This is a liver disorder that can develop in pregnancy, usually after 30 weeks gestation, but which sometimes develop as early as 8 weeks, affecting up to one in every 140 pregnant women.
Symptoms can include:
This is a rare but serious condition of pregnancy, usually occurring after 20 weeks. It is defined by the combination of raised blood pressure and protein in the urine. Often there are no symptoms and pre-eclampsia is usually detected through regular antenatal checks, and can sometimes develop quickly.
Symptoms include:
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after the birth. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin (a hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar levels) to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. Symptoms aren’t common, but many women are screened for this condition during pregnancy, particularly if they have certain risk factors. Ask your midwife if you are at risk of developing gestational diabetes and if you need to be tested.
If you have any symptoms of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy call your maternity triage/assessment unit straight away.
Normal vaginal discharge is thin, clear or milky white and mild smelling. As your pregnancy progresses, this discharge usually becomes more noticeable, and is heaviest at the end of your pregnancy. You may want to wear an unscented panty liner. If however, the discharge becomes very smelly or the colour turns green, then you should consult your GP, as this could be a sign of a vaginal infection.
Thrush (candida albicans) is common in pregnancy. Symptoms of thrush include; vaginal discharge that is thick, white (or tinged with pink) and can be very itchy. Consult your GP or midwife as thrush is easy to treat with a vaginal pessary and cream.
Pelvic girdle pain can affect one in five women during pregnancy. Pain can be in the front, back or side of the pelvis and is normally worse when you are active. It can cause mild discomfort for some, and be very debilitating for others.
Try to keep your knees together when turning in bed, getting up from your bed and getting out of the car. Avoid putting excess strain on one side of the body during daily activities, if these activities cause pain.
For example:
Constipation can occur from quite early on in pregnancy. Drink plenty of water, you will need between 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid per day.
Ensure you’re getting lots of fruit, vegetables and fibre in your diet.
When sitting on the toilet to empty your bowels, it is helpful to have your feet on a stool so your knees are higher than you hips and to lean forwards. This often makes emptying your bowels easier.
Consult your pharmacist for advice if the problem persists. 
Swelling in these areas often occurs because the body holds more water whilst pregnant. Avoid standing for long periods, rotate your ankles regularly and elevate your feet when seated if possible.
Sudden and severe swelling isn’t normal and you should call your maternity unit if you notice this.
Indigestion/heartburn is caused by hormonal changes, and the womb pressing on your stomach as your baby grows. There are plenty of home remedies you can try. Milk and/or antacids can help ease symptoms.
If indigestion remedies don’t work and/or you have other symptoms, read the Heart health in pregnancy section and talk to your midwife or GP.
Headaches may increase due to hormonal changes. Drink plenty of water, rest and take paracetamol (1g) if required.
Contact your midwife/doctor if you experience severe headaches (with/without problems with vision) that do not resolve with hydration, rest and paracetamol.
