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Common complaints and nasty niggles
Irritations come with the territory when you are pregnant. Dr Howard Lee looks at some of the common complaints
Pregnancy causes physical and psychological changes that affect all aspects of a woman's life. Even if you're super-fit you'll encounter them - and they can be irritating or upsetting.
At its most fundamental biological level, pregnancy is a 'load' causing alterations not just in the mother's pelvic organs but all over the body. As it grows, your baby interacts with your systems, causing adaptation, and change of function in your body.
These adaptations generally minimise the stresses imposed and provide the best environment for your baby's development. They are usually interlinked smoothly so that the effects on your whole body are minimised.
Common problems
- Nausea (not always an 'early morning' problem, but sometimes appearing at any time) is extremely common. It's often accompanied by changes in taste sensations and general digestive upsets.
- Fatigue. Your body is already having to work harder to adapt to the demands of your pregnancy so everyday tasks will naturally seem more exhausting.
- Headaches are also quite normal, but you should consult your GP if they persist.
- Mood changes. The first few weeks are a time of immense hormonal and emotional changes. You may find that you get upset much more easily, even if you're usually a happy, placid person. You may get tearful, depressed or angry over even trivial situations. This is all quite normal, often centering on fears for your baby, or worries that you won't be able to cope, etc. If you are concerned in any way about your mood changes talk them over with your midwife or GP.
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