Be kind to yourself, prioritise self-care and take non-negotiable time out just for you to nurture your body and mind during your pregnancy.

Aches and pains

Muscular aches and pains during pregnancy are very common. A hormone called relaxin is produced from early pregnancy to help your muscles and ligaments stretch more easily, but one of the side effects of this can be discomfort and pain as your joints become slightly more unstable. Aside from this can be postural changes caused by a shift in your centre of balance because of your growing bump, and weight gain, both of which can cause you to feel more uncomfortable and achier. If you are struggling speak to your Midwife or GP, paracetamol can help and is safe to take in pregnancy, but you may benefit from referral to a physio who can recommend gentle exercises to relieve the discomfort and to strengthen your muscles and therefore help to stabilise your joints. My Expert Midwife’s Soak For Bits contains high-grade Epsom Salts known for their muscle-relaxing and soothing properties and is safe to use during pregnancy and the postnatal recovery period.

Skin changes

Your skin will probably become tighter, drier, and more irritable during pregnancy as your bump grows, particularly during the second and third trimester when you seem to have expanded further every single morning. The huge hormonal shift you are experiencing can also affect your skin massively and you may find that your skin behaves differently to your usual skin care routines both on your face and your body. Invest in a really good moisturiser such as Fantastic Skin Elastic developed by the Midwives at My Expert Midwife to help to keep your skin comfortable and in good condition. Well hydrated skin can also help to soothe the itch, burn and appearance of any scars and stretch marks as it stretches to accommodate your growing baby.

As your pregnancy progresses, and often during the second and third trimester, women develop a dark line down the centre of their bump, which can also have more hair growth than usual too. This is called the Linea Nigra and is a normal part of skin pigment changes during pregnancy, this pigmentation can also appear as a “pregnancy mask” on your face and again will fade following birth as your hormones shift again.

You may experience varicose(swollen) veins on your legs or even your groin or vulva. If these are causing distress or pain speak to your Midwife or GP who can advise how to relieve them.

Changes in your mouth

You may have noticed that you have developed slightly swollen or puffy gums that bleed easily especially when brushing them. Pregnant women get free NHS dental treatment during pregnancy and for 12 months following birth so get plenty of check-ups to keep your oral hygiene in tip-top condition. You may also develop altered taste and/or food aversions which may come and go during pregnancy or may last until after birth.

Braxton Hicks

Braxton Hicks are painless irregular tightenings of your uterus as it contracts and relaxes which may come and go and are perfectly normal as your body is preparing itself to give birth. You may find that Braxton Hicks occur more frequently following sex, if you have been particularly busy, or even if you have a full bladder, so take this cue to have a wee, rest up and relax. However, if your tightenings are accompanied by any bleeding, watery discharge, become painful or increase in frequency, strength, or length you should seek advice from your midwife or GP.

Itchiness

Feeling itchy during pregnancy is much more common than you might think and can occur throughout as a result of hormonal changes, feeling warmer, and your skin stretching to accommodate that growing baby. Try to keep cool by wearing loose fitting, natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk. Itchiness can be all over the body, but it is most commonly over your bump and/or legs. Make sure you moisturise your body well to avoid your skin becoming dry and flaky, use a gentle pregnancy-specific product such as My Expert Midwife’s Fantastic Skin Elastic.

If you have itching specifically on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, contact your midwife or Maternity Assessment Centre, as there is a pregnancy condition linked to these symptoms, which could require further investigation.

Dizziness

If you feel lightheaded or dizzy whilst you are pregnant, it could be due to hormonal changes or feeling too warm during hot weather. Try not to stay on your feet for too long, if possible, take regular rests and make sure your fluid intake is adequate. If these measures do not improve your dizzy spells, contact your midwife or Maternity Assessment Centre for advice.

Swelling

You may experience swelling of various parts of your body during pregnancy. The most common area is the feet and ankles, but the hands, arms, face, and other parts of the body can be affected, and it is most likely to happen in the third trimester. Find a willing partner or friend to massage your swollen feet and legs whilst reclining, as this can help blood circulation and redistribute the fluid which is causing the problem, try massaging with My Expert Midwife’s Fantastic Skin Elastic, or soak in a warm, not hot bath with some of our Soak For Bits. However, swelling of your hands, face or feet from 20 weeks that does not settle with rest, hydration and elevation may be a symptom of a condition called Pre-Eclampsia and should always be reported to your Midwife.

Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy

Nausea can occur at any time during your pregnancy and although was historically called “morning sickness” but is now referred to as Nause and Vomiting of Pregnancy. An extreme form of this is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum and women experiencing this may benefit from admittance to hospital for additional care including rehydration. For most women, the good news is that Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy usually disappears around 12-16 weeks of pregnancy, although for some it can continue throughout.

Breast changes

Your breast shape and size will probably change considerably throughout pregnancy as they prepare to produce milk to feed your baby. Having a well-fitting bra (you may change size several times during your pregnancy) will not only support your breasts but will also protect against soreness, chaffing and help you to feel more comfortable. You might notice that your breasts start to leak colostrum during pregnancy, this can be very normal and we would recommend wearing breast pads to absorb it or beast shells to collect it; we advise against actively Colostrum Harvesting before 37 weeks as any breast stimulation can release Oxytocin which has a very small risk of stimulating pre-term labour.

Tiredness and sleeping

Sleeping during pregnancy can make you warmer than usual and more uncomfortable due to your core body temperature increasing and the extra weight of your pregnancy. Make sure you have plenty of water, a fan, and extra pillows for support. Popping a pillow between your knees can often provide support for your hips, bump and back.

Key points to help you adjust during pregnancy

• Keep well hydrated. Your body needs more hydration during pregnancy. If the weather is warmer or you are exercising your fluid needs will increase further, so be prepared and don’t leave home without your refillable water bottle.
• Eat small meals regularly rather than having long gaps between meals, as this will prevent your blood glucose levels from dropping and help with any light-headedness or dizzy feelings.
• Your skin is more prone to pigmentation changes that can become patchy over your body, so cover up, use sunscreen, and make use of shaded areas when you’re out and about.
• Skin can be itchier during pregnancy causing dry, flaky skin. Build a daily moisturising routine into your day to help to keep skin irritations at bay.
• Seek advice from your healthcare team if you experience any new symptoms during pregnancy.