Symptoms of pregnancy

Body

During pregnancy your body changes a lot. You experience the following changes:

• You do not have your menstrual period.
• You gain weight.

You may have one or more of the following discomforts, which are normal:

• nausea;
• tiredness;
• constipation (not being able to defecate);
• swollen and painful breasts;
• having to go to the bathroom (toilet) frequently;
• infected gums.

 Later in your pregnancy, you may get other discomforts: 

• stretch marks on your belly; 
• painful/swollen legs and feet; 
• backpain.

Emotions

Your emotions and moods can change very quickly. For example, you may be happy one moment and feel sad or anxious the next. 

Nausea

• Have a light breakfast;
• Eat several small portions of food during the day;
• Drink enough water during the day;
• Go to a doctor if you have to vomit more than 3 times a day.

It can also help to:

• Eat something small before you get out of bed and when you go to bed; 
• Drink some milk or ginger tea.

Tiredness

• Rest a lot;
• Go to a doctor to check if you have enough iron in your blood.

Constipation

• Drink a lot of water;
• Drink fresh orange juice;
• Eat whole-wheat bread;
• Stay active.

Infected gums

• Brush your teeth 3 times a day;
• Go to a dentist if the infection remains. 

Stretch marks

Put a hydrating cream or oil on your belly to care for your skin.

Painful/swollen legs and feet

Raise your legs up high when sitting down.

Back pain

• Sit straight;
• Bend your knees when lifting heavy objects;
• Do not wear high heels;
• Take light exercise, for example: walking, swimming or cycling.

After delivery

After delivery, your body may remain a bit different from what it was before your pregnancy. For example: difference in weight, changed shape of belly and breasts.