Complaints by Trimester

Every pregnancy trimester is characterised by some symptom or the other. Let us take a look at the common complaints by each trimester of pregnancy.Pregnancy is a period when women usually go through many hormonal changes and experience a mixture of feelings and discomforts. Here are some common complaints pregnant women have during the three trimesters. In this articleNauseaVomitingWatering of mouthHeaviness of breasts/tingling sensation over breastsSometimes increased frequency of urine if uterus is placed backwardsTired feeling, early exhaustionPain in the sides of the stomach due to stretching of the uterine musclesItching all over the body, usually due to salt retentionSwelling over feetDiscolouration of nipples and sometimes the face, dark line over abdomenConstipationObstructed flow of urinePain over pubis due to decent of the babys head in the pelvic cavitySwelling over feetIntense itching over stomachIncreased frequency of urinationVaginal discharge - sticky, less in quantityFirst Trimester ComplaintsLet us take a look at the common pregnancy symptoms experienced by first trimester.NauseaNausea in pregnancy is named “morning sickness”. Usually, this tendency is felt at the beginning of the day, but sometimes you might feel nauseated during day also.VomitingIncreased level of oestrogen during pregnancy signals brain which makes you feel nauseated. In some women it increases further and they complaint of vomiting. If you are not able to take in anything for long hours, it is advisable to talk to your doctor.Watering of mouthOestrogen affects your gastrointestinal tract and this causes upset stomach which makes you feel watering of mouth.Heaviness of breasts/tingling sensation over breastsSwollen and tender breasts are typical in early pregnancy. The soreness usually subsides within 12 weeks.Sometimes increased frequency of urine if uterus is placed backwardsFrequent urination is one of the common complaints during first trimester of pregnancy. It happens in the third trimester also when baby drops and puts pressure on your bladder or the uterus is placed backwards.Tired feeling, early exhaustionFatigue is one of the most common complaints during first trimester of pregnancy. It is due to usage of your body’s resources by the building foetus as well as increase in the hormone named progesterone, which is believed to have sedative effect and makes you feel sleepy.Second Trimester ComplaintsHave a quick look at the pregnancy symptoms experienced during second trimester.Pain in the sides of the stomach due to stretching of the uterine musclesSince your baby is growing in size, your abdomen is expanding. The pain is also due to contractions in your abdomen. They usually come and go unpredictably. Contact your doctor if discomfort continues or is unbearable.Itching all over the body, usually due to salt retentionHormonal changes and increasing size of your belly also causes your skin to stretch making it itchy.Swelling over feetSwelling in feet happens usually by sitting or standing in a specific position for long hours. Keep your feet elevated when you have to sit for long time.Discolouration of nipples and sometimes the face, dark line over abdomenYour breasts will keep increasing in size. However, the tenderness and soreness in the first trimester will improve. Use a supportive bra.Third Trimester ComplaintsHere are some of the common pregnancy symptoms experienced during third trimester.ConstipationSince the size of your belly has increased and it puts pressure on your intestines, you might feel constipated. Increase your fibre intake and keep yourself moving as and when possible.Obstructed flow of urineSometimes this is due to the increased size of your belly and sometimes also due to infection in bladder or kidney. So, if you experience pain or any other discomfort, contact your healthcare provider.Pain over pubis due to decent of the babys head in the pelvic cavityYour baby moves inside your uterus and this makes the baby’s head enter the pelvic cavity. Rest for some time and if the discomfort does not go away, contact your doctor.Swelling over feetThe increase in the body weight makes your leg do lot of hard work during pregnancy. This makes your feet show swelling and tenderness. Lift your feet and place them on a small table to keep them elevated when you sit for long hours.Intense itching over stomachThe increase in the size of the foetus makes the uterus stretch the skin. This makes itching over stomach intense. Apply body lotion and keep your skin moisturized especially the belly area.Increased frequency of urinationThe increase size of belly puts pressure on your bladder and you feel like peeing often. This is quite normal and if you want to avoid getting disturbed at night, avoid drinking lots of water after evening. But make sure that you drink adequate amount of water during the day time. Vaginal discharge - sticky, less in quantityThis happens at almost the last stage of pregnancy. Watch out for any abnormal discharge or heavy fluid discharge. Contact your doctor immediately if any such thing happens.Pregnancy is a period of caution and care. Educate yourself and try to enjoy the experiences. There are discomforts and common complaints which might make you feel exhausted often. Pay attention to your diet, eating pattern and discuss everything with your partner. Joining yoga classes also helps a lot. The periods in which the discomforts are common and you need to be extra cautious are first and third trimesters. Try to enjoy the second trimester and consider ways so that you prepare yourself for what is ahead. If any unusual symptom or discomfort is experienced, do consult your doctor.