Top 20 Discomforts of Pregnancy


Now that you are pregnant, your body is constantly changing, which may cause some discomfort. Some
discomforts may occur in the early weeks of pregnancy, while others occur only as you get closer to delivery.
This is normal and usually does not mean something is wrong.
 
Every person's pregnancy is unique, however, some of the common discomforts are outlined below:


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Breast/Chest Changes
Most pregnant people will feel some changes in their breasts/chest. They will increase in size as your milk glands
enlarge and the fat tissue increases, causing breast/chest firmness and tenderness in the first and last few months
of pregnancy. Bluish veins may also appear as your blood supply increases. Your nipples will also darken and thick
fluid called colostrum may leak from your breasts. All of these breast changes are normal.
 
Recommendations:
● Wear a bra that provides firm support.
● Choose cotton bras or those made from other natural fibres.
● Increase your bra size as your breasts become larger. Your bra should fit well without irritating your nipples.
Try maternity or nursing bras, which provide more support and can be used after pregnancy as well.
● Tuck a cotton handkerchief or gauze pad into each bra cup to absorb leaking fluid.
● Nursing pads, which you can buy at any pharmacy, are also available. Make sure to change these pads frequently
to prevent irritation to the underlying skin.



 Fatigue (Extreme Tiredness)
Your growing baby requires extra energy, which may make you feel tired. Sometimes, feeling tired may be a sign of
anemia (low iron in the blood), which is common during pregnancy.
 
Recommendations:
● Get plenty of rest; go to bed early at night and try taking naps during the day.
● Maintain a regular schedule when possible but pace your activities; balance activity with rest when needed.
● Exercise daily to increase your energy level.
● If you think anemia may be a concern (see our ‘iron testing’ page). You could also consider asking your midwife
to test your blood.



Nausea or Vomiting
Nausea is a result of hormonal changes and most often occurs early in pregnancy until your body adjusts to the
increased production of hormones. Nausea can begin in early pregnancy, but is usually gone by the fourth month.
It can occur at any time of the day but may be worse in the morning when your stomach is empty (this is often
called “morning sickness") or if you are not eating enough. Nausea can also return at the end of pregnancy due to
the increased pressure on your stomach from your almost fully grown baby.
 
Recommendations:
● If nausea is a problem in the morning, eat dry foods like cereal, toast or crackers before getting out of bed.
You can also try eating a high­ protein snack such as lean meat, nuts or cheese before going to bed
(protein takes longer to digest).
● Eat small meals or snacks every 2-­3 hours rather than three large meals. Eat slowly and chew your food completely.
● Sip on fluids throughout the day. Keeping hydrated is very important. Avoid large amounts of fluids at one time.
● Avoid spicy, fried or greasy foods.
● If you are bothered by strong smells, eat foods cold or at room temperature and avoid odours that bother you.
● Talk to your midwife about how nausea and vomiting are affecting you. There are medications such as Diclectin
that are safe in pregnancy. If you are unable to void or have not been able to keep anything down for more than 24 hours
please PAGE your midwife.
 


Frequent Urination
During the first trimester, your growing uterus and growing baby press against your bladder, causing a frequent
need to urinate. This will happen again in the third trimester when the baby's head drops into the pelvis before birth.
Leaking urine when laughing, coughing, sneezing or straining is quite common.
 
Recommendations:
● Avoid tight­ fitting underwear, pants or pantyhose.
● You may want to wear a pad to protect yourself from leaking.
● Call the message line for your team if your urine burns or stings. This can be a sign of a urinary tract infection.



Headaches
Headaches can be caused by dehydration, hunger, tension, fatigue, allergies, and pregnancy hormones.
They can occur anytime during pregnancy.
 
Recommendations:
● Apply an ice pack to your forehead or the back of your neck.
● Rest, sit or lie quietly in a low-­lit room. Close your eyes and try to release the tension in your back,
neck and shoulders.
● Get a massage treatment for frequent tension headaches.
● Stay hydrated! (Aim for 1­-2 litres of water per day)
● Try Tylenol (Acetaminophen) to relieve your headache. It is safe in pregnancy.
● Try applying a cold pack to the back of your neck.
● Consider seeing your optometrist for an eye examination.

ADVIL (IBUPROFEN) IS NOT SAFE IN PREGNANCY.

Contact your midwife if your headache is severe and does not go away with medications and other
treatments, or is accompanied with blurry vision, double vision or blind spots.



Bleeding and Swollen Gums
The increase in your circulation may cause tenderness, swelling and bleeding of gums.
 
Recommendations:
● Take proper care of your teeth and gums. Brush and floss regularly.
● Get a dental checkup early in your pregnancy to make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy.
See your dentist if you have a problem. Make sure they are aware that you are pregnant.
● Poor teeth and gum health can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight babies.



Constipation
Your hormones as well as vitamins and iron supplements may cause constipation. Pressure on your rectum
from your uterus may also cause constipation.
 
Recommendations:
● Add more fibre (such as whole grain foods, fresh fruits and vegetables) to your diet.
● Drink plenty of fluids daily (aim for 1­-2 litres of water per day).
● Add prunes or prune juice into your daily diet.
● Drink warm liquids, especially in the morning.
● Try to exercise daily, just going for a walk can help with constipation.
● If none of the above remedies are helpful, taking a fibre supplement such as Metamucil can help,
if taken on a daily basis.
● Stool softeners such as Docusate sodium or Docusate calcium (examples: Colace, Surfak) can also be
effective and are safe in pregnancy.
 


 Dizziness (Feeling Faint)
Dizziness can occur anytime in the middle and end of pregnancy. The pregnancy hormone progesterone dilates
blood vessels so blood tends to pool in the legs. In addition, more blood is going to your growing uterus. This can
cause a decrease in blood pressure and (especially when changing positions) results in dizziness. Faintness and
dizziness can also be affected by poor eating habits. When your blood sugar levels are too low, you may feel faint.
 
Recommendations:
● Move around often when standing or sitting for long periods of time.
● Try lying on your left side to rest.
● Try to move slowly when standing from a sitting position; avoid sudden movements.
● Eat regular meals to prevent low blood sugar.
● Stay hydrated! (Aim for 1­-2 litres of water per day)



 Difficulty Sleeping
Finding a comfortable resting position can become difficult later in pregnancy due to the increasing weight and
strain on your body.
 
Recommendations:
● Don't take sleep medication.
● Try taking a warm shower or bath before bedtime.
● Use extra pillows for support while sleeping. Lying on your side, place a pillow under your head, abdomen, behind
your back and between your knees to prevent muscle strain and help you get the rest you need. You will probably
feel better lying on your left side; this improves circulation of blood throughout your body.
● It is safe to sleep on your back in pregnancy if a wedge of 1­2 inches (for example a pillow or folded towel) is placed
under the left or right side of your hip. Trying different positions to sleep at night may help.
● Avoid exercise late in the day.



 Heartburn or Indigestion
Heartburn (indigestion) occurs during pregnancy because your digestive system works slower due to changing
hormone levels. Also, your enlarged uterus can crowd your stomach, pushing stomach acids upward. It is often
worse at night.
 
Recommendations:
● Eat several small meals each day instead of three large meals.
● Eat slowly.
● Avoid fried, spicy or rich foods, or any foods that tend to give you indigestion.
● Don't lie down directly after eating.
● Keep the head of your bed higher than the foot of your bed. Or, place pillows under your shoulders to prevent
stomach acids from rising into your chest.
● Don't mix fatty foods with sweets in one meal and try to separate liquids and solids at meals.
● Try heartburn relievers such as Tums, Maalox or Gaviscon.
● Talk to your midwife if the above remedies do not relieve your discomfort.



Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that appear as painful lumps on or in the anus. They may form as a result of
increased circulation and pressure on the rectum and vagina from your growing baby and due to the dilation
of blood vessels from pregnancy hormones.
 
Recommendations:
● Try to avoid constipation (see remedies above)
● Try to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time
● Make an effort not to strain during a bowel movement.
● Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge. Water is reabsorbed from your stool as it sits in your bowel.
● Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the area or take a warm bath a few times a day to provide relief. Witch
hazel on makeup pads that have been in the fridge or freezer can also provide relief.
● Avoid tight­fitting underwear, pants or pantyhose.
● Sleep on your left side to increase circulation.
● Tucks or Anusol, both over the counter remedies, are safe in pregnancy



 Varicose Veins
An increased volume of blood and the pressure of your growing uterus can slow your circulation, sometimes
causing the veins in your legs to become larger or swollen.
 
Recommendations:
Although varicose veins are usually hereditary, here are some preventive tips:
● Avoid standing or sitting in one place for long periods. It's important to get up and move around often.
● Avoid remaining in any position that might restrict the circulation in your legs
(such as crossing your legs while sitting).
● Elevate your legs and feet while sitting.
● Light exercise such as swimming can help.
● Your midwife can provide a prescription for support stockings as needed.
 
Page your midwife if at any time your varicose veins feel hot to the touch, reddened, or severely painful.  
If you feel a "lump" in your vein, do not massage it. It could be a blood clot forming.



Leg Cramps
Pressure from your growing uterus can cause leg cramps or sharp pains down your legs.
 
Recommendations:
● Be sure to eat and drink foods and beverages rich in calcium and magnesium (such as milk, broccoli or cheese).
Or alternatively you can use a calcium and magnesium supplement
● Wear comfortable, low-­heeled shoes.
● Elevate your legs when possible; avoid crossing your legs.
● Exercise daily.
● Stretch your legs before going to bed.
● Avoid lying on your back, since the weight of your body and the pressure of your enlarged uterus can slow the
circulation in your legs, causing cramps.
● Gently stretch any muscle that becomes cramped by straightening your leg, flexing your foot and pulling your
toes toward you.
● Try massaging the cramp, or apply heat or a hot water bottle to the sore area.



Nasal Congestion
You may have a "stuffy nose" or feel like you have a cold. Pregnancy hormones sometimes dry out the lining in your
nose, making it inflamed and swollen. Increased circulation to your mucous membranes can also cause the lining
of your nose to feel swollen. Nosebleeds are also common.
 
Recommendations:
● Apply a warm, wet washcloth to your cheeks, eyes and nose to reduce congestion.
● Consider a saline (salt water) nasal spray.
● Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air.
Decongestants (pills or nasal spray) are not safe in pregnancy.



Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can occur due to increased upward pressure of the uterus. Due to pregnancy hormones you
also inhale and exhale more air which can make you feel short of breath. This can even happen from something as
simple as talking on the phone!
 
Recommendations:
● When walking, slow down and rest a few moments.
● Raise your arms over your head (this lifts your rib cage and allows you to breathe in more air).
● Avoid lying flat on your back, and try sleeping with your head elevated.
● If you think your shortness of breath is excessive talk to your midwife.



Swelling
Pressure from the growing uterus on the blood vessels carrying blood from the lower body causes fluid retention
that results in swelling (edema) in the legs and feet. It also commonly shows up in your face and fingers.
 
Recommendations:
● Try not to stay on your feet for long periods of time. Avoid standing in one place.
● Stay hydrated! (Aim for 1­-2 litres of water per day).
● You can apply heat or ice to ease discomfort
● Avoid foods high in salt (sodium).
● Elevate your legs and feet while sitting and avoid crossing your legs.
● Wear loose, comfortable clothing; tight clothing can slow circulation and increase fluid retention.
● Don't wear tight shoes; choose supportive shoes with low, wide heels. You may even have to buy a bigger shoe size
by the end of your pregnancy.



Vaginal Discharge
Increased blood supply and hormones cause your vagina to increase normal secretions. Normal vaginal discharge
is white, clear, or pale yellow, non-irritating, and odourless.
 
Recommendations:
● Choose white cotton underwear.
● Avoid tight-fitting jeans or pants.
● Do not douche, this can cause irritation.
● Use unscented soap when cleaning the vaginal area and make sure to rinse well with water.
● Wipe yourself from front to back.
● Call your midwife on the message line or notify your midwife at your next visit if you have burning, itching,
irritation or swelling, foul odour, bloody discharge, or bright yellow or green discharge (these symptoms could
be a sign of infection). Do not page.

Yeast infections are very common in pregnancy! Over the counter medications such as Canesten or Monistat are
safe in pregnancy. Typically, you will need to do a longer treatment, such as 5­-7 days. Wear a pad during treatment
as these medications often leak. Do not take the oral medication.

If you are not sure if it is a yeast infection, please discuss with your midwife.



Backaches
Backaches are usually caused by the strain put on the back muscles, changing hormone levels and changes in your
posture. In late pregnancy, the position of your baby can also give you a backache.
 
Recommendations:
● Stretching and exercise are essential preventative measures for your body to keep up with the
increased weight of pregnancy
● Wear low­-heeled shoes with good support.
● Avoid lifting heavy objects.
● Squat down with your knees bent when picking things up instead of bending down at the waist.
● Don't stand on your feet for long periods. If you need to stand for long periods, place one foot on a stool
or box for support.
● Sit in a chair with good back support, or place a small pillow behind your lower back. Also place your feet on
a footrest or stool.
● When sleeping on your side, try a pillow between your legs to help alleviate pressure
● Apply a hot water bottle, heating pad on low setting, take a warm bath/shower or try massage.
● Tylenol can provide some relief.
● You can also use triethanolamine salicylate (Myoflex cream) for aching muscles.
 
If the back pain is low and rhythmic, you are under 37 weeks and you have any other signs of preterm
labour PAGE your midwife.



Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
(“Round Ligament Pain”)
Sharp, shooting pains on either side of your abdomen may result from the stretching tissue supporting your
growing uterus. These pains may also travel down your thigh and into your leg.
 
Recommendations:
● Change your position or activity until you are comfortable; avoid sharp turns or movements.
● Apply a hot water bottle, heating pad, take a warm bath or shower.
● Massage.
● Make sure you are getting enough fluids.
● Take Tylenol (acetaminophen).
 
PAGE your midwife if the pain is severe and constant and does not go away with rest.



Braxton­Hicks Contractions
The muscles in your uterus will contract (tighten) as early as the second trimester of pregnancy until birth.
Irregular, infrequent contractions are called Braxton-Hicks contractions. These are normal. Though books often
refer to them as painless, some people find them uncomfortable.
 
Recommendations:
● Try to rest
● Change positions. Sometimes this can alleviate the discomfort.
● Stay hydrated!! Aim to drink 1 - 2 litres of water per day.
● Take a bath.
● If you work on your feet, try to take frequent breaks during the day.
 
PAGE your midwife if you are less than 37 weeks, with regular contractions, or a sudden onset of painful contractions.
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