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.

Constipation

Constipation Constipation is common in pregnancy because the hormone progesterone relaxes the smooth muscle in the bowels, making them sluggish. Up to 40% of pregnant women become constipated.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound
It is customary in the UK for all pregnant women t...

Thrush

Thrush
This extremely irritating fungal infection of the ...

Pre-elcampsia

Pre-elcampsia
Sometimes the position of the placenta is close to...

Quickening

Quickening
This is an old-fashioned but very descriptive term...

Anaemia

Pregnancy Anaemia
Anaemia in pregnancy is common, but if it does occur it is usually one of two types: iron-deficiency anaemia or folic acid deficiency anaemia. If it does exist, anaemia can pose quite a threat to a mother and her unborn child, which is why your blood is always tested at your first antenatal visit.

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.