Common Pregnancy Symptoms

  • Hormonal changes can trigger breakouts in your skin. Gentle cleansing with mild, pregnancy-safe products and maintaining a balanced diet can help manage acne. Prescription medications containing retinoids are contra-indicated in pregnancy and should be avoided. Over-the-counter products in low concentrations may be used cautiously, but it is always best to consult with Rachel or another healthcare provider for personalised advice.

  • Back pain and pelvic girdle pain are common discomforts during pregnancy, often caused by hormonal changes, weight gain from a growing uterus, and postural shifts. As the body adapts to support the growing baby, the added strain on the back and pelvis can lead to pain and stiffness. To alleviate discomfort, gentle exercises and supportive maternity belts can be beneficial. Physiotherapy may also provide relief.

  • A small amount of bleeding in early pregnancy (before 12 weeks) is relatively common and often, your baby remains completely well. If you have persistent, heavy bleeding, please contact Rachel immediately or present to hospital. Bleeding later in pregnancy is far less common and may be cause for concern. Please contact Rachel as soon as possible if this occurs.

  • Constipation is a common issue during pregnancy, often caused by hormonal changes or as a side effect from iron supplementation. To help manage constipation, it is essential to:

    • Maintain a high-fibre diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

    • Stay well-hydrated

    • Maintain regular physical activity

    Should you require laxatives, Rachel can discuss pregnancy safe options with you.

  • Haemorrhoids typically occur in the later stages of pregnancy and usually resolve after delivery. Managing haemorrhoids during pregnancy involves a combination of lifestyle changes and simple treatments to alleviate symptoms. These include:

    • Preventing and treating constipation through increasing fibre intake, staying well hydrated and using pregnancy-safe stool softeners

    • Topical treatments such as Proctosedyl or Rectinol ointment for symptom relief.

  • Nausea and vomiting are very common in early pregnancy and usually begin to subside by 12 to 14 weeks. In a very small proportion of patients, nausea and vomiting can persist up until delivery. Symptoms can be severe in some patients, and this is referred to as ‘hyperemesis gravidarum’.

    The best ways to manage nausea and vomiting include:

    • Eating multiple small meals throughout the day

    • Rest and regular breaks to avoid fatigue

    • Avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms such as fatty or spicy foods and caffeine

    • Staying well hydrated and drinking plenty of water or electrolyte drinks. Some patients find drinking ginger ale or lemonade helpful.

    • Ginger tablets

    • Acupuncture / acupressure

    • Prescription medications may be required if your nausea and vomiting continue to persist

    • Hospitalisation for intravenous fluid rehydration may be necessary in extreme case

  • Reflux or heartburn is common in pregnancy and is due to pregnancy hormones causing relaxation of the muscle around the lower oesophagus. Reflux typically resolves after birth. Managing reflux involves:

    • Eating small meals more frequently throughout the day

    • Avoiding foods that are spicy, fatty or acidic

    • Avoiding lying flat directly after a meal

    • Elevating your head when sleeping

    • Using over-the-counter antacids such as Gaviscon or Mylanta

    • Prescription medications to decrease acid production

  • Hyperpigmentation (or melasma) can occur during pregnancy and appears as symmetrical brown patches around the cheeks, nose, upper lip and forehead. UV exposure can worsen these spots, so it is important to avoid direct sun exposure and wear broad spectrum sunscreen and a hat when outside. Melasma typically fades after birth but can persist.

    Stretch marks may appear on the breasts, abdomen, buttocks and thighs and persist after delivery. There are no proven methods to prevent or erase stretch marks. Moisturizers and oils may reduce irritation.

  • Swelling of the lower legs is common in pregnancy and tends to worsen in the later stages of pregnancy. Swelling can be managed by

    • Regular physical activity

    • Elevating your feet and ankles when possible

    • Wearing compressing stockings

  • Increased vaginal discharge is common in pregnancy. Symptoms such as itch, irritation or discharge that is offensive or malodourous require medical attention, please notify Rachel if this is the case.

  • Varicose veins are common in pregnancy and generally improve after delivery. Strategies to reduce symptoms of varicose veins and prevent them worsening include:

    • Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting

    • Remaining active with low impact exercise

    • Elevating your legs to improve blood circulation back to the heart

    • Avoiding crossing your legs whilst sitting

    • Wearing graduated compression stockings throughout the day