Side Effects of Pregnancy

Pregnancy side effects and symptoms vary from woman to woman. Read the following article to know about the various side effects of pregnancy.

Pregnancy is the most fulfilling time of a woman’s life when everybody, right from her spouse and relatives to her friends, gives her undivided attention and care. However, despite these perks of pregnancy, there are many side-effects and complications which can be experienced by some women, making them quite miserable in the process. Here are some of the side-effects of pregnancy, which many pregnant women encounter. Read more on pregnancy symptoms.

Common Side Effects of Pregnancy

Morning Sickness

One of the side effects of early pregnancy, experienced by a large number of pregnant women is morning sickness. Many pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting, especially in the mornings. Morning sickness, in most cases, is restricted to early pregnancy but might last the whole duration of pregnancy too, in some cases.

Fatigue and Dizziness A pregnant woman often feels very tired and fatigued. This side effect of pregnancy is especially experienced in the first trimester of pregnancy. The woman might feel dizzy too as during pregnancy, there might be lesser supply of blood to the brain, considering the fact that most of the body’s blood flow is directed towards the uterus. Read more on dizziness during pregnancy

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Constipation During pregnancy, there is excess production of a hormone called Progesterone. This hormone relaxes the intestinal muscles, thereby decreasing the number of contractions required to push food. When there are fewer contractions, the pregnant woman automatically gets constipated, as the feces become hard and dry, and thus difficult to eliminate. Read more on constipation in early pregnancy

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Cramps Another side effect of pregnancy is cramping in the feet, calves and thighs. Cramps mostly occur in the third trimester and many pregnant ladies complain of cramps during the night. Cramps, in most cases, are due to lack of calcium in the diet of the pregnant woman. Read more on cramping and early pregnancy symptoms

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Fluid Retention Certain pregnancy hormones may cause sodium retention by the kidneys, resulting in fluid retention by the body. An increased amount of fluids in the body tissues can cause fluid retention too. Due to fluid retention, a pregnant woman experiences swelling in her legs, face, hands and feet. Swelling or edema, as it is normally referred to in medical terms, is one of the most common side effects of pregnancy on body. Read more on physical signs of pregnancy

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Backache Due to the presence of high levels of progesterone in the body of a pregnant woman, the ligaments around her pelvic area as well as the spine, get stretched and become soft, to prepare for the child birth. This strains the back and hips of a pregnant woman, causing backache in the process. Read more on lower back pain during pregnancy

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Hypertension This side effect is not so common but it can happen in a pregnant woman. A pregnant woman’s blood pressure can elevate to abnormal levels. Symptoms of hypertension seen in a pregnant woman are headaches, vomiting, pain near the breastbone and disturbed vision. Hypertension is more common in pregnant women who are over the age of thirty five. Read more on breast pain during pregnancy

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Mood Swings

Mood swings are another of the side effects of pregnancy. Just like in PMS, i.e., pre menstrual syndrome, there are many hormonal changes that take place in a woman’s body during pregnancy. These hormonal changes affect the serotonin levels of the brain, which regulates the moods in a person, thus causing mood swings in a pregnant woman.

Besides these, some of the other side effects of pregnancy are pre-eclampsia, anemia, hemorrhoids, insomnia, thrush, tender breasts, stretch marks, varicose veins, loss of bone and dental calcium, gastroesophageal reflux disease, abdominal and vaginal muscle weakness and loose skin. Side effects of pregnancy in young age are that the pregnancy might not last as the mother’s body is not well prepared for carrying and delivering the child. Read more on teenage pregnancy.

Some side effects of pregnancy such as mood swings, morning sickness, backache are considered normal and hence, there is nothing to worry about them. However, side effects such as anemia, hemorrhoids, thrush and hypertension can have very serious consequences and hence, require immediate medical intervention.