Minor Symptoms of Pregnancy

Symptoms and signs in the first 10 weeks:
Early symptoms are

• amenorrhoea (missed periods), 
• nausea, 
• vomiting, and 
• bladder irritability. 
• Breasts engorge, nipples enlarge (darken at 12 weeks), Montgomery’s tubercles (sebaceous glands on
• nipples) become prominent. 
• Vulval vascularity increases and the cervix softens and looks bluish (4 weeks). 
• At 6–10 weeks the uterine body is more globular.
• Temperature rises (<37.8°C).

Other Symptoms Through out Pregnancy 

Headaches, palpitations, and fainting are all commoner in pregnancy. It is due to dilated peripheral circulation, increased sweating and feeling hot.
Management: Increase fluid intake: take showers. If feels faint from postural hypotension, stand slowly.

Urinary frequency is due to pressure of the fetal head on the bladder in later pregnancy. Exclude UTI.

Constipation tends to occur as gut motility decreases. Adequate oral fluids and a high-fibre diet help combat it. Avoid stimulant laxatives—they increase uterine activity in some women.
Increased venous distensibility and pelvic congestion predispose to haemorrhoids (if they prolapse, rest the mother head down, apply ice packs and replace them) and varicose veins. Resting with feet up and properly worn elastic stockings help.


Reflux oesophagitis and heartburn occur as pyloric sphincter relaxation allows irritant bile to reflux into the stomach. Cigarettes and spices should be avoided, small meals taken, and antacids may be used. Use more pillows, and a semi-recumbent position.

Third trimester backache: Due to pelvic ligament and muscle relaxation, pain tends to be worse at night. A firm mattress, flat shoes, standing with back straight, and pelvic support from physiotherapy all help.

Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy is due to fluid retention. Advise wrist splints until delivery cures the problem.

Itch/itchy rashes are common (up to 25%) and may be due to the usual causes or to pruritic eruption of pregnancy (PEP = prurigo of pregnancy)—an intensely itchy papular/plaque rash on the abdomen
and limbs. PEP is most common in first pregnancies beyond 35 weeks’ gestation. Emollients and weak topical steroids ease it. Delivery cures it. If vesicles are present, think of pemphigoid gestationis (PG): a rare (1 : 50,000) condition which may cause fatal heat loss and cardiac failure; the baby may
be briefly affected; refer early (prednisolone may be needed). PG may recur in later pregnancies.

Ankle oedema: This is a very common, almost normal, manifestation of pregnancy.
Measure BP and check urine for protein (pre-eclampsia, p48). Check legs for DVT. It often responds to rest and leg elevation. Reassure that it is harmless (unless pre-eclampsia)

Leg cramps 33% get cramp, in the the latter half of pregnancy, severe in 5%, often worse at night. Raising the foot of the bed by 20 cm will help.

Chloasma: This is a patch of darker pigmentation, e.g on the face.

Nausea affects ~80%. Vomiting occurs in ~50%. It may start by 4 weeks and decline over the following weeks. At 20 weeks 20% may still vomit. Most respond to frequent small meals, reassurance, and a stress-free environment. It is associated with good outcome (fewer fetal losses).