Physical symptoms of pregnancy vary. Of the symptoms listed, not all will occur for every woman, and individuals may well experience different symptoms during different pregnancies. The following is a list of the most common symptoms.
First trimester
- Breasts may feel swollen, sore, or tender.
- Pregnancy sickness may cause nausea and vomiting. It is also known as morning sickness, although it may occur at any time of the day or night.
- The sense of smell may be heightened.
- Cravings for and aversions to certain foods may be experienced. Food aversions may exacerbate pregnancy symptoms.
- Fatigue is a common symptom in early pregnancy. It results from increased progesterone and may be compounded by increased blood volume, which can result in lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar.
- Dizziness and fainting may be experienced, particularly after standing up quickly. These symptoms are caused by lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar.
- Frequent mild headaches may occur, caused by increased blood circulation
- Constipation is a common symptom caused by increased progesterone, which slows the activity of the large intestine.
- Increased urination is caused by pressure of the growing uterus against the urinary bladder.
- Emotional lability, including dysphoria, crying spells, and mood swings. These mood changes are triggered by the effect of pregnancy hormones on mood regulation in the brain.
Other symptoms may be experienced specifically during the later stages, such as:
- Lower backache. Balance and ease of walking may be affected.
- Many women will get flatulent.
- Some women may experience haemorrhoids and rectal irritation.
- Some women report hair loss, others have more body or facial hair.
- Sensitivity in teeth, higher risk for gum disease.
- Contact lens/spectacle prescriptions may be affected.
Some women during pregnancy experience mental disturbances more severe than typical mood swings. Psychological stress during pregnancy is associated with an increase in other pregnancy symptoms.
