Physical changes during pregnancy

You may see and feel changes to your body during pregnancy - many of these are normal, but if you have any worries or questions please ask your midwife. 

‘Your body’s journey during pregnancy and after birth’ videos on the link here have been developed by the pelvic health physio team at Imperial College Hospital, London. They are a fantastic resource that we urge you to view them. 

The videos include:

• Pelvic floor exercises during and after pregnancy
• Posture and positioning during pregnancy and following the birth
• Bladder and vaginal problems during and after pregnancy
• Constipation during and after pregnancy

Common symptoms in pregnancy

Information on common symptoms in pregnancy can be found on the NHS website here ; and information regarding pregnancy with an existing health condition, such as asthma, congenital and coronary heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy and being overweight can be accessed here . 

Morning sickness

Many women experience different degrees of 'morning' sickness, especially during the first part of their pregnancy. Despite the name, the sickness may occur at any time of the day or night. Many women find it manageable to continue, with some changes to their lifestyle - for example many find that eating a lighter diet, but with more frequent and regular meals can help them feel more normal. 

However some women experience a more severe form of morning sickness, called hyperemesis gravidarum which can lead them to become dehydrated and malnourished due to their difficulties in keeping fluids and food down. If you are struggling, please contact your midwife for advice. Some women may need to be admitted to hospital for support with drugs to manage the vomiting, or fluid support but this will be explained to you if it is necessary. You may find if you have suffered before, you are more likely to have difficulties in following pregnancies too. 

For more information about morning sickness, please click here. 

Pregnancy Sickness Support has a helpline that you can call: 024 7638 2020 and a website with information and peer support that you can access free of charge, please click here .  

Changes to your body shape

Women often find that they are changing shape in many areas, not just around their middle, whilst they are pregnant. It is common for your breasts to get bigger, your hips may change shape and even your feet may go up a size! 

These changes are usually just your body preparing for birth or coping with having more weight to carry round with them, and many will return to normal once you have given birth. If you are worried about any changes, talk to your midwife. 

More unusual changes

You may find there are other things you think are different when you are pregnant. You may be more susceptible to different infections, have problems related to stretched muscles such as sciatica, your skin pigment may darken in some places or all over and there may be other niggles that you don't know if they're related to your pregnancy or not. If you have any concerns, contact your midwife.