A-Z Pregnancy Symptoms

Did your pregnancy dreams include visions of a neat rounded belly, and little kicks that made your heart flutter? While it's true that pregnancy has its share of wonderful moments and experiences to cherish, it also has a raft of less than fabulous pregnancy symptoms - including many you'd rather not discuss in public and many you'd probably like to forget (which you will, by the way, since forgetfulness is another symptom).

There are pregnancy symptoms you expected (like morning sickness – which also arrives in the evening) and symptoms you almost definitely didn't (like constipation, nosebleeds and bleeding gums). It's probably reassuring to know that you're not alone suffering these ailments - you're actually joining millions of other expectant women who are also wading their way through a different selection of pregnancy complaints. But it also helps to have some tried and true remedies at your (swollen) fingertips that will allow you to navigate around the majority of pregnancy grumbles.

Ptyalism

Ptyalism This is a rare side-effect of pregnancy which can, for some women, mean an excessive production of saliva.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic Pregnancy
This describes a pregnancy that occurs either in t...

Incontinence

Incontinence
...

Cervical incompetence

Cervical incompetence
This is the medical term given to a cervix that is...

Anaemia

Pregnancy Anaemia
Anaemia in pregnancy is common, but if it does occ...

Breasts sore

Sore Breasts
Throughout pregnancy, your breasts will have been responding to pregnancy hormones, in preparation for producing milk after the birth. The main symptom of this will be an increase in the size of your breasts. They may be quite sore at first and uncomfortable later on.

Backache

Backache in Pregnancy
Because the weight gained in pregnancy (around 2 stone) is carried mainly at the front, your back is under increasing pressure as pregnancy advances. In addition, the pregnancy hormones progesterone and relaxin have a softening effect on the ligaments of the body, including those in the back, making them more elastic in preparation for birth. If you posture in poor your abdominal muscles weak, and you are careless about lifting and carrying, your back could be at risk.