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Other Common Conditions

Pregnancy comes with a surprisingly long list of things nobody really warns you about. Some are simply uncomfortable side effects of your body growing a whole new human. Others are common conditions that are easily treated but worth knowing about. This page covers some of the other common conditions and problems you might come across during pregnancy, including urinary infections, thrush, constipation, piles, heartburn, pelvic girdle pain, back pain and varicose veins.

 

It isn't intended to replace medical advice. If something doesn't feel right, or you're worried about yourself or your baby, speak to your midwife, GP or maternity team.

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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

 

Urinary tract infections are common, and pregnancy can make you more susceptible to them. A UTI can cause:

  • A burning or stinging feeling when you pee

  • Needing to pee more often or urgently

  • Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine

  • Blood in your urine

  • Pain in your lower tummy

  • Pain in your back or side, particularly under your ribs

  • Feeling hot, cold or shivery

 

Sometimes pregnancy itself makes you pee more often, so the other symptoms are useful clues. If you think you might have a UTI during pregnancy, contact your GP, midwife or maternity team for advice. UTIs in pregnancy may need treatment because an infection can spread to the kidneys. If you have a high temperature, feel very unwell, have pain in your side or back, or are vomiting, seek urgent medical advice. Explore next: When to Seek Help

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Thrush and other Vaginal Infections

 

Pregnancy can change the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina, making vaginal infections more likely.

 

Thrush

Thrush is a common yeast infection. Typical symptoms include:

  • White, thick discharge that may look a little like cottage cheese

  • Itching or irritation around the vagina and vulva

  • Soreness

  • Stinging when you pee or have sex

 

Thrush doesn't usually harm your baby, but if you think you have it during pregnancy, speak to your midwife, GP or pharmacist before treating it yourself. Some treatments that are normally available aren't suitable during pregnancy.

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What about normal pregnancy discharge?

It's completely normal to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Healthy discharge is usually:

  • Thin

  • Clear or milky white

  • Not unpleasant-smelling

 

If your discharge becomes green or yellow, develops an unpleasant smell, or you have itching, soreness or pain when you pee, it could be a sign of an infection and is worth getting checked. And if you think you might be leaking amniotic fluid rather than having normal discharge, contact your maternity team. 

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Constipation

 

Constipation is extremely common during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can slow down your digestive system, and as pregnancy progresses your growing uterus can also put pressure on your bowel. Iron supplements can make constipation worse too. Things that may help include:

  • Eating plenty of fibre

  • Drinking enough fluids

  • Keeping gently active

  • Including fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, beans and lentils in your diet

  • Talking to your healthcare professional if iron supplements are making things particularly difficult

 

Try not to ignore the urge to go, and try not to strain. Constipation can also contribute to piles, which brings us neatly to...

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Piles (Haemorrhoids)

 

Piles are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus. They're very common during pregnancy and can be particularly unpleasant. They can cause:

  • Itching

  • Soreness or aching

  • Swelling

  • A lump around the anus

  • Pain when passing a poo

  • Bright-red bleeding after opening your bowels

 

Constipation and straining can make piles worse. Keeping your stools soft, drinking plenty of fluids, eating fibre and staying active can help. Your pharmacist, midwife or doctor can also advise you about treatments that are suitable during pregnancy. If you have rectal bleeding and aren't sure whether it's from piles, get it checked rather than assuming.

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Heartburn and Indigestion

 

Heartburn, also called acid reflux, is very common in pregnancy. You might notice:

  • A burning feeling in your chest

  • Burping

  • Feeling full or bloated

  • Food or acid coming back up

  • Feeling sick

 

Hormonal changes can relax the muscles between your stomach and oesophagus, while your growing baby can put pressure on your stomach. You might find it helpful to:

  • Eat smaller meals more often

  • Avoid eating immediately before going to bed

  • Sit upright after eating

  • Notice whether particular foods trigger your symptoms

  • Raise your head and shoulders slightly when sleeping

 

There are medicines that can be used during pregnancy, including some antacids and alginates, but check with your pharmacist, midwife or doctor before taking anything. One important caveat: severe or persistent heartburn, particularly alongside other symptoms such as headache, visual changes, sudden swelling or feeling very unwell, needs checking because it can sometimes be associated with pre-eclampsia.

Explore next: High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

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Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)

 

Pelvic girdle pain is pain around the joints of your pelvis during pregnancy. You might also hear it called SPD, although PGP is the term now more commonly used. It can cause pain:

  • Over the pubic bone

  • Across your lower back

  • Around your hips

  • In your groin or perineum

  • Down your thighs

 

It can be particularly noticeable when:

  • Walking

  • Climbing stairs

  • Turning over in bed

  • Getting in and out of the car

  • Standing on one leg to get dressed

  • Moving your legs apart

 

PGP can be extremely uncomfortable, but it does not harm your baby. If it's affecting your movement or everyday life, tell your midwife or GP. Early assessment and referral to a physiotherapist who specialises in pregnancy-related pelvic pain can help. And having PGP does not automatically mean you need a caesarean birth. Most women with PGP can have a vaginal birth. Your birth team can help you think about positions and movements that work for your body, including using water if that's appropriate for you.

Explore next: Pregnancy Yoga
Explore next: Preparing Your Body for Birth

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Back Pain

 

Back pain is very common during pregnancy. Your body is changing rapidly, your centre of gravity is shifting and the ligaments supporting your joints become softer. All of this can place additional strain on your back and pelvis. Keeping gently active, changing positions regularly and building strength can all help. You might also find warmth, massage, supportive positions and pregnancy-friendly movement useful. If your back pain is severe, persistent or worrying you, speak to your midwife or GP.

 

Back pain alongside bleeding, fever, pain when you pee, regular tightenings or severe abdominal pain needs prompt assessment because it can sometimes be a sign of something other than ordinary pregnancy backache. Explore next: Safe Movement Principles

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Varicose Veins

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Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins, most commonly in the legs. They're very common during pregnancy because your growing uterus can affect blood flow from your legs, while pregnancy hormones also affect your blood vessels. They can feel:

  • Achy

  • Heavy

  • Throbbing

  • Itchy

  • Uncomfortable after standing for a long time

 

They usually improve after your baby is born. Things that may help include:

  • Avoiding standing for long periods

  • Keeping your legs raised when you can

  • Regular gentle movement such as walking

  • Foot and ankle exercises

  • Compression stockings if recommended or useful for your symptoms

 

Varicose veins can also occur around the vulva, which can be uncomfortable but usually settles after pregnancy.

 

When is swelling not just swelling?

Gradual swelling in your feet and ankles is common in pregnancy. Sudden swelling, particularly of your face or hands, needs checking because it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Similarly, swelling, pain, redness or warmth affecting one leg can be a symptom of a blood clot and needs urgent medical assessment. Explore next: High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
 

Tingling and Numb Hands

 

Some pregnant women develop symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Fluid retention during pregnancy can put pressure on a nerve in your wrist, causing:

  • Pins and needles

  • Numbness

  • Aching or pain in your hand or fingers

  • A weaker grip

 

Symptoms are often worse at night. Keeping your wrist in a neutral position, particularly while sleeping, may help. A wrist splint can sometimes reduce symptoms too. Pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome often improves after birth. If you're experiencing persistent numbness, weakness or pain, mention it to your midwife or GP.

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What about all the other weird things?

 

Pregnancy can produce an astonishing range of symptoms that don't necessarily fit neatly into a list. You might notice things like:

  • Nosebleeds

  • Leg cramps

  • Feeling hotter than usual

  • Increased sweating

  • Skin changes

  • Darkening of your nipples or other areas of skin

  • Stretch marks

  • Increased vaginal discharge

  • Needing to pee constantly

  • Mild swelling

  • Feeling faint

  • Changes to your hair

  • Achy joints

  • Being suddenly very interested in foods you've never previously cared about

 

Some of these are simply part of the enormous amount of change happening in your body. That doesn't mean you have to put up with something that's making you miserable, though. If a symptom is persistent, severe, getting worse or simply worrying you, ask about it.

You don't need to become an expert in pregnancy symptoms before you're allowed to contact your maternity team.

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When should I get checked?

 

A lot of pregnancy symptoms are normal. Some aren't. Contact your maternity team, GP or other appropriate healthcare professional if you're concerned about a symptom, particularly if it is new, severe or getting worse. Seek urgent advice for symptoms such as:

  • Vaginal bleeding

  • A change or reduction in your baby's movements

  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain

  • Severe headache or changes to your vision

  • Sudden swelling

  • Sudden or severe breathlessness

  • Chest pain

  • A high temperature or feeling very unwell

  • Fluid leaking from your vagina

  • Regular contractions before 37 weeks

  • Severe vomiting or signs of dehydration

  • Pain when you pee alongside other concerning symptoms

  • One-sided leg swelling or pain

 

If you think you're experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 999. For non-emergency concerns, the right place to contact can depend on how many weeks pregnant you are and where you live, so make sure you know how to contact your local maternity service. NHS guidance currently suggests GP/EPU in early pregnancy and your midwife or maternity unit later in pregnancy, but local arrangements vary.

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Explore Next

 

Common Pregnancy Symptoms
A guide to the aches, pains, changes and other symptoms you might experience during pregnancy.

 

When to Seek Help
A practical guide to symptoms that need checking and who to contact.

 

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
Understanding high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.

 

Anaemia in Pregnancy
What anaemia is, why it can happen during pregnancy and how it's treated.

 

Pregnancy Yoga
Movement and yoga during pregnancy, including principles for adapting practice as your body changes.

 

Preparing Your Body for Birth
Practical ways to prepare your body for the physical demands of pregnancy, birth and recovery.

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