Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks long and has an effect on almost every part of your body. But, most pregnancies are healthy and turn out just fine. There are some pregnancy symptoms that require medical attention, but there are tons of other symptoms that you don’t have to hurry to the doctor’s office about. We encourage you to mention your symptoms to your OB-GYN, but here are seven pregnancy symptoms you don’t need to stress over:
1. Pain in your Abs—Unless you feel that the pain is getting worse or includes bleeding, it’s probably just your uterus growing normally. It may also be because of your round ligaments stretching, or gas. These pains are usually brief but can be strong. You might find that rest makes your round ligament and uterus stretching aches go away.
2. Feeling Tired—There’s a lot of work involved in growing a little human, so many women find they need to sleep more and have less energy to exercise less. It’s good to listen to your body and rest when you need to. So, skip making dinner if you need to, and let the laundry sit unfolded. After a long day at work, it’s totally OK to order takeout and watch TV to rest and recharge.
3. Queasiness a.k.a “morning sickness”—it’s normal to get nauseous all day long while pregnant. Nausea isn’t a big deal, but when you start throwing up and losing weight, see your doctor. You might get bad morning sickness in your first trimester, and find that it fades. You can help avoid it by drinking enough water and eating often.
4. Constipation—Your little one is pressing down on your rectum which slows down the intestinal muscles. Also, pregnancy hormones make constipation a common grievance during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins contain iron which can add to your constipation. Try upping how much fiber you eat, drinking more water, and exercising. Ask your doctor before trying a stool softener.
5. Intense Dreams—Many pregnant women get vivid, scary nightmares or dreams. Pregnancy hormones make it harder to tell the difference in the middle of the night between reality and nightmares. Intense dreams may increase during your third trimester, but know that they’re normal and usually go away after you deliver.
6. Forgetfulness—Also known as in “pregnancy brain,” you may feel frustrated that you forget words, tasks, or appointments at times. Pregnant women are simply more forgetful, especially in the last trimester. The stress of pregnancy and a new baby can affect memory, so know that you’re not alone.
7. Mood Swings—All of the changes to your eating habits and sleep patterns have an effect on your emotional state. It’s totally common to feel irritable, scared, irritable, or unsure when you’re pregnant. Pregnancy is a very emotional experience, and there’s a lot going on in your head right now. You might find that your emotions change quickly from nervous to sad to happy. It’s important to realize that your fears are a normal part of pregnancy. If you feel that something is seriously wrong or if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, get help.
All content on this site, including health-related info, is for informational purposes only and shouldn’t be used to diagnose or treat. Remember to ask your doctor about any issues you’re facing during your pregnancy.