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

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Published on: 06-Jul-2024

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Shrabani Pattnaik

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

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

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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: 

List of Common Discomforts During Pregnancy

Details 

Nausea and Vomiting (Morning Sickness)

Elevated levels of hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen are believed to trigger vomiting during pregnancy. Nausea is reported by approximately 80% of women (Einarson et al., 2013). 

Fatigue

Increased progesterone levels, which have a sedative effect, combined with the energy demands of pregnancy, contribute to fatigue.

Breast Tenderness

Hormonal fluctuations and increased blood flow prepare the breasts for breastfeeding, leading to tenderness and sensitivity.

Frequent Urination

Pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus causes a need to urinate more often.

Constipation

Hormonal changes slow down digestion, leading to constipation in many pregnant individuals.

Heartburn

Relaxation of the muscle separating the oesophagus from the stomach allows stomach acids to rise, causing discomfort.

Backaches

Increased uterus weight and ligament stretching contribute to back pain (Gartland et al.,2010).

Swollen Ankles and Feet (Edema)

Increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus on blood vessels can lead to swelling.

Shortness of Breath

The expanding uterus crowding the diaphragm reduces lung capacity, causing breathlessness.

Vaginal Bleeding

While some spotting can be normal, especially in early pregnancy, vaginal bleeding can indicate more serious issues such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. It is essential to promptly report any vaginal bleeding to a healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance.

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 

About ToneOp

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