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.

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.

Overdue

Overdue
If the average pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, you can b...

Gums bleeding

Gums bleeding
Sore and bleeding gums is due to the increase in o...

Tiredness

Tiredness
While this can be a symptom of lack of sleep, it c...

Raspberry leaf tea

Raspberry leaf tea
Of all the herbal teas, raspberry leaf deserves sp...

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids
These are, effectively, varicose veins that occur around the anus and are caused by the effect of the pregnancy hormone progesterone on the smooth muscle tissue of the veins.

Cervical Mucus

Cervical Mucus
During pregnancy cervical mucus changes due to the increase in the hormone progesterone. You may find that you produce much more cervical mucus which is quite watery and may be a nuisance. Try using panty liners if this is a problem.