Common Pregnancy Discomforts: What’s Normal and How to Cope

May 21, 2022

Pregnancy changes your body in many ways, and not all of them feel comfortable. Some symptoms are simply part of the body adapting to support your baby, while others may need advice from your midwife, doctor, or maternity team.

This guide covers some of the most common pregnancy discomforts, what usually helps, and when you should get checked.

Constipation in pregnancy

Hormonal changes can slow digestion early in pregnancy, which may lead to constipation. You may notice fewer bowel movements, hard stools, bloating, or discomfort in the abdomen.

To help prevent constipation:

choose high-fibre foods such as wholemeal bread, cereals, fruit, vegetables, beans, and lentils
drink plenty of water throughout the day
keep active with regular gentle exercise
ask your doctor before using iron supplements if they make constipation worse

If constipation is severe, painful, or new for you, speak to your maternity team before trying medicines.

Cramps, especially in the legs and feet

Cramp is a sudden, sharp pain that often affects the calf muscles or feet, and it can be more common at night.

Simple ways to ease or reduce cramps include:

gentle daily movement, especially ankle and leg exercises
pulling your toes up toward your ankle when a cramp starts
massaging the cramped muscle firmly
stretching and rotating your feet regularly

Try this simple foot routine: bend and stretch each foot up and down 30 times, then rotate it 8 times in each direction.

Feeling faint or dizzy

Feeling faint can happen in pregnancy because of hormonal changes and changes in circulation. It may be more likely if you stand up quickly, stand for too long, or lie flat on your back later in pregnancy.

If you feel faint:

stand up slowly after sitting or lying down
sit down right away if you feel unsteady
lie on your side if the feeling does not pass
avoid lying flat on your back in later pregnancy

For practical rest and positioning support, you may also find our pregnancy pillows collection helpful when you want to lie on your side more comfortably.

Feeling hot and sweating more

Many pregnant people feel warmer than usual. That can be caused by hormonal changes and increased blood flow near the skin.

Helpful tips include:

wear loose, breathable clothing made from natural fibres
keep your room cool with ventilation or a fan
wash regularly to stay comfortable

Breathable fabrics can make a big difference when you are sleeping, resting, or managing discomfort during the day.

Incontinence and frequent urination

It is common to need to pee more often in pregnancy, especially in early pregnancy and again later on when the baby puts pressure on the bladder. Some people also notice small leaks when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or standing up.

To help manage this:

drink enough water during the day
reduce drinks late in the evening if night-time trips to the bathroom are a problem
try pelvic floor exercises
ask for help if leaking is bothersome or ongoing

If you have pain when peeing or blood in your urine, contact your GP or maternity team promptly, as this may be a urine infection.

Skin and hair changes

Pregnancy hormones can make nipples and the skin around them darker, and you may notice changes such as a darker line on the stomach, darkened freckles, or patches of pigmentation. These usually fade after birth, though some changes may remain slightly darker.

Skin may also be more sensitive to the sun, so use a high-factor sunscreen and avoid staying out in strong sunlight for long periods.

Varicose veins and swollen legs

Varicose veins can develop when veins become swollen, most often in the legs, but sometimes around the vulva too. They can feel uncomfortable, heavy, or achy, especially after standing for long periods.

Things that may help include:

avoiding standing still for too long
not sitting with your legs crossed for long periods
keeping your legs raised when possible
walking or swimming to support circulation
doing regular foot and ankle exercises

Some people also like extra support during the day, and a supportive pregnancy support collection can be a helpful next step if you are looking for comfort-focused items for rest and positioning.

Pregnancy pillows collection

A comfort-focused option for side-lying rest, support, and easier positioning during pregnancy.

Explore supportive options

Helpful if you want extra support for sleeping, resting, or easing pressure when lying down.

When to contact your maternity team

Most pregnancy discomforts are common, but you should always seek advice if something feels unusual, severe, or worrying. Contact your midwife, doctor, or maternity team if you have:

strong or persistent abdominal pain
pain or blood when peeing
sudden swelling, severe discomfort, or one-sided leg pain
fainting that does not quickly improve
any symptom that feels new, severe, or out of the ordinary

It is always better to ask if you are unsure.

FAQ

What pregnancy symptoms are considered normal?

Common symptoms include constipation, cramping, feeling hot, frequent urination, mild faintness, skin changes, and varicose veins. These are often linked to normal pregnancy changes, but you should still mention anything worrying to your maternity team.

Why does my abdomen feel uncomfortable during pregnancy?

Abdominal discomfort can happen because your body is stretching and digestion is slowing down, but pain should not be ignored if it is severe, persistent, or unusual for you. If you are concerned, ask your midwife or doctor.

How can I ease leg cramps at night?

Gentle daily movement, ankle exercises, stretching your foot, and massaging the cramped muscle may help. If cramps are severe or frequent, ask for medical advice.

Why do I need to pee so often in pregnancy?

Frequent urination is common because of hormonal changes early on and pressure from the baby later in pregnancy. If peeing is painful or you notice blood, you may have a urine infection and should contact your GP.