustments help manage discomforts and support overall health during pregnancy.

Health Expert
Aditi Upadhyay 

The Final Say 

Many women experience common discomforts during pregnancy, such as nausea, fatigue, backaches, and swelling. Often, you can handle the sickness by eating small meals more often and avoiding things that make it worse, such as triggering odours. 

To combat fatigue, it is important to eat a balanced diet, drink enough water and get enough sleep or rest. 

Backaches can be treated with light exercise, correct body alignment, and comfortable cushions. If you have swelling in your feet or ankles, try raising your legs when possible and wearing comfy shoes that give good support. Lastly, keep your OB/GYN in the loop and update them about the symptoms for personalised advice and assistance to manage these difficulties during pregnancy.

FAQs 

1. What is the most common cause of pain in pregnancy?

The most common cause of pain in pregnancy is round ligament pain, which occurs as the ligaments supporting the uterus stretch and grow.

2. What body pains are common in pregnancy?

Common body pains in pregnancy include backaches, pelvic pain, and leg cramps, often due to changes in weight distribution and hormone levels.

3. What are normal pregnancy pains?

Normal pregnancy pains typically include mild discomforts like backaches, pelvic pressure, and occasional cramping as the uterus expands and the body adjusts to pregnancy.

4. Which pain is not normal in pregnancy?

Severe abdominal pain, especially accompanied by bleeding, fever, or severe headaches, is not normal in pregnancy and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider immediately.

References 

• Quantifying the global rates of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a meta analysis 

• Examining to what extent pregnancy-related physical symptoms worry women in the first trimester of pregnancy - Result 

• Women's health in early pregnancy: findings from an Australian nulliparous cohort study 

• (PDF) Challenges Facing during Pregnancy and Measures to Overcome 

  
  

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