Your body changes in many ways during pregnancy; your heart becomes more efficient, kidneys filter more blood, lungs work harder etc. In pregnancy, you may feel your body controls you, rather than the other way around! There are ''minor disorders'' which occur throughout pregnancy that are considered normal ''side effects'' of being pregnant. These would be termed ''illness''at any other time. As examples, you may suffer from recurrent thrush, have to wee much more often and live with perminently swollen ankles to mention but a few. The important thing is to sit back, take a long hard look at what is bothering you and try to make a distinction between concerns that are very likely to be due to the pregnancy (which in many cases you can do something about). In a separate category, there may be symptoms and physical signs that are not so easily explained away that may indicate a problem that needs treatment.You are not expected to work out which is what, that''s the job of the midwives/doctors caring for you. All you need to do is ask. There is no such thing as a silly question, if it bothers you, ask your doctor or midwife. Out of hours remember that the labour ward of any hospital is open and staffed 24hrs a day and you will be able to speak to a midwife or doctor.- I'm 10 weeks pregnant but don't look pregnant yet. When will the 'bump' start to show?
- I'm 3 months pregnant and am experiencing no breast enlargement-is there something wrong?
- I am having the most vivid disturbing dreams since getting pregnant, is this usual?
- Is it normal for my clothes to be tight around my tummy so early in pregnancy?
- Does pregnancy have an effect on my brain and memory?
- What are the red spidery lines on my legs, and will they go away?
- Since becoming pregnant, I seem to suffer with constipation. Why?
- I fainted this morning, for the first time. Is this because I am pregnant?
- Is it because I''m pregnant that I seem to be having hot flushes?
- I am suffering badly at the moment with cramp, particularly in my calves, Is this normal?
- I seem to be constantly itching since getting pregnant, is there something wrong?
- Can I do anything to prevent stretchmarks?
- What are 'hormones'?
- My breasts seem to have a life of their own, so big, so sore, why so soon?
- What are the normal changes I should be expecting in my breasts?
- My skin is really spotty. Why?
- Why do I sometimes feel light-headed when I breathe quickly?
- Is it normal to be short of breath in pregnancy?
- What are stretch marks, and when do they occur?
- I am only 22 weeks pregnant and already have stretch marks around my breasts, why is this, and will they get worse?
- My skin seems to change colour and look patchy, is this OK?
- Where does all the extra blood go?
- I am half way through pregnancy and my hair feels different; some of it is falling out in my hands-is this normal?
- Is it neccessary to wear ''maternity clothes''?
- I'm only midway through my pregnancy; why are the palms of my hands red and feel as if they are burning?
- Why do my knees and other joints seem wobbly?
- Does my heart have to work harder when I get pregnant?
- I have sugar in my urine, why?
- Why do all my joints, especially in my legs and pelvis, ache when I put pressure on them?
- Is it due to being pregnant that I seem to be having hot flushes?
- I am only 22 weeks pregnant and already have stretch marks around my breasts, why is this, and will they get worse?
- What does the placenta do?
- My doctor said that my being pregnant leaves me more at risk of infections, is this true?
- My skin is like teenage skin since I've become pregnant; I can't get rid of the zits. What is safe to use on my skin?
- I am five weeks pregnant and initially had very sore breasts but now they aren't sore at all...is this OK?
- I'm 35 weeks and my skin feels really dry and itchy-is this normal?
- What is normal weight gain in pregnancy and when you should start gaining weight?
- Is it normal to have very sore nipples during pregnancy?
- I am 4 months pregnant, my bump doesn't seem to be growing at all and I don't feel very pregnant. I'm worried in case it is a missed miscarriage. How can I know?
- Is it possible that you can have a period while pregnant?
- I'm 32 weeks and keep getting a pain in my bottom and down my legs-it's so uncomfortable. Not sure if it's the way baby lying?
- When during the pregnancy can you start to produce milk?
- My belly button is really sore and red. What could be causing this?
- Does every woman have to suffer from morning sickness, salivating and constant visits to the toilet in early pregnancy?
- Im 18 weeks with my first baby and have started to leak colostrum. But from one nipple, it's black and not clear. Is this normal?
- What is considered normal blood pressure during preganancy?
- I have just been told that my platelet level is slightly high. What does this mean for me and my baby?
- I'm 36 weeks pregnant and been having hair loss from the minute I got pregnant. Its so depressing-is it normal? And my hair texture's changes from thick to limp and thin.
- Please explain why I should have pain in the pubic bone at 26 weeks.
- At how many months do you start looking pregnant?
- How far on in the pregnancy are you when you get morning sickness?
- I am 18 weeks and I haven't felt my baby move yet. Could there be something wrong?
- I'm 34 weeks pregnant, why has the skin of my neck got so dark?
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