Common pregnancy ailments

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body experiences many changes as the baby grows and develops inside the womb. Sometimes, these changes can cause the woman to experience symptoms of pregnancy which are irritating, uncomfortable or painful…they can even be worrying in some cases.

Every pregnancy is different – some are difficult or complicated, while others are relatively straightforward – and every woman will experience different symptoms or problems during her pregnancy.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems/ailments that may be experienced during pregnancy. Click through the slide panel below to find out more.

  • Backache

    Backache and back pain is very common during pregnancy. This is typically caused by the ligaments in the body softening and stretching, to prepare for labour – this can put additional strain on the lower back and pelvis, causing pain and discomfort.

  • Headaches

    Some women experience a lot of headaches during pregnancy, and they are most common during the first trimester.

    Headaches during pregnancy are uncomfortable or painful, but usually harmless. However, they can be a sign of a condition called pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious complications if it is not monitored or treated.

  • Indigestion

    Indigestion is common in pregnancy (it can sometimes be referred to as heartburn or acid reflux). It is typically caused by changes in the woman’s hormones as the baby grows and develops; it can also be triggered by the weight of the baby pressing against the stomach.

    Indigestion is harmless, but can be uncomfortable or painful – it can cause a burning sensation in the chest, as well as feelings of bloatedness and sickness. Symptoms of indigestion usually occur soon after eating or drinking.

  • Itching

    Having itchy skin is common during pregnancy. It can be caused by raised levels of hormones in the body, as well as by skin being stretched as the woman’s body grows.

    While itching is common and usually harmless in pregnancy, it can also be a symptom of a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), which requires medical attention.

  • Nausea and vomiting

    Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick) is very common during pregnancy, especially in the early stages/first trimester.

    Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is often referred to as ‘morning sickness’, although it can affect a pregnant woman at any time of the day or night.

    Suffering from morning sickness can be unpleasant and, in some cases, it can interfere with day-to-day life. However, it isn’t harmful to the baby in any way and most women find that feelings of nausea and/or vomiting disappear completely after around 20 weeks.

    There is a particularly severe form of sickness that some women experience during pregnancy, called hyperemesis gravidarum. This can be a serious problem and may require hospital treatment – the main risk with severe sickness is that the mother may become dehydrated (due to lack of fluids in the body) and/or malnourished (due to lack of nutrients in the body), which can be damaging to her health and the baby’s.

  • Stretch marks

    Pregnant women can get stretch marks on their skin, often on the tummy, upper thighs and breasts.

    Stretch marks are long, narrow stripes or lines that appear on the surface of the skin. They can be pink, red, purple or brown in colour, depending the woman’s skin tone. They are caused due to the skin stretching and becoming broken in places, as parts of the body grow larger during pregnancy.

  • Swollen ankles, feet and fingers

    It is normal for women to experience swelling during pregnancy – most commonly affected parts of the body include the legs, ankles, feet and fingers.

    During pregnancy, the body holds more water than usual and this can cause swelling to build up throughout the day, especially in the lower part of the body. Swelling can also be caused if the pressure of the womb affects blood flow in the legs – this can lead to a build-up of fluid in the legs, ankles and feet.

    If swelling occurs gradually over the course of the day, it is harmless to the mother and the baby (although it can feel very uncomfortable). However, any sudden swelling can be a sign of pre-eclampsia and should be checked by a doctor.

  • Acne

    Acne is a common skin problem, which is caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. This can cause spots, such as whiteheads or blackheads, to occur, most often on the face, chest or back.

    Anyone can suffer from acne; it is particularly common in teenagers (as it can be triggered by increased levels of hormones during puberty).

    As pregnant women also experience an increase in hormone levels, they can be prone to acne. Many pregnant women have symptoms of acne, particularly during the first trimester, as their body adjusts to sudden changes in hormone levels.

    Care should be taken when treating acne in pregnancy, as lots of ‘over the counter’ acne treatments (ones that you can buy from a chemist) aren’t safe to use when pregnant (this is because they contain chemicals that can be absorbed by the mother’s skin and cause harm to the baby). If a pregnant woman suffers from acne, the safest approach would be to begin by speaking to a doctor or midwife about the best and most suitable treatment – the doctor or midwife would then be able to give advice on safe treatments that can be bought over the counter, or they may give the mother a prescription for a suitable treatment.