Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, and your body starts adapting from the moment of conception. While some symptoms are well-known (like morning sickness), others might take you by surprise. Every pregnancy is different, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and reassured.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most common pregnancy symptoms, when they usually appear, and when to seek extra support.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Many of the first signs of pregnancy show up before you’ve even missed a period. These early symptoms are triggered by rising levels of hormones like hCG, progesterone, and oestrogen.
1. Missed Period
Often the first clue. If your periods are regular and you suddenly skip one, it’s time to take a pregnancy test.
2. Tender or Swollen Breasts
Hormonal changes can make breasts feel sore, tingly, or fuller. You might also notice darkening of the areolas.
3. Nausea or Morning Sickness
Despite the name, this can strike at any time of day. Nausea usually starts around 6 weeks and often eases by the second trimester.
For tips on coping with nausea, the NHS guide to morning sickness offers practical support.
4. Fatigue
Overwhelming tiredness is common in the first trimester as your body works hard to support your baby’s early development.
5. Frequent Urination
Increased blood flow and hormone changes mean more trips to the loo—even in early pregnancy.
6. Mood Swings
Thanks to fluctuating hormone levels, you may feel more emotional or irritable. These feelings are completely normal but worth discussing if they feel overwhelming.
Second Trimester Symptoms
The second trimester is often called the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy—but that doesn’t mean you’ll be symptom-free.
1. Heartburn and Indigestion
As your uterus grows and progesterone relaxes your muscles, digestion can slow down. Eating smaller meals and avoiding spicy foods can help.
2. Constipation
Hormonal changes can affect the muscles in your bowel. Staying hydrated, eating fibre-rich foods, and light exercise can ease symptoms.
3. Stretch Marks
As your belly, breasts, and hips expand, the skin stretches—this can lead to pink, red or purple lines. Moisturising can help with comfort, though marks often fade over time.
4. Leg Cramps
Often striking at night, these are common from the second trimester onwards. Staying active, hydrated, and stretching your calves can help prevent them. Or try massaging restless legs with our Calming Bedtime Butter to ease symptoms.
5. Nasal Congestion
Higher oestrogen levels can lead to swelling in your nasal passages, causing stuffiness or even nosebleeds.
6. Skin Changes
Pregnancy hormones can bring a natural glow—or cause issues like acne or pigmentation (often known as the ‘mask of pregnancy’ or melasma).
Third Trimester Symptoms
As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, your body prepares for labour. Many of the symptoms are caused by your baby growing - and your organs adjusting to make space!
1. Backache
The weight of your bump and a shift in posture can put strain on your lower back. Prenatal yoga, massage, and supportive pillows can offer relief.
2. Braxton Hicks Contractions
These are “practice contractions” and feel like mild tightening across your bump. Unlike true labour, they’re irregular and usually not painful.
3. Pelvic Pressure
Your baby dropping lower into your pelvis can lead to heaviness, soreness, or sharp twinges (sometimes called lightning crotch).
4. Itchy Bump
Stretching, tight skin can become itchy – massage in our Cooling Serum for instant cooling relief and moisturisation.
5. Sleep Troubles
Whether it’s discomfort, needing to wee in the night, or vivid dreams, sleep disturbances are very common in late pregnancy.
Emotional and Mental Health Symptoms
Pregnancy doesn’t just affect your body, it impacts your emotional wellbeing too. Feeling anxious, tearful, or up and down is completely normal.
But if you’re struggling to enjoy your pregnancy, feeling persistently low, or have trouble bonding with your baby, it’s important to speak to your midwife or GP. Mental health support is available throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Less Common (But Still Normal) Symptoms
Some symptoms may be surprising or less talked about, but are still a normal part of pregnancy:
- Excess saliva (ptyalism)
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Bloating and wind
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Increased sweating
While most changes are harmless, always reach out to your midwife if anything feels unusual or worrying.
When to Contact a Midwife or GP
Although most symptoms are normal, some could be signs that something isn’t quite right. Contact your maternity unit immediately if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Heavy bleeding or clotting
- Persistent headaches or blurred vision
- Itching on your hands and feet (especially at night)
- Baby’s movements slowing down or changing
The NHS also provides a full list of warning signs in pregnancy.
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Keep a symptoms diary. This helps track what’s normal for you and what changes.
- Stay hydrated and nourished. Water and a balanced diet go a long way in easing many symptoms.
- Gentle movement like walking or yoga can help with digestion, sleep, and mood.
- Moisturise daily to help with itchiness and stretch marks.
- Never hesitate to call your midwife, you know your body best.
Pregnancy is full of changes, and no two experiences are exactly alike. Some people sail through with barely a symptom, while others tick every box. Every symptom, whether physical or emotional, is valid and worth acknowledging.
Tuning into your body, getting the right support, and leaning on trusted resources like your midwife and the NHS can help you feel informed, confident, and cared for.
Whether you’re early on or approaching your due date, remember: you’re doing something amazing.
