Symptoms

Pregnancy symptoms, explained gently

Most pregnancy symptoms are normal and manageable. Here's what helps — and the signs that mean you should call your doctor or midwife right away.

Reviewed against ACOG, NHS and WHO guidance · Updated November 2026

Call your provider or emergency services now if you have:

Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking
Your baby is moving less than usual or you feel no movement
Severe headache, vision changes or sudden swelling
Severe or constant tummy pain
Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
Painful or burning urination
Thoughts of harming yourself or feeling unable to cope

Nausea & morning sickness

Usually: Weeks 6–14 for most women

What helps

Small, frequent meals and dry crackers before getting up
Ginger tea or ginger candies
Vitamin B6 — ask your provider about dosage

Call your doctor if: You can't keep any fluids down for 24 hours, you're losing weight, or your urine is dark (possible hyperemesis gravidarum).

Fatigue

Usually: First and third trimesters

What helps

Rest and early nights
Iron-rich foods
Short walks for energy

Call your doctor if: Extreme tiredness with paleness or breathlessness — ask for an anaemia test.

Heartburn

Usually: Usually from the second trimester

What helps

Smaller meals, eaten slowly
Avoid lying down for 2–3 hours after eating
Raise the head of your bed slightly
Ask about pregnancy-safe antacids

Call your doctor if: Severe upper-right pain under the ribs, especially with headache — it can signal pre-eclampsia.

Constipation

Usually: Any time

What helps

More fibre, fruit and water
Daily gentle movement
Ask before taking laxatives

Call your doctor if: Severe abdominal pain or blood in your stool.

Back pain

Usually: Second and third trimesters

What helps

Flat, supportive shoes
Bend your knees to lift
Pregnancy pillow when sleeping on your side
Warm (not hot) baths and prenatal massage

Call your doctor if: Rhythmic lower back pain that comes and goes before 37 weeks — it may be preterm labour.

Swelling of feet & ankles

Usually: Third trimester, often in the evening

What helps

Put your feet up
Avoid standing for long periods
Drink water and move regularly

Call your doctor if: Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, especially with headache or vision changes.

Leg cramps

Usually: Second and third trimesters, often at night

What helps

Stretch your calves before bed
Flex your foot toward you during a cramp
Stay hydrated

Call your doctor if: One leg is swollen, red, warm or painful — this may be a blood clot (DVT).

Braxton Hicks contractions

Usually: From around week 20+

What helps

Change position or go for a walk
Drink a glass of water
Rest

Call your doctor if: Contractions become regular, stronger and closer together, especially before 37 weeks.

Headaches

Usually: Common in the first trimester

What helps

Rest in a dark, quiet room
Hydrate and eat regularly
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is usually considered safe — ask your provider

Call your doctor if: Severe headache that doesn't go away, or with blurred vision or flashing lights.

Carry this guide in your pocket

Mamivaa is a free pregnancy app with a week-by-week tracker, vitamin and water reminders, a food scanner and a baby checklist.

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This guide offers general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife. If something feels wrong, contact your provider or emergency services.