The good and the not so great changes that come with pregnancy

Pregnancy is an incredible feat of biology. Millions of microscopic changes are taking place in your body, much of which you can’t feel. But as the journey progresses, you will start to feel certain changes taking place, which may come with unexpected side effects. Luckily, there are ways and means to manage these side effects.

Riding the pregnancy rollercoaster

‘Apart from body aches and fatigue, I felt nauseous for most of my pregnancy and even vomited quite a bit in my first trimester,’ shares Tebogo Sithole, a Johannesburg-based mother of a two-year-old son. ‘And just as I adjusted to a side effect, another would raise its head,’ she adds. Tebogo also suffered from heartburn, constipation, dizziness, and swelling as her pregnancy progressed – all common symptoms among many expectant mothers. 

In fact, most women will experience one or more side effects as their body changes during pregnancy week by week. These physiological changes are driven mainly by hormones and occur to support the development of a growing baby. So what symptoms of pregnancy can one expect in each trimester? 

The first trimester  

The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are when miscarriages mostly occur and hormonal surges can significantly impact a woman physically and emotionally. For instance, fatigue, shortness of breath, sensitive breasts, and abdomen pain are all quite common in the early stages of pregnancy.   

This is also the period when morning sickness starts and many women suffer from nausea (with or without vomiting). Fluctuating hormones may also cause rapid shifts in emotion, ranging from anxiety and excitement to sadness and irritability. ‘It’s important to book a first visit with your healthcare provider within your first trimester as this will ensure the necessary advice and education on possible side effects and symptoms throughout the pregnancy,’ advises Magaretha van Dyk, nursing specialist midwifery at Life Healthcare.

The second trimester

During the second trimester (weeks 13-27), many women find relief from first-trimester discomforts like nausea and fatigue. However, new symptoms may emerge, such as weight gain, a growing belly and breasts, and skin changes like stretch marks and hyperpigmentation. Hormonal fluctuations can also cause nasal congestion, sensitive and bleeding gums, and a dark line down the abdomen called linea nigra.

Other side effects during this period include leg cramps, swelling of the ankles and feet, vaginal discharge, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and Braxton Hicks contractions, which are mild, irregular abdominal contractions. Suffering from a sore back is another of the symptoms of pregnancy that can start early in the second trimester, and may persist or worsen as pregnancy progresses.

The third trimester                                         

The final stretch of pregnancy begins from 28 weeks until delivery and can be the most difficult part of the journey towards motherhood. Most moms-to-be display a visible baby bump, which exerts pressure on various organs and can cause discomfort in the bladder, cervix, back, and legs. Some women may also experience sore hips, due to hormonal changes, weight gain, and changes in posture.

Other physical symptoms in these final weeks of pregnancy include swelling, haemorrhoids, and varicose veins, due to increased weight and fluid retention. Pelvic and groin pain, leg cramps, breast pain, bladder leakage, sleep issues, shortness of breath, and heartburn may also occur.

Managing the mayhem

Fortunately, there are a few home remedies to better manage your symptoms of pregnancy, These include:

•  Nausea and vomiting: Eat small, frequent meals, avoid strong smells, and stay hydrated. Eating ginger, using an acupressure wristband and taking certain medications can also help manage morning sickness symptoms.
• Fatigue: Get plenty of rest, take short naps during the day, and try delegating tasks to others.
• Mood swings: Talk about your emotions and try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, prenatal yoga, or mindfulness meditation.
• Heartburn and indigestion: Eat smaller meals more frequently, avoid spicy or acidic foods, sit upright after eating, and use pregnancy-safe medications, with your doctor’s guidance.
• Constipation: Increase fibre and water intake, engage in regular physical activity, and use a pregnancy-safe stool softener if required.
• Frequent urination: Reduce fluid intake and urinate before bedtime.
• Swelling and water retention: Elevate legs when resting, avoid standing for extended periods, and wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
• Skin changes: Use mild, pregnancy-safe skincare products (avoiding retinol, hydroquinone, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide), stay hydrated, avoid excessive sun exposure, and use a pregnancy-safe sunscreen with a high SPF.
• Insomnia: Establish a bedtime routine, practice relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing, and use supportive pillows.
• Weight gain: Eat a balanced diet and enjoy physical activity (with your doctor’s guidance).
• Headaches: Stay hydrated, get enough rest, try using a cold compress, or take paracetamol medication, which is safe for use during pregnancy.
• Tender breasts: Wear comfortable, supportive bras instead of underwire bras, and use warm or cold compresses to relieve discomfort.
• Sore back and abdomen pain: Stretch regularly, sleep with a pillow between the legs, make postural changes, use a warm compress, and wear a maternity belt for extra abdominal and back support.

Magaretha emphasises the importance of early intervention for pregnancy symptoms: ‘If you’re unsure of the severity of your symptoms, it is better to seek help earlier rather than later. Just make sure you have the number of your healthcare provider or maternity unit stored on your phone.’ 

She also recommends contacting the hospital you plan on delivering at to enquire about antenatal classes and your nearest baby clinic, where you can chat with friendly nurses about your symptoms and concerns. Seeking this extra support will further assist you in navigating your pregnancy's ups and downs with greater confidence and comfort.

Click here for more information on our Little Life maternity services, and to download our pregnancy guide, click here.

The information is shared on condition that readers will make their own determination, including seeking advice from a healthcare professional. E&OE. Life Healthcare Group Ltd does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by the reader as a result of the information provided.