Symptoms and discomforts of pregnancy

Symptoms and discomforts of pregnancy are those presentations and conditions that result from pregnancy but do not significantly interfere with activities of daily living or pose any significant threat to the health of the mother or baby, in contrast to pregnancy complications. Still, there is often no clear separation between symptoms versus discomforts versus complications, and in some cases the same basic feature can manifest as either a discomfort or a complication depending on the severity. For example, mild nausea may merely be a discomfort (morning sickness), but if severe and with vomiting causing water-electrolyte imbalance it can be classified as a pregnancy complication (hyperemesis gravidarum).

Morning sickness occurs in about seventy percent of all pregnant women, and typically improves after the first trimester. Although described as "morning sickness", women can experience this nausea during the afternoon, evening, and throughout the entire day. Unfortunately there is no strong evidence showing one treatment that works for all women. Ginger may help some women but the results change from study to study.

It is common to have bleeding in early pregnancy, this is associated with implantation bleeding and can be mistaken for a regular period. However implantation bleeding is usually much lighter and in many cases sanitary napkins aren't necessary. Although excessive bleeding in the first trimester can also be associated with miscarriage.

Back pain is common in pregnancy, can be very debilitating and can worsen in later pregnancy. Estimates of prevalence ranging from 35% to 61% have been reported, with half or more beginning from the fifth month. It is believed to be caused by changing posture and can be worse in the evening. Trials have shown benefit from exercising in water, massage therapy, and back care classes. Very low-quality evidence suggest that specially-designed pillow reduce night-time lowback pain. Back care classes for pregnancy include a variety of exercises and guidance. General exercise that is not tailored to strengthen the back may not prevent or reduce back pain, but more research is needed to be sure. Maternity support belts have not been shown to reduce low back pain in pregnancy. They may have some adverse effects, including pain and skin irritation for the mother, and potential effects on the fetus.

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