Common Physical Discomforts in Pregnancy: Causes, Safe Remedies, and When to Call Your Doctor

Pregnancy is one of the most profound physical experiences a woman can go through, and it comes with a body that feels almost unrecognizable at times. The swollen feet, the relentless heartburn at 2 a.m., the back pain that makes getting off the couch feel like a workout – these are not signs that something is wrong. They are signs that your body is doing something extraordinary.

That said, knowing why something hurts, what you can safely do about it, and when a symptom crosses the line from "normal discomfort" to "call your doctor" is information every pregnant woman deserves to have.

This guide covers eight of the most common physical discomforts in pregnancy – with clear explanations of their causes, evidence-based remedies that are safe to try at home, and specific warning signs that warrant a call to your healthcare provider.

A note before you read: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice. Always check with your OB-GYN or midwife before starting any new remedy, supplement, or exercise routine during pregnancy.

1. Morning Sickness (Nausea and Vomiting)

Despite the name, morning sickness can strike at any hour. According to Stanford Children's Health, about half of all pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting in the first trimester, though for some it persists well beyond those early weeks.

Why It Happens

The primary driver is a rapid rise in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone produced by the placenta shortly after implantation. Surging estrogen and progesterone levels compound the effect, and heightened smell sensitivity – a quirk of early pregnancy – can make even mild odors feel overwhelming.

Safe Remedies to Try

• Eat small meals every one to two hours rather than three large ones; an empty stomach worsens nausea.
• Keep plain crackers or dry toast on your nightstand and eat a few before getting out of bed.
• Sip cold water, ginger tea, or peppermint tea between meals (not with them)
• Try acupressure wristbands, available at most pharmacies, which some women find genuinely helpful.
• Ask your provider about vitamin B6 supplementation, which has solid evidence behind it for nausea relief.
• Avoid greasy, spicy, and high-fat foods, which are harder to digest and can amplify symptoms.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your provider if you cannot keep any food or liquid down for more than 24 hours, if you are losing weight, or if you feel dizzy and weak. These can be signs of hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of pregnancy nausea that requires medical treatment. Dehydration during pregnancy is not something to wait out.

2. Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most universally reported pregnancy complaints, affecting the majority of women at some point across all three trimesters. It tends to peak in the third trimester but can begin as early as the first few weeks.

Why It Happens

Several forces converge to strain your back during pregnancy. Your growing uterus shifts your center of gravity forward, which causes many women to unconsciously arch their lower back to compensate. At the same time, the hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments and joints in your pelvis in preparation for birth, which reduces spinal stability. Add the extra weight your body is carrying, and the back muscles work harder than they ever have.

Safe Remedies to Try

• Sleep on your side (left side preferred) with a pillow between your knees to reduce pelvic strain.
• For acute pain in the first 48 to 72 hours, apply a towel-wrapped ice pack for 15 minutes to reduce inflammation; switch to a warm heating pad after the acute phase to improve circulation.
• Practice gentle prenatal yoga or stretching, particularly cat-cow stretches and pelvic tilts; approximately 13% of pregnant women practice prenatal yoga, and research shows it reduces overall pain while improving gait and posture.
• Wear supportive, low-heeled shoes with a built-in arch support or orthotic insert; flat shoes can leave feet unsupported and create imbalance that travels up through the back.
• Consider a maternity support belt (also called a belly band), which redistributes the weight of your bump and reduces strain on the lower back and pelvis.
• When lifting anything, bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and hold the object close to your body.
• Swimming is one of the most widely recommended exercises during pregnancy because water relieves pressure on the spine; breaststroke in particular helps strengthen back and chest muscles.

Professional Treatment Options

If at-home remedies are not enough, several practitioner-led approaches have solid evidence behind them for pregnancy-related back pain:

• Prenatal massage: Swedish-style prenatal massage has been shown to reduce discomfort and also ease anxiety and depression in expectant mothers. Only work with a registered massage therapist trained in prenatal care.
• Acupuncture: Research links acupuncture to meaningful relief from pregnancy back pain. It must be performed carefully by a practitioner experienced with pregnant patients to avoid overstimulation.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can use targeted exercises, posture coaching, and joint manipulation to address the specific mechanics driving your pain.
• Chiropractic care: Pregnancy-safe chiropractic methods can address muscle tightness, nerve constriction, and joint misalignment. Always get your provider's clearance first, especially if you have placenta previa, toxemia, or any high-risk condition.

On medication: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe for mild to moderate pregnancy back pain when used briefly and at the recommended dose. The FDA advises against ibuprofen and other NSAIDs starting around week 20, as they have been linked to low amniotic fluid and kidney problems in infants. Always confirm dosing with your provider before taking anything.

When to Call Your Doctor

Back pain that is severe, sudden, or accompanied by fever could indicate a kidney infection, which is more common during pregnancy and requires prompt treatment. Also call your provider if the pain radiates down one leg (a sign of sciatica that may need targeted care), if you experience any loss of bladder or bowel control alongside back pain, or if you are under 37 weeks and the pain feels rhythmic or consistent, as this can sometimes signal early labor.

3. Heartburn and Indigestion

That burning sensation creeping up your chest after meals is not your imagination, and it is not just about what you ate. Heartburn becomes increasingly common as pregnancy progresses and can be one of the most disruptive nighttime symptoms in the third trimester.

Why It Happens

Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle throughout the body, including the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. When that valve relaxes too much, acid refluxes upward. As your uterus grows, it also physically pushes the stomach upward, compounding the problem. The result is a burning sensation that can range from mildly annoying to genuinely painful.

Safe Remedies to Try

When to Call Your Doctor

Heartburn is almost always benign, but call your provider if it is so severe that you cannot eat or sleep, if you are vomiting blood, or if you experience pain that spreads to your jaw or arm (which can, rarely, indicate a cardiac issue). In the third trimester, severe upper abdominal pain combined with heartburn-like symptoms can sometimes be a sign of preeclampsia and should always be evaluated promptly.

4. Fatigue

The exhaustion of early pregnancy can feel startling, especially for women who are used to high energy levels. This is not laziness. It is your body redirecting an enormous amount of energy toward growing a human being.

Why It Happens

In the first trimester, progesterone surges have a sedative effect on the body. Blood volume increases significantly, your heart works harder to pump it, and your metabolism accelerates. All of this demands energy that your body would normally use for daily functioning. Fatigue often eases in the second trimester, only to return in the third as the physical demands of carrying a full-term baby increase and sleep becomes more difficult.

It is also worth noting: fatigue can sometimes be worsened by iron-deficiency anemia, which is common during pregnancy. Research published in PMC by the National Institutes of Health notes that iron requirements increase dramatically during pregnancy – pregnant women need 27 mg daily compared to 8 mg for non-pregnant adults – making it one of the most important nutrients to monitor.

Safe Remedies to Try

• Rest when you can, including short naps during the day if your schedule allows
• Go to bed earlier; your body genuinely needs more sleep right now
• Eat iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals
• Stay hydrated; even mild dehydration can intensify feelings of fatigue
• Take short, gentle walks to boost circulation and energy without overexerting yourself
• Ask your provider to check your iron levels at your next appointment if fatigue feels extreme

When to Call Your Doctor

Fatigue is expected, but call your provider if you feel so weak you cannot complete basic daily tasks, if you notice heart palpitations or shortness of breath at rest, or if fatigue is accompanied by pale skin and dizziness. These can be signs of significant anemia that needs treatment beyond dietary changes.

5. Swelling (Edema)

Puffy ankles and swollen feet are practically a rite of passage in the third trimester. While it can be uncomfortable and make shoes feel like a distant memory, mild swelling is a normal part of pregnancy physiology.

Why It Happens

During pregnancy, your body produces approximately 50% more blood and body fluids to support your growing baby. Some of this extra fluid accumulates in the tissues, particularly in the lower extremities, where gravity pulls it down throughout the day. Swelling tends to be worse in the evening, in hot weather, and after long periods of standing.

Safe Remedies to Try

• Elevate your feet whenever you sit or rest; even 20 minutes of elevation helps fluid drain.
• Avoid standing or sitting in one position for long stretches; take short walks or flex your ankles regularly.y
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and avoid tight socks or stockings that cut off circulation.
• Sleep on your left side, which reduces pressure on the vena cava (the large vein that returns blood to your heart) and improves circulation
• Drink plenty of water; counterintuitively, staying hydrated helps your body retain less fluid.
• Reduce sodium intake by avoiding heavily processed and salty foods

When to Call Your Doctor

This is where the "normal vs. concerning" distinction really matters. Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is expected. However, contact your provider promptly if you notice:

• Sudden or severe swelling, especially in your face or hands
• Swelling in only one leg, which can indicate a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis)
• Swelling accompanied by headache, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain, which are warning signs of preeclampsia and require immediate medical attention

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) emphasizes that preeclampsia can develop quickly and should never be self-managed at home.

6. Constipation

Digestive slowdown is one of the less glamorous realities of pregnancy, but it affects a significant number of women and can cause real discomfort if left unaddressed.

Why It Happens

Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, slowing the movement of food through the intestines. The expanding uterus also puts direct pressure on the bowel. Iron supplements, which many pregnant women take, are a well-known contributor to constipation. The result is slower digestion, harder stools, and the uncomfortable bloating that comes with it.

Safe Remedies to Try

• Increase your fiber intake significantly: aim for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and dried fruits like prunes and figs.
• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily; fiber needs fluid to work
• Take short daily walks, as even light movement stimulates the digestive system
• Ask your provider about a stool softener if dietary changes are not enough; certain ones are safe during pregnancy
• If iron supplements are the culprit, speak to your provider about adjusting the dose or timing

Important: Avoid over-the-counter laxatives during pregnancy without explicit guidance from your healthcare provider. Many are not recommended and can trigger uterine contractions.

When to Call Your Doctor

Call your provider if you have not had a bowel movement in more than three days despite dietary changes, if you notice blood in your stool, or if constipation is accompanied by severe abdominal cramping. Persistent constipation can also contribute to hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the rectal area), which are common in late pregnancy and may need separate treatment.

7. Leg Cramps

That sudden, sharp tightening in your calf in the middle of the night is a rite of passage for many pregnant women, particularly in the second and third trimesters. Leg cramps tend to strike without warning and can be intense enough to wake you from a deep sleep.

Why It Happens

The exact cause is not fully established, but several factors are believed to contribute: the increased weight and pressure on leg muscles, reduced circulation as the uterus compresses blood vessels, and possible deficiencies in calcium or magnesium. Dehydration and prolonged periods of sitting or standing can also trigger cramping.

Safe Remedies to Try

• When a cramp hits, straighten your leg and flex your foot upward toward your shin (pointing your heel, not your toes); this stretches the calf muscle and provides relief within seconds.ds
• Massage the cramped muscle firmly and apply a warm compress afterward
• Stay well hydrated throughout the day, particularly before bed
• Ask your provider about a calcium or magnesium supplement, as both play a role in muscle function
• Stretch your calves gently before going to bed each night as a preventive measure
• Take short walks during the day to keep circulation moving in your legs

When to Call Your Doctor

Most leg cramps are harmless and pass quickly. However, if the pain in your leg persists after the cramp resolves, if your calf is swollen, red, or warm to the touch, or if the area is tender even when you are not cramping, call your provider. These can be signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that is more common during pregnancy and requires prompt medical evaluation.

8. Frequent Urination and Bladder Pressure

The constant need to use the bathroom is one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms for many women, and it often returns with a vengeance in the third trimester when the baby's head descends into the pelvis.

Why It Happens

In early pregnancy, rising hCG levels increase blood flow to the kidneys, which boosts their filtering efficiency and increases urine production. Later in pregnancy, the growing uterus and the baby's position put direct pressure on the bladder, reducing its capacity and creating that perpetual "need to go" feeling even when the bladder is not full.

Safe Remedies to Try

• Do not restrict fluid intake to reduce trips to the bathroom; staying hydrated is essential for both you and your baby.
• Instead, limit fluids in the two hours before bed to reduce nighttime disruptions.
• Practice Kegel exercises daily, which strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and can help with bladder control.
• Lean slightly forward when urinating to help empty the bladder more completely.
• Wear a panty liner if you experience any light leakage when coughing or sneezing, which is common and nothing to be embarrassed about

When to Call Your Doctor

Frequent urination is normal; a urinary tract infection (UTI) is not. UTIs are more common during pregnancy and can progress to kidney infections quickly if left untreated. Call your provider if urination is accompanied by:

• A burning or stinging sensation
• Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain or lower back pain
• Fever or chills

The Office on Women's Health notes that UTIs during pregnancy always require antibiotic treatment, even if symptoms are mild, because untreated infections carry risks for both mother and baby.

9. Diarrhea

Diarrhea gets far less attention than constipation in pregnancy guides, but it affects roughly 35% of pregnant women at some point. It can be caused by the same hormonal shifts that slow digestion in some women but speed it up in others, making it the flip side of the constipation coin.

Why It Happens

Several pregnancy-specific factors can trigger diarrhea:

• Hormonal changes: The same hormones that slow digestion for some women can accelerate it for others, resulting in loose, frequent stools.
• Dietary changes: Switching to a healthier diet early in pregnancy, or adding prenatal vitamins, can disrupt the digestive system. Prenatal vitamins in particular are a common but overlooked trigger.
• New food sensitivities: Pregnancy can cause foods that were previously well-tolerated to suddenly cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
• Third trimester timing: Diarrhea often becomes more frequent as the due date approaches, because the body may be preparing for labor by clearing the digestive tract.

Safe Remedies to Try

• Stay well hydrated. Loose stools deplete fluids rapidly, and dehydration is a serious concern during pregnancy. Aim for at least 80 ounces of water daily, and supplement with broth or diluted juice to replace electrolytes.
• Avoid foods that worsen symptoms: high-fat and fried foods, spicy dishes, dairy products, and high-fiber foods can all aggravate diarrhea during a flare.
• Give it time. Most cases resolve on their own within a few days, especially if triggered by a virus or a recent dietary change.
• Do not take over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications without explicit guidance from your provider. Several are not considered safe during pregnancy.

When to Call Your Doctor

Call your provider if diarrhea lasts longer than 48 to 72 hours, if you notice signs of dehydration (dark yellow urine, dry mouth, dizziness, decreased urination), or if you experience fever, frequent vomiting, or blood in the stool. These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation. If you are in your third trimester and diarrhea is accompanied by regular cramping or back pain, contact your provider right away, as this combination can occasionally signal the onset of labor.

10. Nasal Congestion and Nosebleeds

A stuffy nose that will not quit is one of the more surprising pregnancy complaints, especially when it shows up with no cold in sight. This is so common it has its own name: pregnancy rhinitis.

Why It Happens

High levels of estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow throughout the body, including to the tiny blood vessels in the nasal passages. The mucous membranes swell and soften as a result, causing congestion that can feel identical to a cold or seasonal allergies. Pregnancy rhinitis typically begins in the second trimester and can persist until delivery.

The increased blood flow to nasal vessels also makes them more fragile, which is why nosebleeds are more common during pregnancy. They are almost always harmless, but they can be alarming if you are not expecting them.

The key distinction to know:

Safe Remedies to Try

• Use saline nasal drops or sprays freely; they are completely drug-free and safe to use as often as needed to moisturize and clear nasal passages.
• Sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow to reduce nighttime stuffiness.
• Run a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom to keep the air moist
• Apply nasal strips at night, which gently open the nasal passages without any medication
• Stay well hydrated, as adequate fluid intake helps thin mucus
• For a nosebleed, sit upright, lean slightly forward (not back), and pinch the soft part of your nose firmly for 10 to 15 minutes without releasing

On medications: Most standard decongestants, including pseudoephedrine-based products like Sudafed, are not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Steroid nasal sprays are generally considered safe but should be used only with your provider's guidance. Plain saline is always the safest first option.

When to Call Your Doctor

Call your provider if congestion is so severe it is interfering with sleep or eating, if you develop a fever above 101°F alongside congestion, or if a nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes of direct pressure. Also contact your provider if you are unsure whether your symptoms are from pregnancy rhinitis, allergies, or an infection, as the treatment approach differs for each.

11. Skin Changes

Up to 90% of pregnant women notice some change in their skin during pregnancy. Most are harmless, but they can be unexpected and sometimes uncomfortable. The root cause, as with most pregnancy discomforts, is the body's rapid hormonal and physiological shifts.

Common Skin Changes in Pregnancy

• Stretch marks: As the skin stretches to accommodate a growing belly, breasts, and hips, reddish or purple streaks can appear. They cannot be fully prevented, but regular moisturizing with pregnancy-safe creams can improve skin comfort and elasticity.
• Melasma (dark spots): Elevated estrogen triggers extra melanin production, causing darker patches on the face, hands, or abdomen. Wearing mineral sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily and avoiding direct sun exposure helps prevent worsening. Most patches fade after delivery.
• Linea nigra: A dark vertical line running down the center of the abdomen is extremely common and fades on its own postpartum.
• Acne: Increased oil production can trigger breakouts. Many standard acne treatments are not safe during pregnancy, so always check ingredients before applying anything new.

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

The skin absorbs what you put on it, and some common skincare ingredients carry risks during pregnancy:

When to Call Your Doctor

Most skin changes in pregnancy are cosmetic and resolve after delivery. However, contact your provider if you develop an intensely itchy rash, particularly on your palms and soles of your feet, as this can occasionally indicate a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy that requires medical management. Also report any sudden, severe skin changes or hives that appear without an obvious cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common physical discomfort during pregnancy?

Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) are the most frequently reported discomforts, affecting roughly half of all pregnant women. Fatigue and back pain are close behind, with most women experiencing at least one of these across all three trimesters.

Is it normal to have multiple discomforts at the same time?

Yes, and it is very common. Many women experience overlapping symptoms – for example, fatigue and nausea in the first trimester, or back pain, swelling, and heartburn together in the third trimester. Managing them in combination often means addressing the root causes (hydration, sleep position, diet) rather than each symptom in isolation.

When should I go to the emergency room instead of calling my doctor?

Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden severe headache, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain (possible preeclampsia)
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Signs of a blood clot: one leg significantly more swollen than the other, or persistent calf pain with redness and warmth
• Fever above 103°F
• Decreased fetal movement after 28 weeks
• Regular contractions before 37 weeks

When in doubt, go. It is always better to be evaluated and reassured than to wait on a symptom that turns out to be serious.

Are over-the-counter medications safe to take during pregnancy?

Some are, some are not. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe for pain and fever at the recommended dose. Most NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) are not recommended after 20 weeks. Many decongestants, laxatives, and anti-diarrheal medications are also off-limits. The safest rule: check with your provider before taking anything new, even products labeled "natural" or "herbal."

Can physical discomforts during pregnancy affect my mental health?

Absolutely, and this connection is well-documented. Chronic pain, disrupted sleep, and physical discomfort are all linked to increased rates of anxiety and prenatal depression. If you find that your symptoms are affecting your mood, your sleep quality, or your ability to function day-to-day, bring it up with your provider. Physical and emotional health during pregnancy are deeply intertwined, and both deserve attention.

Do discomforts get worse as pregnancy progresses?

It depends on the symptom. Nausea typically peaks in the first trimester and eases by weeks 12 to 16 for most women. Back pain, swelling, heartburn, and frequent urination tend to worsen in the third trimester as the baby grows and puts more pressure on surrounding structures. Fatigue often dips in the second trimester before returning in the third. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help you prepare rather than be caught off guard.

Will these discomforts go away after delivery?

Most do, yes. Heartburn, swelling, frequent urination, nasal congestion, and leg cramps typically resolve within days to weeks after delivery. Skin changes such as melasma and linea nigra fade gradually over months. Back pain may persist postpartum, particularly if the core and pelvic floor muscles were weakened during pregnancy, which is why postpartum physical therapy is worth considering if pain continues after delivery.

A Note on Emotional Wellbeing During Pregnancy

Physical discomforts do not exist in a vacuum. When your body is uncomfortable, your nervous system is under strain, and that has a real effect on your emotional state. The exhaustion, the pain, the disrupted sleep – all of it can chip away at your mood and mental resilience in ways that are completely valid and worth taking seriously.

Research consistently shows that physical symptoms in pregnancy are closely linked to anxiety and emotional distress. You are not weak for finding this hard. You are human.

If you find that physical discomforts are affecting your sleep, your mood, or your ability to enjoy your pregnancy, that is worth addressing alongside the physical symptoms. Support does not have to mean formal therapy; it can mean journaling, breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, or simply having a space where you can express how you are feeling without judgment.

Your physical health and emotional health are connected. Taking care of one is an act of care for the other, and for the baby you are carrying.

The Bottom Line

Most physical discomforts in pregnancy are your body's normal response to an extraordinary process. They are not signs that something is wrong. They are signs that something remarkable is happening.

The goal of this guide is not to make you anxious about every symptom, but to give you the knowledge to tell the difference between "this is uncomfortable but normal" and "this needs medical attention." That distinction is power.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, if a symptom is sudden, severe, or just different from what you have been experiencing, call your provider. You will never be judged for checking in. The symptoms that warrant urgent attention are listed clearly in each section above; bookmark this page and come back to it whenever you need a reference.

Pregnancy is hard work. Give yourself credit for doing it.