During your pregnancy you may experience some discomfort but fear not, here are a few symptoms and tips to help improve your levels of comfort.

Nosebleeds and blocked noses

Your nose may feel blocked and could even bleed if you blow it too energetically.

What to do: Eat lots of foods containing vitamin C as this can help strengthen the blood vessels. You could also try dabbing some petroleum jelly around each nostril, to stop the skin drying out so easily.

Fainting and dizziness

If you feel light-headed, it’s because your body is working overtime. The hormones relax your blood vessels, causing a drop in blood pressure, and this can make you feel faint. If you skip a meal, you may feel light-headed, too.

What to do:  Avoid standing up for long periods if you can, and eat regularly. Carry a snack or some fruit in your bag to keep you going.

Vaginal discharge and thrush

A clear or white discharge is normal during pregnancy. If it becomes thicker or yellowish, tell your midwife or GP as you may have thrush. This is an infection in your vagina that can be caused by the changing balance of hormones, which makes the conditions right for thrush to grow. You may feel sore and itchy, too.

What to do: The infection can be treated with anti-fungal creams and pessaries. Remember that the safety of treatments you take by mouth hasn’t yet been proved.  Always check with your pharmacist, or go to see your doctor. Prescriptions are free in pregnancy!

Haemorrhoids

Sometimes called piles because they look like a little pile of grapes, haemorrhoids are varicose veins in your back passage. If you’re sore or itchy in the area, either irritating or have some bleeding, you might have piles. To avoid piles, eat high fibre foods, like whole grain cereals. Drink lots of fluids and take regular exercise.

What to do: Apply an ice pack to relieve soreness, or your doctor may also prescribe a soothing cream. If there is bleeding, always check it out with your doctor.
If any of these discomforts cause you major problems, make an appointment to talk to your doctor or midwife.

Sore breasts

You may need to buy a larger bra as your pregnancy progresses, and keep trading up the sizes as your breasts grow!

What to do: Some stores offer bra-fitting services which can help you find the right bra for you. Getting good support will ease the aching.