The pregnancy symptoms nobody mentions, from A to Z (almost)

Pregnancy books talk about glowing skin and tiny kicks. They are often quieter about the stuffy nose, the cramp that wakes you at 3am and the trip to the toilet that takes rather longer than it used to. These things are common, rarely serious and nothing to be embarrassed about. Here is an honest guide, roughly in alphabetical order.

Bleeding gums

Pregnancy hormones can make your gums swollen and more likely to bleed. Brush gently twice a day with a soft brush, clean between your teeth, and keep up with dental check-ups. In the UK, NHS dental care is free during pregnancy and for a year after birth. Tell your dentist you are pregnant.

Constipation

Hormones slow your gut, and iron supplements can make it worse. Drink plenty of water, eat high-fibre foods such as beans, wholegrain bread, oats, fruit and vegetables, and keep moving. Ask your midwife or pharmacist before taking any laxative.

Discharge

An increase in thin, clear or white, mild-smelling discharge is normal. Call your midwife if it changes colour, smells strong, is itchy or sore, or if you notice a gush or trickle of watery fluid, which could be your waters. Any bleeding needs a call straight away.

Dizziness

Standing up quickly, getting too hot or going too long without food can make you light-headed. Rise slowly, eat regularly and sit or lie on your side if you feel faint. Tell your midwife if it keeps happening, and get help urgently if you faint, or feel dizzy with chest pain, palpitations or bleeding.

Itching

Mild itching as your skin stretches is common. A moisturiser can help. However, intense itching, especially on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, can be a sign of a liver condition called obstetric cholestasis. Call your midwife straight away if you notice this.

Leg cramps

Sudden, painful cramps in the calf or foot, often at night, are common later in pregnancy. Gentle stretches before bed, regular movement during the day and staying hydrated can help. When a cramp strikes, pull your toes up towards your knee and rub the muscle. A leg that stays painful, swollen, red or warm is different and needs checking urgently, as it could be a clot.

Nosebleeds and a blocked nose

Extra blood flow can make the inside of your nose swollen and stuffy, and nosebleeds more likely. For a nosebleed, sit up, lean forward and pinch the soft part of your nose for ten to fifteen minutes. Get medical help if bleeding will not stop.

Piles

Piles, or haemorrhoids, are swollen veins around the bottom that can itch, ache or bleed a little after a bowel movement. Avoiding constipation is the best prevention. Do not strain on the toilet, and ask your pharmacist or midwife about suitable creams. Tell your midwife about any bleeding so they can check where it is coming from.

Skin changes

Darker patches on the face, a dark line down your tummy and stretch marks are all common and usually fade or soften after birth. Use a gentle sun cream when outdoors.

Toilet trips

Needing to pass urine more often is normal early on and again late in pregnancy, when your baby presses on your bladder. But burning or stinging, cloudy or bloody urine, or pain in your back or side may mean an infection. Call your midwife or doctor, as infections need treating in pregnancy.

Wobbly emotions

Tears, irritability and big feelings are a normal part of the hormonal ride. But if low mood or worry last for more than two weeks, stop you enjoying things, or you have thoughts of self-harm, talk to your midwife or doctor. That is part of your health too.

A Father who knows

Psalm 103:14 reminds us that God knows how we are made and remembers that we are dust. He is not surprised or put off by bodily things. The leg cramps, the piles, the strange cravings: He sees it all, with a tender understanding no book can match. You can bring the embarrassing and the uncomfortable to Him, as well as the beautiful.

And you can bring them to your midwife. There is truly nothing she has not heard before.

A prayer for a body that is changing

Lord, my body is doing so many unfamiliar things. Thank You that You know me completely and love me still. Give me relief where I need it, wisdom to know when to ask for help and grace to laugh at the odd bits along the way. Amen.