It's normal to get some swelling in pregnancy, particularly in your legs, ankles, feet and fingers.

It's often worse at the end of the day and further into your pregnancy.

Swelling that comes on gradually is not usually harmful to you or your baby, but it can be uncomfortable.

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Swelling can also be a sign that something more serious is wrong:

• Swollen and uncomfortable legs are common when you’re pregnant, but can be a sign of deep vein thrombosis

• Very swollen ankles, fingers, hands or face can be a sign of pre-eclampsia - if this happens, contact your midwife or GP immediately

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For advice on when to seek care visit: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/swollen-ankles-feet-and-fingers/

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It's common to feel tired, or even exhausted, during pregnancy, especially in the first 12 weeks.

Hormonal changes at this time can make you feel tired, nauseous and emotional. The only answer is to rest as much as possible.

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For more information visit: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/tiredness/ 

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Please seek medical help if you are concerned or are experiencing overwhelming tiredness: 

• You are suddenly very tired and weak, not like chronic fatigue

• You don’t have enough energy to go about your day

• No matter how much you sleep, you don’t feel refreshed

• You feel so tired that you don’t get up to take care of your baby

• You feel sad/low after having your baby

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Headaches can be common in early pregnancy. They usually improve as your pregnancy goes on.

They do not harm your baby, but they can be uncomfortable for you.

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A headache can sometimes be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious complications if it's not monitored and treated. Pre-eclampsia usually starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

 

Urgent advice

Call your maternity unit, GP or NHS 111 if you have:

• a severe headache

• problems with vision, such as blurring or seeing flashing lights

• pain just below your ribs

• vomiting

• a sudden increase in swelling of your face, hands, feet or ankles

Any of these could be signs of pre-eclampsia and need to be checked immediately

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For further advice please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/headaches/

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is when your arteries get narrower due to a build-up of fatty deposits inside them. This restricts the flow of blood and can lead to chest pain, called angina, or a heart attack.

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Your heart needs to work harder in pregnancy so, if you've got heart disease, it's important to get the right care and support.

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You can develop heart problems for the first time during your pregnancy.

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For advice on when to seek care please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/existing-health-conditions/coronary-heart-disease/

Bleeding during pregnancy is relatively common and does not always mean there's a problem – but it can be a dangerous sign. Seek care immediately if this occurs.

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For more information please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vaginal-bleeding/

Stomach (abdominal) pains or cramps are common in pregnancy. They're usually nothing to worry about, but they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious that needs to be checked.

 

It's probably nothing to worry about if the pain is mild and goes away when you change position, have a rest, do a poo or pass wind. But if you have stomach pains and are worried, call your midwife or maternity hospital.

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Call your midwife or 999 immediately if you have stomach pain and:

• bleeding or spotting

• regular cramping or tightenings

• vaginal discharge that's unusual for you

• lower back pain

• pain or burning when you pee

• the pain is severe or does not go away after you've rested for 30 to 60 minutes

Any of these could be the symptoms of something that needs to be checked or treated urgently.

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For more information please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/stomach-pain/