Most women have a healthy and uncomplicated pregnancy, with no major problems. But sometimes the changes to your body can cause some minor health issues.
These could include back pain, constipation, heartburn, or pelvic girdle pain, which you might be able to manage yourself, or with the help of your pharmacist, GP or midwife.
Find out more about some of the more common pregnancy problems on the NHS.uk website.
Phone your midwife or local maternity unit straight away if you have any of these symptoms, as they could be a sign of serious health issues for you and your baby.
- Bleeding from your vagina.
- Discharge from your vagina such as watery, clear or coloured discharge.
- Vision issues (such as blurred vision and flashing lights) or a severe headache.
- Severely swollen hands, ankles and face, feeling sick or being sick.
- Constant pain in the upper part of your abdomen.
- Chest pain or breathing issues.
- Feeling very unwell.
- Think you notice changes in your baby’s movements.
Morning sickness can occur at any time of day, although it's usually worse when you first wake up. It might help to keep a snack by your bed.
Morning sickness begins early in pregnancy, usually between the 4th and 7th week. It usually settles by 16 to 20 weeks, although for some it may last longer.
It's thought hormonal changes in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy are probably one of the causes of morning sickness.
There is no evidence that nausea and vomiting have a harmful effect on your baby.
If you’re unable to keep any food or drink down, there is a chance of developing a severe form of pregnancy sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum.
This can be serious, and there’s a chance you may not get enough fluids in your body (dehydration) or not get enough nutrients from your diet (malnourishment).
If you cannot keep food down, talk to your midwife or doctor as you may need specialist treatment, sometimes in hospital